UOP or UCSF

[dentist001]

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I am accepted at both UOP and UCSF And i am finding it very hard to choose between the two. I keep hearing lots of good stuff about UOP but seldom about UCSF. I just need a cheaper school. Please let me know what you think. I land up changing my mind everyday and i am confused.😕 Research or PG is not my priority right now. Also if any body does know the estimate of the current UCSF and UOP fee.
Thank you. Any input would be highly appreciated.

 

[rohitsehgal]

ucsf has the coolest program and easiest and highest state boards clearence rate.man trust me,uop is also the bst school but very very stressful program,but ucsf is really a great program.i am joining uop as i m wailisted in ucsf but honestly speaking,ucsf has great program.i know theres a guy patata on forums who is a ucsf student and he knows all about this school.but trust me considering all the points,starting from accomodation,travelling,education,everything,ucsf is the best one and fees is little less than uop.as uop is private school and u know private schools are always expensive than govt school.uop puts some over head expenses also but ucsf is totally awesome.rest its ur wish.

 

[MissionISP]

I am accepted at both UOP and UCSF And i am finding it very hard to choose between the two. I keep hearing lots of good stuff about UOP but seldom about UCSF. I just need a cheaper school. Please let me know what you think. I land up changing my mind everyday and i am confused.😕 Research or PG is not my priority right now. Also if any body does know the estimate of the current UCSF and UOP fee.
Thank you. Any input would be highly appreciated.

Hi dentist001, I guess ... we already discussed this issue before. Seeing your future goals, it seems to be that you have same future goals as of mine. If your main puzzle is school fees, then hope the following helps you deciding your dream school. The rest information about both schools is explained on different forums and at different threads on SDN.

# Cost-factor (seems to be your primary concern):

1) UOP = Expenses for current year information
$97,000 (IDS:1st year, all school expenses inclusive)
$86,000 (IDS: 2nd year, all school expenses inclusive)
tution fees: 76K and 80K respectively, the rest is other fees including health insurance and some other minor expenses included!

More information here: http://dental.pacific.edu/Academic_Programs/International_Dental_Studies/IDS_Tuition_and_Fees.html

Note: fees schedule confirmed for most private schools!!! USC, LLU and UOP are private dental schools and not regulated by University of California (Government), So new fees changes don't apply to private schools.

The total expense including accomodation, food, extra expense will come to: ~ $230,000 !!!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2) UCSF = Expenses, year 2009-2010 student budget
$ 101,000 (IDP: 1st year, all school expense included)
$ 76,000 (IDP: 2nd year, all school expense included)

More information here: http://saawww.ucsf.edu/financial/general/budget.htm#totals

NOTE: UCSF tution fees are expected to INCREASE anytime, we were told during the interviews that there won't be drastic change but when I called last week before I declined, they are not so sure about the fee structure for IDP class of 2012. So, expect INCREASE in FEES anyday anytime. (University of California has planned to raise fee structure up to 30% from this year onwards, so it is going to be followed for both UCSF and UCLA) also, USC, LLU and UOP are private dental schools and not regulated by University of California (Government), So new changes don't apply to private schools.

The total expense including accomodation, food, extra expenses should be $225,000 - $230,000!!!


HOPE it HELPS 👍👍👍
You can pm me if you want for more information!

 

[rohitsehgal]

i found this information given by pata.he helped lot of people on sdn and have great information abt tschool.

Well Going over all these thoughts put in by other students I just could not hold myself and wanted to share a few facts about my school here. I absolutely loved my experience here. When I stood on the same point where I had to decide which way I came to UCSF and till today I feel happy about my decision. I totally agree with the fact that UOP makes very good general dentists, they even tell this in thier orientation, but that does'nt mean others schools dont. At UCSF the goal is to develop you all around so as to when you graduate you have all the ways open whereever you want to go.

1. Very large research group - you can always find something related to your interest and if you want to pursue it later.

2. All the post graduate programs offered- If you want to specialise later you can start observing, getting to know more about the field. Also you are taught here where to stop, whats the limit of general dentist- don try heroics just refer to post graduate clinics.

3. More than sufficient and i mean MORE THAN SUFFICIENT number of patients for IDP students. We dont accept dentical but school has come up with special fee rates which are far less than any other rates.

4. EXCELLENT school reputation all round USA. Whosoever applied from my class or previous batches for a post graduation program, any jobs or GPR they got into it. I went to so many programs for interview and all the faculty of other school spoke highly of UCSF program.

5. Totally stress free ( UCSF- Univ. of California Stress Free) I don recall any moment i felt stressed, all the faculty, senior students, administration etc are so student friendly, the curriculum is nice and easy going, what more i could have asked for.

6. Very good trainig for Regional boards.

7. Ya we are expensive but what difference 10- 20k dollars make in long run, if you have to make a decision between what works or what you like. If you can get a loan for 220k you can surely get for 230k too.

