Got accepted to both, but dont know which one to attend ? anyone mind sharing some insights to both schools??
Western University vs MOSDOH
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Established program vs a school that hasn't had a graduating class. Having to do deal with school politics + DS isn't fun.
I didn't find MOSDOH's tuition, but assuming its the same as its sister school (ASDOH), Western would be $40,000 cheaper. Seems like a no-brainer to me.
I didn't find MOSDOH's tuition, but assuming its the same as its sister school (ASDOH), Western would be $40,000 cheaper. Seems like a no-brainer to me.
That $40,000 would most likely be made up in California's cost of living.
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The living expenses is so expensive in california.I think MOSDOH is cheaper than Western.
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At the end of the day they are both dental schools, but they are both overpriced
I don't know much about westernU but one thing I didn't like about mosdoh was we weren't able to see the clinics because they are located in a different city. When I asked about the clinicals I was given very vague answers as if they hadn't figured how it was all going to work yet. I also wasn't a huge fan of the curriculum format but I know everyone has different preferences for that.
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I accepted MOSDOH's offer before I went to Western for my interview there, and I have no regrets on deciding to do so. Everything about MOSDOH was perfect for me. I spoke with the dean personally after my interview, and he said that the D3's transition to the new clinic in St. Louis was flawless... and that they expected the transition to the 4th year rotation sites to be the same. I took it with a grain of salt. Honestly though... every student that I talked to had nothing but awesome things to say about the program, so I believe him.
Note: There are several programs across the country implementing clinical rotations away from the school (throughout their respective states) as well, including Western. For some it will be a change with difficulties. At MOSDOH everything seems to have been anticipated and planned for, because I haven't heard anything bad yet.
Last years class in MO had a 100% first time board pass rate... and mind you that's only 3 years in. During the Western presentation it was mentioned that last years class first time pass rate was in the low 90's, which is fine given that their class is almost twice the size of MOSDOH's. But it was also mentioned (correct me if I'm wrong) that the first time pass rate for the class that took the exam two years ago was in the mid to upper 80's. I don't think one can make the argument that western is better solely because "they are more established." They are ~4 older than the school in Missouri, but notice that the MO class has higher stats after only 3 years. It looks to me like the students at MOSDOH are prepared just as good as any dental student anywhere else, regardless if they're only 3 years in.
The MO facilities are awesome, and equipment was top notch. Everything down to the architecture and design of the school shows preparation and thought towards the future dentist. Western also has great facilities and awesome equipment, but I thought MOSDOH's was better.
As stated above, living in Missouri is 1/2 the price or less of that in LA... easily making MOSDOH the cheaper school to attend. The small town has just enough distractions for you when you need them, but for the most part it's an environment catered to maximize your focus (also when you need it most) in the first two years. The students in LA kept going on about how much there is to do in LA.... I was there like k, that's nice... I won't have time for it anyways. BUT maybe you need/want that, in which case LA is your place.
Westerns location was not awesome by any means though. I passed at least 5 security guards on the way back to my car after the interview... also felt really sketch driving to the school in the morning.
Lastly, The small class size at MOSDOH also means you get more personal attention from your faculty, and the connection that you'll have with ALL your classmates will be much closer than that in any class of larger size. I could feel the family vibe oozing through every wall of the place. Everyone down to the history museum receptionist went out of their way to make sure you felt awesome while you were there -again, at least in my experience.
Disclaimer: not trying to butter up one school and tear down the other... just giving you my personal opinion on each of them. This is all coming from the guy who was headed to MOSDOH thinking it was second to last on the list of schools I wanted to attend. I left with it being my number 1 choice.
Everything I mentioned is based on my personal tastes and preferences, and there may be some who disagree with me. At the end of the day, they're both dental schools and we'll both graduate with the same title. It is MY opinion though, that I will be better prepared as a dentist graduating from MOSDOH as opposed to Western after seeing both schools.
Note: There are several programs across the country implementing clinical rotations away from the school (throughout their respective states) as well, including Western. For some it will be a change with difficulties. At MOSDOH everything seems to have been anticipated and planned for, because I haven't heard anything bad yet.
