My wife and my money go to USC right now.
I have to say that I did extensive research on different schools, and for us the main factor was being close to home. Because of this site, we probably would have chosen UCLA if she got in there, but looking back, I'm glad she didn't (for her goals).
I came upon SDN when we were researching schools, and I saw everyone bashing USC. Almost everyone that was bashing it was not from USC except for one or two very vocal members that were upset about graduating on time and the lab conditions. So I was originally worried about the school when we decided that she'd go there.
Well I can not only say that I am glad she is going to USC, I think I'm impressed enough by what I've seen her go through at USC to probably seek out a USC grad as my GD. As far as clinical dentistry goes, I'm very happy with the curriculum and amount of training she's getting. Her goal is to be an excellent GD, not a researcher or specialist.
My background-I've been in school my whole life. I joined the military at 18, and I've been lucky enough to have even had the opportunity to get a salary while in school sometimes. I've been to some prestigious schools, and some unknown community colleges, and through various courses of different intensity. When I was in between degrees, I usually took classes part time at night for various reasons. I have a degree in math, Ops Research, Poli Sci, Russian Studies, and have been through USAF pilot training. I'm not bragging (and truthfully I'm not even a great student), but the reason I say this is that I think I can recognize a B.S. curriculum or a curriculum that has false standards. I've been in degree-factory type courses and in very rigorous attrition-based courses. I'd compare her education standards right now to that of USAF pilot training.
My assessment of USC dental is that it is top-notch. I didnt expect this based on all the bashing I read, but it appears to be a great program. I was very involved in comparing the schools and curriculum.
A good degree program has a high standard and teaches the students how to achieve that standard. While my wife is constantly tired from class, she is incredibly happy about what she is learning. She comes home almost every day and tells me that she is glad to be in this program, and that she feels like she is getting high-quality training.
If I lived in SF, would I stil want her to go to USC - no. If she really wanted to be a specialist, would we have wanted UCLA - maybe. But if we had to do it over again with what we know I think she's choose USC again given the choice.
That being said, I think all dental schools in the U.S. provide a wonderful education respected worldwide. Every organization in the world develops problems, and that's why there is a system in place to fix them. If the administration fails to fix problems, there is a board responsible for hiring a new administration.
PBL is not any different than the layout of a lot of classes you might have had in undergrad, except they've named it here. The best part about it is that it gets students involved, and is very applicable to a clinical curriculum.
This is just my opinion, take it for what its worth. I am not an expert in dental schools, but I've been around the block a few times in the postgrad world. I'm not trying to entice arguments, just giving an opinion. I usually try to avoid posting because it seems half of the time someone just comes right back and aggressively blasts you.
