Misr- I know ppl at both schools, and both have about the same reaction. They all feel overworked (b/c they are), they all sometimes have good things to say and sometimes have bad things to say about their programs, they all feel that they are well-trained general dentists when they are done. (I used some notes from UDM to study for my boards- they were good). The Umich name might go a little farther once you graduate, if you do plan on doing research, academia, or a specialty program. But if your plan is to be a great general dentist, then either one should be fine. If they are both neck-and-neck in your decision making process, don't forget about the other things: the city, living expenses, community, etc. If I were in your shoes, I'd pick Umich without hesitation, but I'm a big fan of the Blue! If you want to ask ppl currently enrolled in either program specific questions, drop me a line. I'd be happy to put you in touch with them.

I have to say that all of you guys have given great suggestions. I wish this was available to me when I applied to dental school. Most importantly is to realize that dentistry is a spectacular profession. It has done very well for me and I take it upon myself to give back through the alumni fund to help those upcoming students attain the best possible education. Realize that the quality of your education is priceless. How well you are trained, and the motivation from your instructors will set a strong foundation for your future success. Again, dont conform to the masses. In order for you to stand out, you have to take the initiative.
Regarding U of Detroit vs. U of Mich. I believe both are great schools. Ultimately, its what you put into your education that will make the difference. I have spent countless hours outside of class-time trying to excel beyond my traditional curriculum. Rather than learning at a general dental level, I use to attend lectures given to the specialty residents. Again, social life comes second to your education. Your education is not cheap and its important to value it. We should all be blessed to even have this opportunity to consider such a profession.

What are your thoughts on U of Mich versus U of Detroit Mercy? I'm from Michigan and those are my choices if I decide on staying in state. What do you guys think??

I worked at Umich for a year, and strongly considered going there (and sometimes regret not going there). They have a very solid clinical program and also good opportunities to do research if that's your thing, but they don't require research. They also have some wonderful professors, whom I've worked with, that really care about the students' learning. If you know you want to specialize, Harvard and UConn are good options (but if you are really considering Harvard, please send me an email and we'll chat. It is a non-traditional program and doesn't work for everyone). You can also specialize out of Umich (as I think Nadeemdds did) but you have to be top 10% of your class of 150. Life situation may also dictate what type of curriculum you choose: a traditional curriculum (like Umich and most other schools) requires much more out of you b/c of the competition and clinical requirements. A pass/fail system allows you more leeway in terms of having a personal life, etc. Other schools that I looked at and liked were: Columbia, UPenn, and UCLA. If you're interested in community service, the state schools generally have more options. Lastly, you have to consider the city that you'll be living in. Is it safe? Is housing/living affordable? Do you prefer big city or smaller city? Is there a community (religious or cultural) that you can enmesh with, if that is important to you? Are there halal and/or ethnic grocers closeby? Is the dental school on the main campus or at a more remote location? Can you handle winters or would you do better in SoCal? You should make a list of these things and when you go for interviews, make note of what you did and did not like about the schools. It is as much a time for you to check out the schools as it is for them to check you out. But in the end, I do concur w/ Nadeemdds, Umich is a great school that will provide you with stellar training. Ann Arbor is a nice city- I just needed to get away b/c I did my undergrad there and needed a change of pace and scenery. All the best- feel free to shoot me an email if you have specific Q's.

I attended the University of Michigan School of Dentistry. I loved it. I thought the curriculum was so well structured both didatically and clinically. Realize that dental school will only teach you a fraction of what you will know 5 years out. Dont focus on volume but focus on attaining a good foundation and a strong knowledge base. Once your in pratice, the patients will come. Regarding your interviews, they loved when I mentioned that dentistry is a combination of an art and science. Also, if your thinking of specializing, dont mention that at your interview. Your objective is to first be a general dentist. I was on the admissions committee for a while and I have seen so many qualified students cut their own legs from under them. Again, confidence is key but with tact. Overall, I would highly recommend the University of Michigan to anyone interested in attaining a quality dental education. Its reputation speaks for itself. Look for consistency and a school with a track record.