<p>Is the extra business knowledge worth pursuing if I want to start my own practice like most dentists? Is it worthwhile to get an MBA? Will it be really helpful when I set up my practice and run my business? I'm thinking about the DDS/MBA program at UCSF. USF would be the business school. I'm also thinking about UCLA dental school and doing an MBA at Anderson. I would have to get into both schools for UCLA separately though. What type of experience does it take to get into Anderson business school? I'm currently lab manager at one of the labs at UCSD medical school. That's about all the job experience I have right now. I'm going to be a junior next year (undergrad). If I'm going to be a dentist and I just want the background business knowledge to help set up my practice does it matter which school I go to really?</p>
<p>I think it would be useful. My dad did Periodontal school at UCSF and his dental school at Creighton in Omaha. He’s been in business for 35 years, and of the things he owes his success to people skills and front office management are tops. You’ll will most likely have hygienist, dental assistants, and front office personnel to manage as well as pricing, billing, investing, etc… I think it’s a good idea if the work load is not too hard.</p>
<p>There’s really no need to get an MBA to run a dental office. There are plenty of classes you can take to learn how to run a small business at a state school or community college. Getting an MBA is overkill if you wish to be a practising dentist.</p>