What are the best things about attending the University of Utah School of Dentistry?

One of the best parts about attending the UUSOD is the small class size. There are 50 students or less in each graduating class, so it is easy to become close friends with everyone. Also, due to the smaller size, we aren’t formally ranked. However, our GPA is tracked. If rank is required by a residency program, the student can request a Dean’s letter to be written on behalf of the student. The letter will state what percentage of the class the student represents. For example, “John Smith is in the top 1% of the Class of 20xx” (or top 5%, top 10%, etc). The school believes that the lack of an external rank makes classes less competitive, and as a student, I have to agree. My class, and others, help each other by sharing a google drive, flash cards, study helps, and tips. Every class has its gunners, but here at the U, people are helping each other instead of hindering each other. For those that want to specialize, they set themselves apart by striving to be in the top 1% of the class. They will vie for club leadership positions, do externships, research, shadow, etc. It almost feels just like undergrad again where you have to do anything to set yourself apart. With all that said though, the school tries to ensure that it is healthy competition.

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What are the worst things about attending University of Utah School of Dentistry?

Commuting can be a hassle, as well as parking. Some students have had to go as far as parking their cars in local store parking lots, and cycling through the different stores each day hoping they don't get ticketed. There is some student housing which is within walking distance to the school and it's relatively inexpensive. Although we are not ranked, we still get a GPA which ends up being important for specializing. So it is stressful to get A’s in all of your classes, especially the large classes that are 8-13 credits for one letter grade. There are a lot of students that want to end up in the top 10% and very few can actually fill those spots. It can be very stressful keeping up with clinic and lab requirements while maintaining a good GPA to specialize.

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What do students need to know/what do you wish you knew before attending University of Utah School of Dentistry?

I think it’s important to consider more than just the price of the school tuition, but also the cost of living, commute to school, etc. For me, the U has been good in these regards. It’s decent tuition, relatively cheap cost of living, a 5 minute walk to school for me and many other students living in student housing, and the area is safe. If you aren't vying for the top GPAs to specialize, you are able to have some social life outside of school.

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