8. campus-campus-campus even if it is small we still have it and a beautiful one.

I still say don start shooting me for putting in my opinion, I am a proud UCSF student but i hold nothing against any other school. I know both current and graduated students from all the school with international program and I can promise that this is one of the most relaxing and top educational school. In the end its the candidate who makes the best out of the program.

all the best
__________________
Happiness is not a destination. It is a method of life...
Of all the things i have lost, i miss my mind most.....
In the process of learning........
Hold on to your Dreamz....
...just believe that you can...
nothing gonna hold you back....
..thats the story of a Man !!!

UCSF' 2010 !
UCSF' Pros 2013 !

 

[BombayBDS]

Guys,
Im not selected in any school yet but can't help but wonder why schools selections are being discussed here.

Its ultimately your choice..
what worked for someone may/maynot work for you..
I think we have had enough of UOP vs UCSF here. Lets chuck this topic pls..

You were smart enough to get multiple acceptances. be smart enough to make the right decision for yourself.

 

[dentist001]

Thank you Rohitseghal and MissionISP for your valuable input. And I really appreciate your help. Its nice to have such helpful gracious people on this forum.

 

[ilovegoldens]

I am accepted at both UOP and UCSF And i am finding it very hard to choose between the two. I keep hearing lots of good stuff about UOP but seldom about UCSF. I just need a cheaper school. Please let me know what you think. I land up changing my mind everyday and i am confused.😕 Research or PG is not my priority right now. Also if any body does know the estimate of the current UCSF and UOP fee.
Thank you. Any input would be highly appreciated.

I really think in your case both are GREAT.
I understand your hard time picking schools. It sure is great to have options but it makes you confuse, doesn't it? And it is something that can have a great impact in your future.

anyways, since research or pg is not your priority I don't think it makes much of a difference. that could be one of the advantages of UCSF..
In terms of cost the difference is very small also, not significant.

The neighborhood where UOP is located is MUCH nicer. However it is more expensive than UCSF area. Not that it is a big thing but at times like this every little detail makes a difference right?

I heard from two dentists in the Bay area that UCSF is the most respected among dental professionals. Even more than UCLA. Maybe it would give you a slight advantage when you look for jobs. The same dentists said UOP has a fame " you went to school just because you can pay for" . I personally disagree with it. They were both from UCSF, so bias 😉
But it is always good to know different points of view and how people see different schools.
I also spoke with one dentist who said recent graduates from UOP are making excellent money right out of school. So.. again, hard to trust just one point of view.

But when you speak to the general public.. Those who will be your future clientele .. People who DO NOT understand anything about dentistry. They will know UCSF for sure. A lot of them might not have heard from UOP. that would happen all over America. Not that it would matter that much, but again, maybe a patient looking at your diploma on your wall would feel more comfortable seeing a school he knows it is good.

I look very young and differently from most dentists I had several patients asking where I went to school on the first appointment. And a lot of them felt very comfortable and I would gain their trust once I said I went to such a respected school in my home country.
But in most cases patients don't even care where you went to school....

I really think in terms of quality of education both will allow you to have GREAT education.

good luck!

 

[MissionISP]

1) Don't know outside california but in bay area and also in southern california (when I was having my vacation time in LA including at LLU and UCLA) , common well educated ppl know THIS BIG NAME so well and that is 'PACIFIC'... COME ON ... 'PACIFIC' is SUCH an OLD NAME, JOURNEY started since 1896. Also, PACIFIC has established 14 dental clinics in BAY AREA, who doesn't know this famous name??? (of course, they know UCSF and UCLA very well ... btw I came to learn that UCLA is the most reputed name that way just like Harvard, to be honest!). Well, honestly both UOP and UCSF schools have equal reputation. Common unaware ppl do not know nothing about dentistry, as when I was working as a volunteer dental assistant - patients used to suggest me to apply for dental program to SFSU, SJSU, CSU-Fresno etc. because they think if engineering/MBA programs are available then dental program also might be available. So, according to my opinion, common unaware ppl would never ask about from which school did you graduate?(sounds funny to me at least!!!)

2) Pacific is famous name among dentists//dental offices in california with respect to job prospects because when I mentioned that I got admission into 'Pacific' school ... their first reaction was 'Wooow ..... awesome!'. Even dental assistant told me 'you're going to Pacific school?' ... I replied 'Yes'; she said 'lucky ... you're, you are gonna have great time there, enjoy two years, it's a great school." Also, Pacific dentists are considered as one of the best General practiioners in US. So, highly preferred and recommended for job immediately after graduation. Visit UOP once more and ask current students/alumni/also many bay area private dentist practitioners graduated from UOP - they will agree with what I say. Pacific dentists are making lots of money, pacific dentists work with perfection, no doubt and I witnessed it with my open eyes whole this year.

