Tips for Choosing the Right Dental School

Introduction

Getting into the field of dentistry, whether it is as a dentist or a hygienist, requires a great deal of training and education. Once the decision has been made that you want to get into this industry, it’s time to start thinking of schools to apply to.

Introduction cont…

The ‘right’ dental school won’t be the same for everyone, but there are some steps you can take to help narrow down your ideal candidates.

Follow these tips to help you find the right dental school and start your career off on the right foot.

Ask Questions

Whether you’re thinking of being a dentist or a hygienist, asking the right questions is one of the keys to finding the right school. Some important questions include: What is the average class size? Are there any specialty programs available? What is the ratio of students to faculty? Is the grading system based on a pass/fail or standard letter grading? Do classes continue through the summer months?

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What is the tuition range and any extra projected expenses?

Can you describe the school’s overall culture?

When do clinical experiences start?Which exams must students take?What are your general policies and regulations?

Does the school train students with emerging technology?

Talk to Former Students

There’s no better way to really get a feel for how a dental school operates and treats its students than by speaking to former students.

By speaking to students who have already completed the program, you can get honest opinions about the instructors, the workload and placement once schooling is complete. If you’re lucky enough to speak to a former student, ask any question that comes to mind that you feel will help.

Find Out What You’re Getting Into

Finding success at dental school requires a lot of work in lectures, clinics and labs as well as studying. In all likelihood, your lifestyle is going to change quite a bit and it’s important that you have a sense of what you’re getting into.

Speaking to former students will help, as will getting in-depth information about the courses and expectations from the school itself.

Location

All other aspects being equal, the location of a dental school may go a long way to determining if it is the ‘right’ one for you.

If you can find a school in a city you’re fond of, or if there’s one close to home, that’s often enough to seal the deal for many students.

Reputation & History

The reputation that a dental school has within the industry is another factor to consider when deciding where to go. It’s always wise to learn as much as you can for yourself, but a school with a great reputation is a step in the right direction.

Along the same line, a school with a rich history of producing top quality dentists and hygienists is also a sign that the school has a lot to offer.

Cost and Living Expenses

The price of the program you want to take and the living expenses at the school are usually a factor with most prospective students.

The cost is more of a factor for some than for others, but it’s still something to look at regardless of how you come into the situation financially.

Student to Instructor Ratio

Simply put, a dental school that has smaller classes and a small student to teacher ratio will benefit the students. Smaller classes mean more direct attention from instructors, and a more personal feel overall. Hands on, one-on-one instruction helps students learn practical skills faster and understand the concepts and theories faster.

Placement Track Record

All of the training and education of any dental school is basically for nothing if there isn’t work waiting when it’s all over. Make sure you find out about the school’s placement track record, so you can get a sense of how seriously graduates are taken out in the real world.

If your school has a high placement percentage, you know that all of your hard work is taking you toward your ultimate goal.

References

http://www.hpplc.indiana.edu/pdf/dental/Predental%20Applicant%20Guide.pdfIndiana University Bloomington

http://www.asdanet.org/choosing-a-dental-school.aspxAmerican Student Dental Association