The Very Dental Podcast Network Very Dental: Rethinking Dental Education with Dr. Thom Caspers
Alan interviews Dr. Thom Caspers, a former Seattle-area dentist who now teaches at Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine in Arizona. They discuss the early days of Dentaltown, the transition from private practice to academia, and the unique aspects of Midwestern's dental program, including its focus on the private practice model and comprehensive patient care. They also delve into the challenges and opportunities facing dental students today, including the impact of social media, rising tuition costs, and the evolving landscape of dental technology.
Key Takeaways:
- Dentaltown's Influence: Dentaltown played a crucial role in shaping Thom and Alan's careers and connecting them with other dentists.
- Midwestern's Unique Model: Midwestern's dental program stands out for its private practice model, where students work in suites with experienced faculty, providing comprehensive care to patients. This approach fosters continuity of care, mentorship, and real-world experience.
- Competency-Based Education: Midwestern emphasizes competency-based education. This contrasts with traditional dental schools that often rely on a set number of procedures.
- Financial Realities: Dental students today face significant financial burdens due to rising tuition costs. While Midwestern offers some opportunities for loan forgiveness, many students are drawn to DSOs for their financial incentives.
- Social Media's Impact: Social media presents both challenges and opportunities for dental students. While it can provide valuable information and connections, it can also contribute to anxiety and unrealistic expectations.
- Technology in Dental Education: Midwestern embraces technology, offering students access to CAD/CAM systems for same-day dentistry, but significantly less emphasis on traditional lab work.
- The Changing Student: Thom observes that today's dental students are different from previous generations, with higher levels of anxiety and a preference for technology-driven learning.
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