Lets put things in perspective. Everyone knows about USC, everyone has heard of it, but how come not that many top caliber students are actually going to USC? Because there is reputation in the Dental Community that you might want to go elsewhere. Not many in the general public have heard of Pacific, but there are people who are seriously debating between it and Harvard. Why? Because it has a wonderful reputation as a fine school in the dental community. The community trumps the general public anyday in my book.
Not that I am taking anything away from UCSF, but the argument is lacking.
Other dentists aren't coming to see you. Your patients are. It's your choice if you want to sell yourself to people you won't be doing business with.
Look up dentists' websites. See how they try to attract patients. Of course, they all include profiles of teeth, work quality, etc. The school they went to are included in virtually all their resumes. Don't think for a second you guys won't do the same thing...
...Jane Doe, A Harvard Dentist
...Mary Jane, USC Dental school, ...regularly teaches classes at U. Pacific. 20 Years experience in Veneers.
I've also noticed Dentists who when to great Undergrad schools put down their schools.
....BS, University of Michigan; DDS Stony Brook.
while there are those that presumably went to unranked school purposely leave it out...
....DDS, Columbia University. [BS, no name school]
You decide how you want to sell yourself. Pacific's a great dental school, and its graduates will be very well-trained. UCSF grads are comparable, and there are no significant indications that they're any less trained. However, those that go to UCSF will have an added marketing tool.