3) All I want to say is that it doesn't really matter as all schools in california are the best and reputed ones. Even my friend from LLU got her job immediately after her DDS-IDP. She applied for a job in 'Western Dental Centers' two months prior to her graduation and sooner after grad, she got a decent job in HAWTHORNE (pretty close to LA), Ca. Sometimes, I feel this 'reputation' thing is just a big hype. If you know how to make the best out of given opportunities, every school is EQUALLY GREAT with respect to all future prospects.

4) Cost factor, I already discussed, both are gonna be NEARLY SAME with respect to overall expenses. Expect a raise in fees for UCSF anytime, UOP fee schedule most likely is confirmed on the other side. So, i fear UCSF might exceed and cross over UOP's overall expenses. Analyze yourself very well that which school gives you more in return WITH RESPECT to YOUR FUTURE GOALS and SCHOOL FEES that you plan to spend for schools.

5) You should give importance to every minute details about the program but keep in mind that sometimes you may miss out some major details about the program. When discussed about living expenses, Living expenses at both UOP and UCSF are same too, I personally visited nearby places from both schools and did figure it out. These Links support my opinion:
http://dental.pacific.edu/Academic_P..._and_Fees.html (Pacific has included every minute expense that you might have to do!)
http://saawww.ucsf.edu/financial/gen...get.htm#totals

6) That is why I said DENTISTRY001 that her/his future goals match with those of mine. So, decide yourself which school suits you the best. You already know many things about both schools by now. Both schools are EQUALLY GREAT.

Hope that helps! 👍👍👍

 

[sucy]

i agree with u bombaybds..

 

[toothfairy482]

Please keep the discussion going. Those whom do not want to read it are more than welcome to NOT read this thread.

 

[MissionISP]

1) UOP testimonials from students/alumni/staff members: http://www.dental.pacific.edu/x972.xml#Alumni

2) Current students: http://www.dental.pacific.edu/x444.xml

3) IDS Student experience (MUST READ!!!): http://www.dental.pacific.edu/The_Dugoni_Experience/Our_Family/Erum_Makhani.html

Hope this helps in decision making.

 

[rohitsehgal]

but honestly speaking,cost is also a big factor when one is getting almost paralllel things from both the instituitions.and uop is also increasing its fees,thats for sure,coz its not only ucsf but all schools are increasing and this thing i confirmed.so kepe this thing in mind.

 

[ilovegoldens]

Ok I spoke with two more dentists from the bay area...
I mentioned UOP,UCLA and Texas where I got accepted.

They all agreed that in a long term, say 10 years from now, it won't matter where you went to school. One of them said she still gets some picky patients asking where she went to school and when she says UCLA she doesnt have so explain much after that. Patients all know that school as top education. She said UOP or Texas name wouldn't bring as much confidence, even though they could still be good programs.

However she said that in short term it might have an influence on getting a job. A famous name always is a plus to get a job. So in your case UCSF would have a famous name all over America... But again it would be just a slight advantage I guess...

I don't know where you want to stay after. California is not being considered a good place to work, very saturated. And this is where some people would recognize the name UOP...

Both schools are so good and similar in so many aspects that it is hard to set pros and cons...You will probably have to get caught on details.. and maybe on your best impression during the interview. Where did you feel you would be a better fit??

 

[MissionISP]

Pacific graduates:
1) A graduate presently practicing in the state of Arizona, chose UOP to learn humanistic educational philosophy;
2) A graduate presently practicing in HAWAI, chose UOP to bring the best clinician out of him
3) A graduate presently practicing in Puerto Rico, chose UOP cuz of its friendly, helpful environment
4) A graduate (pacific: class of 1995), specialty: endodontist (residency)
5) A graduate from pacific, specialty: periodontist (residency)
6) A pacific graduate practicing in california, reason of choosing UOP: The humanistic environment that promotes the students' growth as dental practitioners and people
7) A graduate (pacific: class of 2007), specialty: ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY(residency); his experience: 'My experience at the dental school was outstanding, and I hope to be an alumnus who helps to make it just as wonderful for future students. My wife has always been a firm believer in the principle that if you don't learn to give when it is difficult, you'll never give even when it is comfortable to do so, We wanted to show our appreciation for the Dugoni School experience and knew there was no way we could not contribute to the fund that continues to take our school to greater heights"
8) A graduate (pacific: class of 1997), specialty: PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY; what he likes the most: Concept of SCOPE program

I wrote few examples here [didn't write names, not ethical!], hope that helps to broaden the view for this school, PACIFIC is famous to improve every single aspect - as a person, as a professional, as a clinician, as a team, as a leader!!! - PACIIFIC has got som much of extra-curricular activities involved apart from its busy schedule, it will be fun!

