if Dentists WERE NOT paid well, would you still want to be one?

Smooth Operater · Sep 3, 2004

I've been struggling to answer this question myself. Let's say if dentists earn around what average joes earn, would you still pursue dentistry while knowing that you wouldl end up with huge amount debt after dental school? Be "HONEST" guys. 🙂

BiteWing · Sep 3, 2004

Smooth Operater said:
I've been struggling to answer this question myself. Let's say if dentists earn around what average joes earn, would you still pursue dentistry while knowing that you wouldl end up with huge amount debt after dental school? Be "HONEST" guys. 🙂

Of course not. I'd probably go into education...you can't beat the time off.

busupshot83 · Sep 3, 2004

trypmo · Sep 3, 2004

Well, if dentists didn't earn as much as they do, dental school couldn't be so expensive because nobody would be able to afford to go.* So in the hypothetical situation I think it only makes sense to say that dental schools would cost on average about as much as college or grad school.

*EDIT: and actually, no lender in its right mind would give you the money for school if your earning prospects were so low.

Sprgrover · Sep 3, 2004

That is a VERY good question. I know one of the many reasons why I didn't go into the world of academia (and I stress 'one of many') is the fact that I would come out with a mountain of debt and earn an income that would, at best, levitate above the poverty line. Of course there were a lot of other draw backs that I found even less attractive. With that aside, I would have to say yes, I would still go into dentistry. Honestly, before I was even aware of income levels of dentists, I was drawn to it as it was one of the few remaining healthcare professions in which I could more or less work for myself. As far as money, yes, I am looking forward to a comfortable income but I know my house will never be showcased on the cover of the DuPont Registry or the Robb Report. If I did I would have set my sights instead on real-estate or clawing my way up a corporate ladder. Good question...

Mo007 · Sep 3, 2004

🙄 - I see a confused OP.

I will not be surprised if most people vote "no". But this poll is pointless, other factors like "life-style" and owning your own "business" is as good as the "$$$$" of why people choose dentistry. I treat all 3 factors equal... can't leave one and take the other 2. 😀

Dr.SpongeBobDDS · Sep 3, 2004

exactly what I was thinking, trypmo. If dentists didn't earn more than the average joe there would be no dentists at all. Nobody is going to invest 8 yrs of their life and ~$500,000 in an education and practice just to make $30,000/yr. Just not going to happen; the opportunity costs are too high. No matter how philanthropic you think are there are limits to what is realistic.

3rdMolarRoller · Sep 3, 2004

If a dental education was 4 years total and cost $20k total...i would work for $45k a year

The fact that even a state school cost over a total $110k avg and you have to spend 8 years studying...$45k does not cut it ($45k is the avg household income)

UBTom · Sep 3, 2004

I am in agreement with my colleagues... If one has to go to school for 8 years and rack up hundreds of thousands of dollars of debt with no prospect of paying it off, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that nobody will do it. 😀

fruity_trident · Sep 3, 2004

when i was young and naive (and still am) i wanted to become an MD...now GP's don't make that much $$...so i didn't care too much cuz i figured daddy would pay for everything

i realized that i'd much rather go into dentistry for many more aspects aside (from its pay) b/c i didn't think too much about that...since daddy does the finances...lol.

but it's tough if u go to a private school and make only average...cuz it'll be a b*tch to pay it off.

but i can't imagine myself in any other kinda of occupation aside from science-service-health profession.
if i did business...i don't think i'd like it as much. i'd much rather make a modest amount and be happy, compared to making much more and being stressed out & hating my job

msf41 · Sep 3, 2004

I wouldn't do it for less than $50,000/yr. Consider the work hours, autonomy, own business, helping people feel better it would still be a great career. I also like the idea of the stability of healthcare. My dad has worked for over a dozen different corporations over the course of his career. I want someplace to settle down and call home, and never worry about having enough money to live on. 🙂

if Dentists WERE NOT paid well, would you still want to be one?

if Dentists WERE NOT paid well, would you still want to be one?

yes

no

Smooth Operater

don't bug "operatEr"!

BiteWing

Membership Revoked

busupshot83

S.D.N. Vet

trypmo

Arch Fiend

Sprgrover

Pulped out Moderator

Mo007

Gifted Hands

Dr.SpongeBobDDS

Senior Member

3rdMolarRoller

User Account Deleted

UBTom

Class '04 official geezer

fruity_trident

in lala land

msf41

AADSAS = rip off

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