UNLV or Buffalo

[shaq3482001]

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If you guys were accepted to both, which one would you go to? I will give you a little information on myself and what's important to me:

1. Cost- Buffalo wins in this category obviously, being one of the cheapest dental schools out there. UNLV, however, especially with in-state tuition after the first year, is not too bad.

2. Clinical Experience- Buffalo has a very good reputation clinically. UNLV, being a relatively newer school, does not have much of a reputation yet. I talked to the students there and they seemed genuinely happy and found the clinics just fine. They also said there's more than enough chairs for students. However, at Buffalo, you're guaranteed your own chair. Can anyone me give more feedback on this one?

3. Location- I am from California, so naturally UNLV would be a better fit because of the weather and proximity to family. I also plan to practice in California and UNLV offers the WREB, while Buffalo might cancel the WREB test.

4. Connections- This sort of goes with location. Because as I mentioned, I plan to practice in California one day, I believe (tell me if I'm wrong) going to UNLV will allow me a higher chance of meeting future classmates that are also from California. I could then potentially have a higher chance of maybe forming a future partnership or business with him/her one day. Also, because of UNLV's proximity to California, I will still be able to keep in touch with things back home.

So yeah, for those who know a lot about both schools or got accepted to both, give me your opinions on the two schools. I am really interested in hearing your guys' opinions. Thanks a lot!

 

[blankguy]

You can't go wrong with either but if you plan on practicing in California you will be doing a big favor by going to UNLV. It will be a hassle to prepare for the WREB if you go to Buffalo. I'm guessing that the cost difference between Buffalo and UNLV especially as in state is not going to be that great. Frankly I think saving a few thousand bucks is not worth the hassle of taking a different regional board than the one the school offers. The other factor is since UNLV is a relatively new school they may still be going through growing pains here and there as opposed to a more established schools. Networking is a good reason you will probably have a disproportionate numbers of Californians at UNLV since it is closer to California. However there are Californians at BU and Tufts so it is less of an advantage than you may think.

 

[Regmata]

For the record, there are plenty of californians at UB. If weather and being in close proximity to Cali are more important to you than the extra cash then go to UNLV. UB likely has a better program though. Last year, we had a 100% pass rate on the boards and the clinical program speaks for itself. Make a list of pros and cons and go from there. You need to determine how much each factor means to you. Good luck with your decision.

 

[blankguy]

There are plenty of Californians practically everywhere.

 

[mbgandh]

UB is not going to offer any clinical licensing examinations for class of 2012+

 

[blankguy]

That's going to depend on what the student body asks. Right now since it is a NERB state and only NY did away with the NERB requirement, the students will probably be asking for NERB examination.

 

[ramforte]

UNLV for sure, I have interviewed both places and I can't even compare them, but then again I'm from LA, Buffalo (the area) is just a little too far and too quiet for me 🙂

 

[blankguy]

The important thing is going to a place where you know you will do your best. In the long run that is what is going to matter. If being close to family and friends will make life easier for you go to UNLV. I hate to see cost constrain your choice.

 

[STIG]

Do you like it cold or hot? 😀

 

[HuyetKiem]

I also plan to practice in California and UNLV offers the WREB, while Buffalo might cancel the WREB test.

!

Well you can take WREB at Case in Cleveland. It's only 2.5-3 hrs of driving away.

 

[shaq3482001]

Hey guys, thanks for your input. We all know Buffalo is top notched when it comes to clinical experience. But does anyone know how well UNLV prepares you clinically? This would be the deciding factor for me.

 

[Suren911]

Can one even study in Las Vegas? I wonder if the campus is safe and whatnot. Plus, I heard Las Vegas is way too hot. But, different strokes for different folks.

 

[USU24]

It's in a kind of shady part of town, like most d-schools are. But it's not bad compared to a lot of the schools I visited. And, yeah, it's hot (like 100+ all summer). But they have AC.

 

[blankguy]

It's in a kind of shady part of town, like most d-schools are. But it's not bad compared to a lot of the schools I visited. And, yeah, it's hot (like 100+ all summer). But they have AC.

That's the patient pool for dental schools. They come from really crappy part of town.

 

[USU24]

I know. That's why I said "like most dental schools"

 

[blankguy]

I know. That's why I said "like most dental schools"

Which ones aren't? NYU, stonybrook?

 

[USU24]

I don't know which ones aren't. I haven't visited every dental school. Just didn't want to make a generalizing statment like "all dental schools..." 'cause then there would be someone who would take exception to it. Apparently my tactic of avoidance didn't work though.

 

[NewMexDent]

Midwestern isn't in a crappy area and ASDOH isn't too bad either. So, there you go, a couple of schools in not-so-bad areas.

 

[USU24]

I was allowing for schools to be in good areas. I hope that was directed at blank guy.

 

[blankguy]

Got your point. No need to drag it out.

 

[dkny2kx]

Buffalo is only cold 4 months of the year... get over it!

 

[blankguy]

I just checked UNLV. Their tuition as in state is almost as high as Buffalo out of state. I guess this boils down to where the OP will be the most comfortable. Even though there are a lot of Californians in the east it would still be more convenient in a WREB state to take that.