Last years class in MO had a 100% first time board pass rate... and mind you that's only 3 years in. During the Western presentation it was mentioned that last years class first time pass rate was in the low 90's, which is fine given that their class is almost twice the size of MOSDOH's. But it was also mentioned (correct me if I'm wrong) that the first time pass rate for the class that took the exam two years ago was in the mid to upper 80's. I don't think one can make the argument that western is better solely because "they are more established." They are ~4 older than the school in Missouri, but notice that the MO class has higher stats after only 3 years. It looks to me like the students at MOSDOH are prepared just as good as any dental student anywhere else, regardless if they're only 3 years in.
The MO facilities are awesome, and equipment was top notch. Everything down to the architecture and design of the school shows preparation and thought towards the future dentist. Western also has great facilities and awesome equipment, but I thought MOSDOH's was better.
As stated above, living in Missouri is 1/2 the price or less of that in LA... easily making MOSDOH the cheaper school to attend. The small town has just enough distractions for you when you need them, but for the most part it's an environment catered to maximize your focus (also when you need it most) in the first two years. The students in LA kept going on about how much there is to do in LA.... I was there like k, that's nice... I won't have time for it anyways. BUT maybe you need/want that, in which case LA is your place.
Westerns location was not awesome by any means though. I passed at least 5 security guards on the way back to my car after the interview... also felt really sketch driving to the school in the morning.
Lastly, The small class size at MOSDOH also means you get more personal attention from your faculty, and the connection that you'll have with ALL your classmates will be much closer than that in any class of larger size. I could feel the family vibe oozing through every wall of the place. Everyone down to the history museum receptionist went out of their way to make sure you felt awesome while you were there -again, at least in my experience.
Disclaimer: not trying to butter up one school and tear down the other... just giving you my personal opinion on each of them. This is all coming from the guy who was headed to MOSDOH thinking it was second to last on the list of schools I wanted to attend. I left with it being my number 1 choice.
Everything I mentioned is based on my personal tastes and preferences, and there may be some who disagree with me. At the end of the day, they're both dental schools and we'll both graduate with the same title. It is MY opinion though, that I will be better prepared as a dentist graduating from MOSDOH as opposed to Western after seeing both schools.
Yes, you are completely right and I'm agree with you. Thank you!
The new clinical building is beautiful. I've only seen it from the outside, but large widows and lights on inside and the equipment was just going in when I was there last, all state of the art, brand new, nestled in a large public housing subdivision that is actually a well kept area. Some COOL apartments in an old hospital right next to the clinic as well so easy living arrangements. From what I understand, 4th year you are moving around the state working with low income populations or underserved populations so telling you exactly where you would be would not be possible.
Keep in mind, your first 2 years, Kirksville is a town of about 12,000 people, however, with Truman State and a medical school in town, along with the new dental school, there is a lot to do on campus as they bring in groups like the Moscow Ballet, St. Louis Symphony, many plays, etc. Truman State was one of my undergrad picks and MOSDOH is high on my list for potential dental schools (but the cost is a bit scary). Obviously, the big CA towns have a lot more going on, but it's not like the only thing to do is sit in the corn field. Then, moving to St. Louis, you have plenty to keep you busy there too, and free beer at Grant's Farm (where they house the Budweiser Clydesdales)
Why is MOSDOH so expensive? I had never even heard of it!! It doesnt seem like they are in a location that commands such a high price!
Hmm? You do know those figures are *already* included the the tuition estimates, right? In other words, its 40k cheaper with living expenses already factored in and accounted for.
You'll either love or hate Kirksville. If you hate it, well theres no airport nearby. I never even heard of MOSDOH. I wouldnt go there if I were you. Western probably has many more advantages.
I find MOSDOH a joke about being for primarily service oriented when their astronomical tuition practically forces you into full time private practice immediately. Schools like ECU that are based on that model seem much more feasible.
I find MOSDOH a joke about being for primarily service oriented when their astronomical tuition practically forces you into full time private practice immediately. Schools like ECU that are based on that model seem much more feasible.