Btw California is not at all saturated with dentists and I don't agree, it depends on where you stay, for example you living in SFO or bay area - agree, there are tons of dentists (but then still there's lots of need!); now you go little far from the bay area to towns like in central california - there's a decent scope. Same way, you living in orange county/LA - yes, there are many dentists but then there's density and still lots of need as overload of work; now you go little far from LA to towns like Bakersfield, San bernardino, san diego etc- there's a decent scope.

I still don't agree and from my experience so far, every dentist suggested me the same thing that it doesn't make much difference from which school did you graduate. What matters is your skills. Now being in schools like UCLA, you hardly get opportunity to do 5-10 crowns (quota bases!!!) before you graduate. In a school like UOP, you have nothing like quota and you do minimum 20-25 crowns and that too there's no limit as long as you are not tired of doing crowns, you get an opportunity to do as many cases you want.

Maybe, someone who has years of experience in dentistry may go ahead with reputation by compromising the amount of clinical exposure you may get in PACIFIC. But then candidates like me with 8 years of experience, still want to IMRPOVE their clinical skills - the learning attitude is there.

As long as, you are self-confident for your own practical skills, this reputation of school makes no sense to me at least. PACIIFIC is already a big name and domestic and international students come here from different states of USA - so that means the name is popular. Here, the sprite dialogue comes in my mind::: "Bujhao apni pyas, baaki all bakavas". Specially, this reputation HYPE is a BIG "bakavas" to me at least.

HOPE this helps👍👍👍

 

[BombayBDS]

Sprite bhujae only pyaas,
baki saab bakwas....

haha...
well said.

another india ad comes to mind:
" is it time to stop discussing UCSF vs UOP?
(man hits a copy of HT on head)

It is time.

HINDUSTAN TIMES."

 

[patata]

PP and ND bus karo 🙂

how about discussing RCT or an implant for a change 😛

and for those who still are wondering where to go - go las vegas

 

[BombayBDS]

👍
lets start a thread on RCT vs implants... but Pros. people like patata not allowed, they'l be biased anyway...

 

[MissionISP]

We can do good RCTs here, kidding 😀

Yeah, I am agree with patata ... we all need to go to Las Vegas to end this discussion here itself. Lets have a fun. Afterall, it's a party time for sometime now!

Already enough of discussion is being made here and there. Lets end it here itelf.

👍
lets start a thread on RCT vs implants... but Pros. people like patata not allowed, they'l be biased anyway...

 

[IMPACT]

We can do good RCTs here, kidding 😀

Yeah, I am agree with patata ... we all need to go to Las Vegas to end this discussion here itself. Lets have a fun. Afterall, it's a party time for sometime now!

Already enough of discussion is being made here and there. Lets end it here itelf.

Pardon my ignorance but do either of the schools have a top football/basketball team ??? or even a team at all?- SFO Giants aren't school specific, are they? I know UMich has quite a strong sportz contingent - Wolverines , USC has Trojans (football) and UCLA-LA has lakers NBA..what about UCLA's football?

 

[patata]

you are the man... go BU...celtics, patriots, red sox....way to go...but am not sure if they are school specific

 

[MissionISP]

Any scope for water sports? anybody want to try it?

 

[cooldentist]

Pardon my ignorance but do either of the schools have a top football/basketball team ??? or even a team at all?- SFO Giants aren't school specific, are they? I know UMich has quite a strong sportz contingent - Wolverines , USC has Trojans (football) and UCLA-LA has lakers NBA..what about UCLA's football?

Yea UCLA Bruins, they have a football and basketball team! No SF giants are not school specific. I don't think UCSF has its own Basketball team.

 

[IMPACT]

you are the man... go BU...celtics, patriots, red sox....way to go...but am not sure if they are school specific

Im from Chicago so have to mention Chicago baseball teams- its the classic crosstown baseball rivalry of two major league teams- Chicago cubs and White sox team - their matches are like wow!! especially when they play in each others stadium!!

In Basketball Chicago bulls are a legend with an outstanding NBA record - they have a record of sorts in winning 6 straight championshionships - its almost religion!! and with likes of Michael Jordan having lead the team..whoa...

And lastly do I even need to mention the superflous wins-after-wins of Chicago Bears in NFL!!! You can't have an NFL season without Bears having made a mark....Man ..it only gets better with each team...

So, my friend! after having tasted such sweet victories of home teams...I was hoping I will have so much to cheer for in Cali...

 

[IMPACT]

Any scope for water sports? anybody want to try it?

Water Sports- University of Florida has amazing facilities- I was totally impressed when I visited a UofF friend in Gainesville- man! I guess its only natural for the gators to be excellent in water..... And I'm told Dara Torres used the UF campus water sports facilities for her Olympic training!!!