University at Buffalo

From Student Doctor Network Wiki

1) Name of Your Dental School

University at Buffalo SDM

2) What is your examination schedule like? Block Schedule (midterms and finals week) or several every week?

Each class will have 2-4 exams throughout a semester and some have several quizzes up to one a week. Each class schedules exams independently (and we can reschedule as a class if one isn't convenient), but it usually ends up happenig that we have two weeks of midterms and two weeks of finals since most classes end up giving exams at the same time. There is rarely a week without at least one exam, but they do happen throughout a semester.

3) What is the hardest class? Why?

So far for me, gross anatomy because though I could memorize all the structures and feel that I knew it, the human body is just way too subjective and variable to have an exam on it. We only had practical exams for gross; not written.

4) What is the easiest class? Why?

Probably dental anatomy or the "dentistry in general classes" (the profession, community dentistry, etc.) But I just started my second year, so I may have to answer this again later.

5) Are your classmates generally gunners and try to sabatoge each other? If not, is the culture one where everybody tries to help everybody out?

Not at all. It's common to show and tell exam scores and GPA, but it's more to check how you are and to vent about one exam or another. Classmates are always getting together to study and are glad to answer each other's questions. I personally choose to study alone, but that's just how I do best. No one seems to fail out of school who honestly wants to give it his/her all. If you do more poorly than the administration wants to see, they're much more likely to let you repeat the year than to kick you out (there's even a therapist/social worker hired just for dental student needs)

6) Are the class notes based primarily on textbooks? or based on lecture powerpoints made up by professors?

Almost all are based on powerpoints or other notes the profs write. There are probably only 2-3 classes a semester where it's helpful to read the books.

7) Are there any classes taken with medical students? If so, which ones?

At the beginning of your first semester you take all gross anatomy lectures and half the semester of histo lectures with them.

8) What is the grading system? Pass/Fail/Honors? Letter Grades? Percentages?

Letter grades with no +/-

9) Is there a notetaking service for lecture available?

Not a formal one. Many lectures are recorded (audio or video), or you just get notes from a friend or read the powerpoints on your own.

10) Is class attendance mandatory?

Many, many students skip classes every so often. Some get into the bad habit of not going at all when we get into exams, but it ends up usually kicking you in the a$$. Officially attendance is required by the administration so you don't want to brag that you're skipping, but as long as you can catch up on your own, no one will know. Some profs do take attendance though, in which case exceeding the minimum number they allow will drop you a letter grade.

11) In general, are teachers approachable for questions? Or are they for the most part very busy and unreachable (research, etc...)?

I have never been denied a question, though I tend to e-mail mine so that they can get to them at their leisure (usually within 24 hours.) Profs usually enjoy when you visit them in their offices since few students do! Some of the more spacey ones may require 2 e-mails, but even the unapproachable/grumpy ones will always answer your questions.

12) Is there a big brother/big sister program that pairs you with an upperclassman or professor who "mentors" you?

Yup! You get your "big" during orientation.

13) What is the % first time board pass rate? What is the average score?

No idea....sorry!

14) When do you take the NDBE? 1st year or second year?

Summer after second year

15) Do you get a block of time off before boards to study? If so, how long? If not, do you have to study simultaneously with classes?

You take a board review course at the end of second year and can schedule when you want to take the boards.

16) Do most people study in the University Library? Or does the place clear out right after school and everybody studies on their own?

Most of the class studies at the Health Sciences Library, but I always study at home. Some people also study in the dental student lounge and during lunch. The library has a really nice central reading room that was part of the original structure (maybe 150 years old?) that has a high ceiling, carved wood, reading lights, etc. There are also private carrels.

17) Are patients readily available to fulfill clinical requirements or do you have to do a lot of work to get them in?

I haven't heard a problem with this from the upperclassmen, but you'd have to speak to a 3rd or 4th year to be sure.

18) Is it a hassle to get a chair once you get patients in? In your opinion, does your school have enough chairs?

Buffalo is one of few schools that gives ALL third and fourth year students their own operatories. It's your very own chair (with a name plate and everything) so you never are waiting in line with a patient!)

19) What are the clinical requirements to graduate? (number of crowns, fillings, etc...) Is it reasonably attainable or pretty difficult?

You'll have to ask an upperclassman about this.

20) Are there opportunities for different off-site dental clinic rotations? If so, what are they?

I believe there are rotations at a local children's hospital as well as other hospitals in the area. You can choose a "minor" in your fourth year, so if you want to do pedo i think you're sent out more.

21) Are there opportunites for outreach trips to underserved areas or countries? If so, what are they and for how long?

There is BOCA which sends out students anually mainly to central and south america. Also, you have to do an externship between third and fourth year, usually to an underdeveloped country or underserved US areas. Those are usually 2 weeks, I think.

22) Is there sufficent preparation for practice management? What career placement opportunites does your school offer?

There are intro to the profession and community dentistry courses in the first year...not sure about later on, but I have heard that there are some offered in fourth year.

23) What is the dress code at your school? Scrubs? For what years?

If you are in clinic, preclin, or gross lab you must wear either scrubs (color/scrubs of your choice) or dress clothes with a white lab coat. Understandably, most students wear scrubs. They only provide you with your gross scrubs, so all others you have to buy. I'mFillingFine is online now Report Post Digg This Del.icio.us Reply With Quote