I hadn't heard about WesternU either. I don't think it is more popular than MOSDOH just because it is in california. That's not gonna be a good factor for choosing dentsl schools! Honestly there are so many schools that I haven't heard of!
Just wait until you start repaying the loans for MOSDOH and reflect back on the school...
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Thing is not everyone will be able to go to one school or another just because it's cheaper. The majority of people I know can't just say "I pick this school because it has low tuition, let me go there" and do exactly that. There are a lot of schools that would have been cheaper, but there are also others that are more expensive. Most people don't go into the medical field with a mindset like "
this is going to be so easy to pay off ."If I would have chosen to go to my state school as opposed to MOSDOH, I would have spent almost the same thing, and actually maybe a bit more if I figure in housing. If I would have gone to the state school from the state next to my own, same case. If you have the ability to get into any school and make that school one with a low tuition, that's great for you. Not everyone is in the same boat though, and most people start this journey knowing they're going to have to pay a hell of a lot to get their education. Quite honestly, if I'm getting an awesome education, the tuition they're asking for is fine. It could be better, but I also know it could be worse. I was expecting to pay this much since day one of freshman year in college.
Also, have you even been to the school?
Thing is not everyone will be able to go to one school or another just because it's cheaper. The majority of people I know can't just say "I pick this school because it has low tuition, let me go there" and do exactly that.
Sure, but OP does have the choice to make. 40k pre-interest dollars is a lot of money (about 60-70k post-interest). That's 20% down on a nice starter home or a hell of a start to purchasing his own practice. It should not be taken lightly.
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This isn't accurate by any means. Both schools handed us estimates for tuition at the interviews, and both were totaled at 100k/year. Thing is though... with the money that was estimated for housing/living on the MOSDOH list -I could live in a 5 bedroom house and eat out every day if I wanted to. The numbers they gave us seemed to be for worst case scenario, including royalty-like living standards.
On the contrary, Westerns list was actually quite accurate. Their 100k price included housing that was 1300/month for 1 bedroom type stuff, and not in the greatest of location either. It is more expensive to go to school in LA.
I have no idea where you got your numbers from.
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Right, I completely understand that.
I was just commenting on how the prices are not as outrageous as Elena was making them out to be... mostly since a lot of people pay that for dental school.
If OP has the choice to go to school that is better or the same in terms of preparation for dentistry for cheaper, then I would definitely suggest going there. But OP asked about these two schools, because they were accepted to these two.
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Which is fine and dandy if you can get into ECU, where is that, I haven't heard of it???? There is an airport in Kirksville with regular shuttles to St. Louis and Des Moines.
ECU tuition is 25,000 with fees its 34,000. Its East Caroline Univ in Greenville NC. I actually go to UNC and turned down ECU.
I interviewed at ECU and they emphasized giving money and keeping tuition low to ensure keeping dentists in low income NC areas. Otherwise if the tuition was high they wouldnt be interested in that and they even tell you that. Not saying everyone will be charitable but MOSDOH's tuition isnt in line with their mission. Please tell me how you are going to work in low income clinics and pay back those loans??? Its sooo unrealistic people.
To become a specialist its better if the school has a reputation. Its not tbe all or end all but I would choose Western if youre interested in this.
I interviewed at ECU and they emphasized giving money and keeping tuition low to ensure keeping dentists in low income NC areas. Otherwise if the tuition was high they wouldnt be interested in that and they even tell you that. Not saying everyone will be charitable but MOSDOH's tuition isnt in line with their mission. Please tell me how you are going to work in low income clinics and pay back those loans??? Its sooo unrealistic people.
To become a specialist its better if the school has a reputation. Its not tbe all or end all but I would choose Western if youre interested in this.
We don't have to work in low income clinic. .no one can say which school has more reputation. Every dental school is good. If you read the ADEA website, it clearly states that dental schools are not ranked. How do you know that westernu has a reputation or even ECU?
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First off... western doesn't have any specialty programs yet, so as far as getting into a program goes, students who graduate there have just as good a chance of getting into specialty as those from MOSDOH. They openly admitted that in the interview at Western. It's not based on how good your school is, it's based on your class rank and grades, recommendations, etc.
