<p>So, I was fortunate to be admitted to Georgetown, Johns Hopkins, Tufts for college in September. I also got into a 5 year dental program (DDS program) at the University of The Pacific. It would include 2 years of undergrad and 3 years of dental school in san francisco.</p>
<p>I have been wavering about my career options. I had originally wanted to be a doctor, but now after doing some research decide I want to be a dentist (orthodontist). This would lead for me to choose this 5 year program. However, it's all the way across the country, and I don't really want that and it's not really "prestigious".... My other choice would be Tufts, which my dad went to for Dental School. It has a guranteed dental admissions program, where you can apply to dental school after your freshman year in college. It also has a 7 year dental program for really outstanding students.</p>
<p>I really like Tufts a lot more than Pacific. (I like tufts better than georgetown and hopkins). However, I could get my dental degree 2 to 3 years quicker at University of the Pacific compared to Tufts.</p>
<p>My dad, who is a dentist, also wants me to get my degree faster because I could help him out in the dental office and learn a TON from him (he is quite experienced)... I also got a $10,000 scholarship to University of Pacific. Is having to spend four years in college a "good thing" or a "bad thing"?</p>
<p>So, I'm kind of stuck in a quandary right now. What are your opinions?</p>
<p>For CA, U of P is a well known dental school. Several of my friends graduated from there and are successful. However, if you are from New England then Tufts might be better. Enjoy your college years, don't rush it.</p>
<p>I'm looking at Tufts myself, and I think I'm leaning towards it over the other school I got into (Washington University in St. Louis) for the very reason you stated - that you liked it more. I thought Tufts had a great vibe and I love Boston. I also agree with Columbia_Student - don't rush your college years. Have some fun :)
I also know that something like 80% of kids change their major at least once in college. So ask yourself if you're really sure that you want to be a dentist. If your answer is yes, and that you want to become one ASAP without a doubt, then maybe University of the Pacific would be a better choice. But there's nothing wrong with having a good time while you're at it, so weigh 2 extra years with how much you like New England, too. Best of luck! :)</p>
<p>If you are certain that you want a dental career, finishing sooner (and so for a lower cost) is not a bad thing to take into consideration. In this day and age, the other side of the continent is not really that far away. Check the flight schedules and prices online (I like Cheap</a> Flights, Airline Tickets, Cheap Airfare & Discount Travel Deals - Kayak.com) and factor them into your calculations.</p>
<p>And like mini says, no one cares where their dentist went to school. We only care that you do a (nearly) painless job, and don't scare us! I'm not even sure where my dentist went to school, but I'm pretty certain that she's told me the program doesn't even exist there anymore.</p>
<p>Wishing you all the best (and lots of patients who do remember to floss regularly).</p>
<p>actually my dentist went to harvard and he hung his diploma right in the front office where everyone could see it. lol. I would say choose U of P, but only if you are 99.9% sure you want to pursue dentistry. If you are having doubts about career choices I would take a second look at Tufts.</p>