I toured Loma Linda Universities School of Dentistry in November with the predental club. I really enjoyed the tour of their campus. It is a religious private school of the Seventh Day Adventists.
The most prominent feature on their campus is the Good Samaritan statue located between the School of Dentistry and the Chapel. It visually tells the biblical story and serves as a reminder of the duty we all have to our fellow man.
They have a "sim" (simulation) lab full of practice mannequins. All of the mannequins are computerized, stuffed full of sensors! Each one allows training for different medical situations. We got to try out a simulation for intravenous insertion of a needle. We scored %54, not bad for a first try with no training!
Their campus also features an embryology museum with examples of fetuses in various stages. The most interesting specimens are the ones with deformities. Several examples of unseparated twins featured prominently. I kind of put my foot into my mouth when I asked about the church's position on abortion. Add that topic to the "off-limits" list for polite conversation! I just hope that I didn't hurt anyones feelings on that subject.
Their curriculum is lecture based, which is kind of a let down. I'm really interested in the PBL style, but I guess that I should curb my enthusiasm until I've experienced it firsthand!
An awesome feature of their curriculum is the service requirement. Periods are built into the schedule for service opportunities domestically and abroad. They have clinics set up all over the world to provide medical and dental service! and guess what?!?! one of their clinics is located in the Dominican Republic. I would love to go back and help "mi gente"!
The school itself features a large and busy clinic. They have people come from all over to receive first rate dental care in the clinic. They have a new lab for first year students that is nice, all of the standard features are included. Their lecture halls are dated, but have modern teaching conveniences added.
The staff was great, very helpful. The student from SDSU that met us there seemed very happy. The fourth year student was an interesting fellow, but he seemed equally as happy.
The yearly expenses for the school are a bargain (comparatively) at ~$55,000.
I loved this school, and I can't put my finger on exactly what it is that makes it so appealing. Maybe it's a combination of great people, a great goal (service) and a great campus.
They have a "Careers in Dentistry" workshop in July that I am definitely going to apply to. They will let us perform basic practice procedures in their new lab (waxing, etc.). The admissions officer said that the sky is the limit for the procedures that they will introduce.
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