Lastly... no one said anything about working in a low income clinic. You can work in a private practice and still serve the community through either free clinic or volunteer based health clinics several times a month (there are so many choices). The emphasis of the school is on community service and caring for the underserved, yes. That doesn't mean you will be running a community service clinic as your day job. They just want to produce people who CARE about the community and contribute to helping those who are less fortunate in some way. You can run your own private practice and still work in a community/free clinic several times a month. You can also be a pioneer for helping build your communities knowledge of health in general, as well as dental health. That's all they want to see.
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Loan forgiveness programs
http://www.ada.org/~/media/ADA/Educ...es/dental-student-loan-repayment-resource.pdf
MOSDOH had 100% board pass rates last year, looks like they are doing something right. UNC has a 90% pass rate, just for comparison purposes...
Be careful, some of those programs are more often than not a large financial trap with loans of this size. You are taxed for the full forgiven amount as if it was personal income and due to the larger figures of DS debt, 10% of your income often yields a ballooned sum which when taxed, is nearly the entire principal effectively 'forgiving' very little.
@smsh Seems like you picked MOSDOH! Good luck to you brother.
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I don't know much about mosdoh, but I have interviewed at western and their curriculum was completely different than any other school i interviewed at. They really take a humanistic approach to everything and really strive to treat their students as peers. A D1 who was leading my tour group said that he goes out to play golf with one of his professors every weekend. Also, during the school presentation, they mentioned that they test students when they feel that they are ready. So when a student feels that they are ready for a certain clinical exam, they let the professor know and then thats when they'd have their test. If they fail, they're allowed to take some time to improve and retake it at a later date when they feel ready. Just small things like this really made western stand out. I interviewed with them a while ago, so i can't recall everything but I do remember leaving that day thinking about how much western was different from other dental schools.
Also, if you're thinking about neighborhood safety pomona isn't really a good area. Many of the students and even the faculty straight up told us that its not safe and to practice common sense (which is basically code for: watch your back in this area). Also, that night I went to a restaurant to grab dinner and on my way back to the place I was staying at, I caught an uber. Traffic was super bad so I told him I could just get off on the street since we were close anyways, and he said, "Girl, I'm gonna take you right to your doorsteps. You're in POMONA!" hahaha
So yeah, that speaks for itself.
All in all, Western is a different dental school, which may be good or bad depending on what kind of academic setting you thrive in. They emphasize a lot of group work (which i personally hate) but I do appreciate their efforts to really treat the students like colleagues. The professors and students seemed to have a good friendly relationship. But if neighborhood safety is a big issue for you then, idk. There are other areas near the school that aren't sketchy, but you'd have to commute, which I didn't really want to. Especially for longer distances since i would be OOS and in general I would rather live closer to the school for convenience reasons.
Also, if you're thinking about neighborhood safety pomona isn't really a good area. Many of the students and even the faculty straight up told us that its not safe and to practice common sense (which is basically code for: watch your back in this area). Also, that night I went to a restaurant to grab dinner and on my way back to the place I was staying at, I caught an uber. Traffic was super bad so I told him I could just get off on the street since we were close anyways, and he said, "Girl, I'm gonna take you right to your doorsteps. You're in POMONA!" hahaha
So yeah, that speaks for itself.
All in all, Western is a different dental school, which may be good or bad depending on what kind of academic setting you thrive in. They emphasize a lot of group work (which i personally hate) but I do appreciate their efforts to really treat the students like colleagues. The professors and students seemed to have a good friendly relationship. But if neighborhood safety is a big issue for you then, idk. There are other areas near the school that aren't sketchy, but you'd have to commute, which I didn't really want to. Especially for longer distances since i would be OOS and in general I would rather live closer to the school for convenience reasons.
Most likely. Thank you! Does anyone know if MOSDOH prepares students for WREB exam? I know western does.
Most likely. Thank you! Does anyone know if MOSDOH prepares students for WREB exam? I know western does.
Most of the state funded programs are tax exempt and the federal programs are tax exempt (NHSC, etc.). Yes, some of the privately funded programs are not as worthwhile.
