Dental School Advice??

Q: I recently got accepted to San Antonio, Houston and Baylor dental schools. My problem is that I personally like Houston, but several people are telling me that I shouldn't give up an opportunity to go to the best school in the country- -which is San Antonio.First, is San Antonio really the best and why?? I visited and really didn't see anything that stood out, to me. Also does anyone have an idea where Houston stands nationally? If I do decide to go to Houston, will it hurt me if I wanted to specialize? Also are there any Houston dental students out there or grads who can tell me why not to attend houston dental branch? Personally, I feel I can excel at any Dental school but I need to know that I'm not making a mistake. Please feel free to give all the input and advice possible.

A:I have never seen an "official " dental school ranking. I am from Alabama, and when I was down there I heard UAB was # 1 U North Carolina #2. When I started dental school at Columbia U, I heard Harvard was #1, Columbia #2. You , being from Texas, have heard Baylor is #1....I am starting to see a trend... Board scores are probably one of the best indicators of a good school....Columbia was 5th in the nation last year (I don't Know who the top 4 were) on part 1 of the boards. I don't know how we faired on part 2, but I'm pretty sure we were not top 5. How the school does on part 1 indicates how good the basic sciences are, how they do on part 2 indicates how good the clinical program is. Any school you've been accepted to should provide you this information. Also, the average GPA and DAT scores of the school's entering classes gives you an idea of how "sharp" the students are. The schools should also provide you these statistics. No such thing as a dental school ranking. It is about as mythical as the tooth fairy. Besides when you go to establish a practice or join a practice, nobody will base their decision on where you went to dental school. Dental school only provides the BASICS. Much of your dental education will be achieved with continuing education and hands on postgraduate courses. Having said that here are things you may want to look out for: 1. Is the school financially sound? Or is there a chance it may close while you are attending it? 2. Does the school attract a large enough patient pool to provide all phases of clinical learning? 3. What percentage of the instructors are part time or full time? 4. Does the school have enough modern new operatories to work in a pleasant environment? 5. Is the school more didactic oriented or clinical oriented? To the dental school dilemma,

Dental School Advice??

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