University of Pittsburgh

[Predoctalk]

I've been around SDN predental for some time and have noticed that there is not much information regarding Pitt Dental. If anyone applying or prospectively applying has any questions do not hesitate to ask!

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[Muscle Extender]

Thanks for your time.

What do you like best about Pitt Dental?

What is the overall atmosphere there?

During clinical training are there enough chairs/workspaces for each student, or do any students float?

How is the staff to student ratio?

Is the cost, living, commute reasonable?

 

[We Are PS]

I'll be a first year at Pitt this fall. Any final words of advice before school starts?

 

[Predoctalk]

1/2. I'm going to combine my answers to questions 1 and 2 because what I like best about Pitt happens to be the relaxed atmosphere. Normal stresses of dental school of course apply, but overall everyone is pretty laid back. In my experience students of all years make an effort to really get to know each other. In addition, the faculty as a whole are all very approachable. If a problem arises, I know they will actually help me to resolve it rather than "beat me up" over it.
Additionally, Pitt houses all speciality programs so getting expert knowledge regarding cases is never out of reach. This is invaluable during third and fourth year.

3. During first and second year your hands on training will mainly take place in the sim clinic where you will be provided your own chair that won't be shared. During your third and fourth years clinical schedules are designed so that chairs are not overbooked. The schedulers are very accommodating and will schedule even if the chairs are "booked" because a couple cancellations is inevitable and worst case is you may wait 20 minutes for an appt to finish. So short answer is, there is not a space issue.

4. I'm assuming you are asking about pre clinical and clinical faculty. The way groups are split up with an instructor is usually about 6-8 students per instructor. There is usually not an issue with getting the necessary attention. There are of course at times small waiting periods, but that will happen anywhere.

5. The cost of living is quite reasonable depending upon your standard of living. My rent ranged from 575-650 per month. That's probably slightly under the avg if about 700, but still quite reasonable. As far as commute, most students live within a few mile radius and take the bus (cost covered in built in school fees). There is a parking lot near the school, but I'm not sure how expensive that is because I never parked there.

Hope this helped. If you have any more questions, let me know

 

[Applesandteeth]

Hi @Predoctalk !

Thank you for your time.

1. Do most students live close to campus, and do you find it to be a student-friendly/safe environment? Safety is very important to me.

2. Do you feel prepared for boards and do you feel like you have sufficient time to study for them?

3. I'm very interested in both research and public health but want to have the ability to explore both to ensure I am making the right decision. Are you or any of your classmates involved in research or the public health aspect of dentistry?

 

[Predoctalk]

I'll be a first year at Pitt this fall. Any final words of advice before school starts?

Congratulations! You pretty much know the drill from your interview and summer orientation. My best advice is to enjoy the rest of your time off before you start the infamous first year. A lot of studying coming at you! But it's not as bad as people make it out to be. Just do your best to keep current with the information and if you get behind ask fellow classmates/other students for help go to the instructor for help! That's what they are there for! Other than that make sure you enjoy what pittsburgh has to offer. It will be a great experience!

 

[Predoctalk]

Hi @Predoctalk !

Thank you for your time.

1. Do most students live close to campus, and do you find it to be a student-friendly/safe environment? Safety is very important to me.

2. Do you feel prepared for boards and do you feel like you have sufficient time to study for them?

3. I'm very interested in both research and public health but want to have the ability to explore both to ensure I am making the right decision. Are you or any of your classmates involved in research or the public health aspect of dentistry?

1. Yes most students live relatively close to the school, within a few miles. For the most part, these places are very safe. There is of course some crime no matter where you go. That being said I've walked home after a night out with friends in the middle of the night (probably more than I should have haha) but you get the point.

2. I definitely feel Pitt does a good job preparing students for boards. The pass rate is very high. That being said, the boards like the DAT usually require supplemental study. The "dental decks" seem to be the most utilized source for part I and II of the national boards. That is all I studied when I took them and did more than fine.

3. I am not involved in research or public health, but a number of my classmates were. Pitt offers a dual degree of DMD/MPH. As far as research Pitt is HUGE ranking fifth (last I checked) in NIH funding. So it would suit you well

 

[Applesandteeth]

1. Yes most students live relatively close to the school, within a few miles. For the most part, these places are very safe. There is of course some crime no matter where you go. That being said I've walked home after a night out with friends in the middle of the night (probably more than I should have haha) but you get the point.

2. I definitely feel Pitt does a good job preparing students for boards. The pass rate is very high. That being said, the boards like the DAT usually require supplemental study. The "dental decks" seem to be the most utilized source for part I and II of the national boards. That is all I studied when I took them and did more than fine.

3. I am not involved in research or public health, but a number of my classmates were. Pitt offers a dual degree of DMD/MPH. As far as research Pitt is HUGE ranking fifth (last I checked) in NIH funding. So it would suit you well

That's great to hear! I think I made a wise choice applying there.

Interview-wise, do you have any tips other than being myself?

 

[Predoctalk]

Not really, the interview is very laid back. Your application will be the deciding factor. The interview is really just to get to know the student in Pitt's case, not to intimidate or put you on the spot.

 

[Sissi Romy]

I've been around SDN predental for some time and have noticed that there is not much information regarding Pitt Dental. If anyone applying or prospectively applying has any questions do not hesitate to ask!

Thank you so much for your generous offer for information on Pitt. Is it easy for OOS students to get residency after the first year of DS?

 

[Predoctalk]

Thank you so much for your generous offer for information on Pitt. Is it easy for OOS students to get residency after the first year of DS?

Don't quote me on this, but unfortunately I'm fairly certain that isn't a possibility anymore. I was OOS and didn't have a change in my tuition anyway

 

[FancyFloss]

I applied to Pittsburgh and the dentist I shadowed graduated from there and he claimed that the atmosphere of the campus was also his favorite thing about it. After reading around I'm leaning towards Pittsburgh as a top choice because everyone seems to say the say the same thing about the campus pace of life. I think that is one of the school's features that make it stand out to me now, especially since many dental schools don't have much to set them apart from each other. Thanks for starting this thread!

Also was it easy to get to personally know the dentists that were teaching you?

 

[Predoctalk]

I applied to Pittsburgh and the dentist I shadowed graduated from there and he claimed that the atmosphere of the campus was also his favorite thing about it. After reading around I'm leaning towards Pittsburgh as a top choice because everyone seems to say the say the same thing about the campus pace of life. I think that is one of the school's features that make it stand out to me now, especially since many dental schools don't have much to set them apart from each other. Thanks for starting this thread!

Also was it easy to get to personally know the dentists that were teaching you?

Yes, everyone is extremely approachable. Pittsburgh has a reputation for being one of the nicest cities, and I assure you the dental school is no different. I am initially from Florida by the way.

 

[FancyFloss]

Yes, everyone is extremely approachable. Pittsburgh has a reputation for being one of the nicest cities, and I assure you the dental school is no different. I am initially from Florida by the way.

Pittsburgh is quickly moving up my list haha

 

[flossiraptor863]

Being a Pitt undergrad currently, I have to say that Pitt's campus is an amazing atmosphere. I can't speak for the dental school itself but as far as living goes, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

 

[Cassy99]

I got accepted into University of Pittsburgh and I am going to follow the Pre-dental track for four years and then transfer into dental school. Can you please tell me if I should attend this University or MCPHS which is another college that is offering me program called BS Predental Dental hygiene.