Why does NOVA get such a bad wrap?

[HopefulDent]

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I feel like every time i am looking through the forums and see a "X vs Nova" post, people always bash on Nova. I know Nova is still considered a relatively new dental school, but why is it that people don't give much credit to Nova? It seems like people assume that going to every other program will open up more opportunity than Nova. Is this really true... does it really make a difference?

I thought Nova was a beautiful school and had very happy students and the professors i met were really nice. One of my best friends (D2) currently attends and he loves the program. Is the negative perception of Nova more of a fling than anything?

 

[vlct0ria]

I feel like every time i am looking through the forums and see a "X vs Nova" post, people always bash on Nova. I know Nova is still considered a relatively new dental school, but why is it that people don't give much credit to Nova? It seems like people assume that going to every other program will open up more opportunity than Nova. Is this really true... does it really make a difference?

I thought Nova was a beautiful school and had very happy students and the professors i met were really nice. One of my best friends (D2) currently attends and he loves the program. Is the negative perception of Nova more of a fling than anything?

I think most of it comes from what you said - the fact that it is a relatively new school that hasn't had as long a time to "establish" itself and its reputation. Don't listen to what others say...its all about whether YOU love it. I too thought it was a great school, and would be MORE than happy to get in off the waitlist! 😀

 

[Predoctalk]

Because people do not seem to understand that every accredited dental school is good...

 

[Babnik]

I feel like every time i am looking through the forums and see a "X vs Nova" post, people always bash on Nova. I know Nova is still considered a relatively new dental school, but why is it that people don't give much credit to Nova? It seems like people assume that going to every other program will open up more opportunity than Nova. Is this really true... does it really make a difference?

I thought Nova was a beautiful school and had very happy students and the professors i met were really nice. One of my best friends (D2) currently attends and he loves the program. Is the negative perception of Nova more of a fling than anything?

Because the people who bash Nova don't know what they are talking about. I have talked to many dentists and specialists that say NOVA is a great school, as is every accredited dental school in the US. Also, I heard many times over from dentists that no school can prepare you to be awesome right out of dental school; think about it, dentists spend decades improving their skills, what is 2 years of clinical experience in DS going to do? Ultimately dental school is what you make of it.

 

[FutureCTDoc]

I'm a dual admit with the college of osteopathic medicine at NSU and an undergrad there. The reason there is a bad rep was there have been issue with seats in the clinic. This is being adressed via externships. Clinic space is a legitimate issue, however no one should be dissuaded from applying as this is relatively minor. NSU is newer however it is a great school in a great location and also offers the DO/DMD.

 

[PaulieGualtieri]

Exactly what everyone else said above. All dental schools are good and are going to teach you what you need to know. This x school vs. x school is ridiculous. For me at least, it came down to location, but each person has their own preference. The fact is, Nova is awesome school from everything I've read and seen when I interviewed there.

 

[Ryltar]

Nova is still going through growing pains as when I interviewed there the students were complaining about the chair problem. I have a friend who goes to Nova dental school, and even he said that, "He can do pretty much whatever he wants while he's there, and get high Bs while studying the night before for tests." That leads me to wonder if they teach to the boards rather than taking a more comprehensive approach.

There's no question that the dentists that Nova produces come out with good hand skills. Nova has an excellent virtual simulation lab. However, I wonder if Nova grads are competent enough academically to specialize should they choose to do so.

Either way, dental school leads you to one point: a safe beginner. If general dentistry is your goal, I think you'll learn about 30% in dental school and the rest throughout your career.

 

[UltimateChiller]

Nova has an excellent virtual simulation lab.

Everything you stated is deemed not valid by this statement. VR is the biggest joke, any dentist will tell you that...

 

[Hordel]

I have a friend who goes to Nova dental school, and even he said that, "He can do pretty much whatever he wants while he's there, and get high Bs while studying the night before for tests." That leads me to wonder if they teach to the boards rather than taking a more comprehensive approach.

Well, maybe that is the case FOR HIM! But, I am currently attending this school and I can tell you I would NEVER dream of only studying the night before an exam! Even in dental school there are some students who are very talented and do NOT have to study as much as others. So don't base your opinion on some other persons experience!! Just my opinion.

 

[huk1985]

or maybe guys who can't spell "rep." correctly goes there?

 

[FutureDent020]

or maybe guys who can't spell "rep." correctly goes there?

Haha

 

[icedspice]

or maybe guys who can't spell "rep." correctly goes there?

maybe op was thinking about the lunch they served him/her 😀

 

[HopefulDent]

wow.. has no one ever heard that expression before? "getting a bad wrap?" i did not mean to say rep...

 

[Doctor PJ]

wow.. has no one ever heard that expression before? "getting a bad wrap?" i did not mean to say rep...

dont worry about what other thinks about Nova. As long as you like the school thats what matters. Any dental school that is accredited you will come out fine, a matter of what you put into it.

Not every school is perfect there will always be problems good and bad anywhere you go. good luck there👍

 

[huk1985]

wow.. has no one ever heard that expression before? "getting a bad wrap?" i did not mean to say rep...

Seems we were both wrong, "bad rap" is correct apparently

 

[mightymouse23]

Everything you stated is deemed not valid by this statement. VR is the biggest joke, any dentist will tell you that...

The VR was mainly used as an introductory to getting use to the handpieces that we use in operative dentistry. Plus it gets us use to the concept of having rotations in our curriculm. So while it might seem like a joke at first, were actually doing a little more operative...

 

[mightymouse23]

Nova is still going through growing pains as when I interviewed there the students were complaining about the chair problem. I have a friend who goes to Nova dental school, and even he said that, "He can do pretty much whatever he wants while he's there, and get high Bs while studying the night before for tests." That leads me to wonder if they teach to the boards rather than taking a more comprehensive approach.

Definitely not just towards the boards. We've taken classes that aren't even thought on boards (ex. Cariology). We will have days near the end of the semester where we might review topics that may appear on the boards, but I've heard of other schools doing the same...

 

[mightymouse23]

Because the people who bash Nova don't know what they are talking about. I have talked to many dentists and specialists that say NOVA is a great school, as is every accredited dental school in the US. Also, I heard many times over from dentists that no school can prepare you to be awesome right out of dental school; think about it, dentists spend decades improving their skills, what is 2 years of clinical experience in DS going to do? Ultimately dental school is what you make of it.

Agreed, dental school is what you make out of it. I chose nova cause I spoke to a bunch of dentists in the local area and they all said that the graduates had a wide diversity of skills and competency...