With a nearly endless list of dental schools that you can apply to - spanning across the United States, Canada, Australia, or Ireland - choosing a dental school can be an exciting and overwhelming experience. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which school is the best fit for you.
When looking at the options, we all know the main factors to consider are location and cost. However, there are several other factors that you can consider to find a school that aligns with your priorities and goals. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the most important factors to consider when choosing a dental school.
1. Research
One key factor to consider when choosing a dental school is research. If you are passionate about cutting edge science and expanding the knowledge field for dentistry, it is beneficial to attend a school with reputable research opportunities. Research is a priority for lots of students who are considering choosing to do a dental specialty program in the future. You can find more information on the schools website and also reach out to current students or recent graduates to get a better sense of the opportunities.
2. Community and Clubs
The dental school you attend will become your home for the next four years. As such, it’s important to consider the school’s community and club offerings. Look for schools that have a welcoming and inclusive environment. Additionally, consider the clubs and organizations that the school offers. Joining these clubs can provide you with valuable networking opportunities and help you build relationships with your peers.
3. Outreach Opportunities
An important part of dental school is giving back to the community. Not only will this create a positive impact, but it is also a way to develop your communication with children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, that you may not have the opportunity to work with at your school clinic. It is also a way to learn to adapt to various patient mobility restrictions to provide the best patient-centered care. Some examples of outreach opportunities include teaching oral hygiene to students at school, providing care at a free dental clinic in a local underserved community, or providing care in a seniors home.
4. Curriculum and Technology
Dentistry is a constantly evolving field, and it’s important to choose a school that stays up-to-date with the latest developments. While it is essential to learn the basic science of dentistry, it is also important that your school reflects modern aspects of dentistry through their curriculum. It is a bonus if the school offers training for more modern equipment and technology. Learning many facets of dentistry will ensure that you are well-prepared for a continually expanding profession.
Another aspect of the curriculum that is important to consider is the opportunity for hands-on learning. Learning the fine motions required for dentistry is a challenging process for most students. It encompasses getting used to indirect vision through a dental mirror, hand-eye coordination using loupes (dental magnification glasses), and distinguishing measurements in millimeters. It is also an advantage if the school allows you to practice clinical skills on each other, including taking impressions, local anesthetic injections, blood pressure measurements, and soft and hard tissue of the face assessments. The earlier you get exposure to these aspects, the easier it will be for you to transition to working on patients in the future.
5. Support for Mental Health
In all honesty, dental school is a stressful process. Many students feel overwhelmed by the amount of content and busy schedule, so it is critical to find your passion before applying to dental school. When looking at different schools, it is important to find an institution that offers support for mental health or provides other accommodations. Look for schools that have counseling services, peer support programs, mental health resources, and accommodations for students. It is helpful to speak to current and past students to see what their experience is at their school. You are not alone when it comes to how you are feeling, so it is important to have the opportunity to get support from those around you.
How We Can Help
Choosing a dental school is a big decision. It is important to consider a variety of factors beyond just location and cost. Evaluate the school’s research opportunities, community, outreach opportunities, curriculum and technology, hands-on learning opportunities, and support for mental health.
At FutureDMD, we provide mentoring services to inspire the next generation of passionate dentists. We offer many different programs through our complete membership package. The package gives you exclusive access to our Monthly LIVE Inner Circle mentorship with dentist and dental students. These small mentorship groups are an opportunity for you to dive into your passions, worries, and goals and learn from our mentor leaders. Our complete package also gives you access to our other comprehensive programs and mini workshops. Get started HERE today, so we can help you find your inspiration.
Have any more questions on how we can help you? Please contact us at info@futuredmd.com for more information.