A common question, pharmacy vs dentistry?

[pharmadentist]

Hello Everyone,

So I know this a common question, but I wanted to ask it based on my own situation.

So I am fortunate in the sense that I have a strong application for Dentistry, and I think I could also do good in Pharmacy if I changed my direction. Basically, if I have both options, I want to know which one is better, given my parameters.

I just so happen to live close to one of the best, if not the best Pharmacy schools in the nation (literally walking distance, I used to go to the park on campus to play as a child). Additionally, Pharmacy is just as interesting to me as Dentistry. I can see myself being either one or the other. I have utmost respect for Pharmacists and their vast knowledge on drugs and pharmacology, etc.,

I understand the retail job market is tanked, and the clinical/hospital market, while extremely healthy, requires a PGY 1 residency, which is highly competitive, I am told.

I will also be very honest, money is an important factor. I do desire a strong ROI. In Pharmacy, my goal would be either to pursue a PharmD/PhD or a PharmD/MBA, or maybe just a PharmD and push hard for a residency. My ultimate goal would be academia. From my research, I am content with the salaries of Professors in the Pharmacy world. Additionally, the academic market doesn't seem over saturated, so getting a job shouldn't be an issue (or at least it seems that way).

As for Dentistry, I have worked in research as well as shadowed dentists. I like the field, and consider it a well-respected field of work. Dentistry is extremely broad, so there are a lot of options. While competitive, I think that I have a strong shot at Dental School, so I would ask that this question be answered without taking into account admissions significantly.

Now, I still will talk a little about admissions. In Dentistry, I feel like while I have a strong-shot, there is no guarantee I will be able to stay in my State. That isn't a make or break decision for me, but I love my State and my home, so nothing beats staying in my comfort zone.

In my state, there are at least 4 different Pharm Schools, and many in surrounding states. This means that the probability of getting in "close" to home, is high. Additionally, Pharmacy is significantly quicker than Dentistry (given I can apply as soon as my Pre-Reqs are finished), so that is an aspect of consideration. This is awesome since I don't need to finish a degree and I can start my independent financial life earlier and fully support myself.

A lot of people talk about the element of being called "Doctor". I understand this sentiment and to be honest, would feel respected to be called that in my career. Since I plan on going into academia, I'm not too worried about this. So let's not take this into account either.

I'm the type of individual who wants to make this decision, and stick upon it. Indeed, I'm at a stage in my undergraduate career that my schedule next semester will look significantly different whether I'm Pre-Pharm or Pre-Dental. If I change my mind thereafter, I will have taken a good bit of coursework for no reason (using up a significant portion of my state scholarship money in terms of credit hours, which I need). I feel like I have enough exposure to both fields, so now I want to hear from this community on what the best course of action is.

I'm happy to hear any insight from Dentists and Pharmacists on this. I'd like to kindly ask everyone to just keep this discussion civilized. Both professions deserve utmost respect and there is no reason to make this discussion into something uncivilized or use any vulgar language for anyone or anything. I only make this disclaimer since some similar discussions on SDN and other forums really became nasty, so I don't want that happening here.

I appreciate everyone's time tremendously.

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[GypsyHummus]

The general gist I get from the forums is that pharmacy pay pretty well (120K+) but pharmacists are miserable. If you can stand being miserable for the rest of your life while making great money, I say go for pharm school. As long as you are not completely inept, pharmacy school is rather easy to get into

Dentists on the other hand seem to be much more happy with where they are, however, the high cost of tuition is defiantly something to factor into the Return on Investment. you can bank on 500K in debt total once ur done with dentistry if you don't get into a state school. Dentistry has a much higher ceiling, if you get into your own private practice, you could defiantly be clearing anywhere from 300-500K/year, possibly more. However, a vast majority of Dentists will work as an associate and make somewhere in the 150K range.

 

[pharmadentist]

The general gist I get from the forums is that pharmacy pay pretty well (120K+) but pharmacists are miserable. If you can stand being miserable for the rest of your life while making great money, I say go for pharm school. As long as you are not completely inept, pharmacy school is rather easy to get into

Dentists on the other hand seem to be much more happy with where they are, however, the high cost of tuition is defiantly something to factor into the Return on Investment. you can bank on 500K in debt total once ur done with dentistry if you don't get into a state school. Dentistry has a much higher ceiling, if you get into your own private practice, you could defiantly be clearing anywhere from 300-500K/year, possibly more. However, a vast majority of Dentists will work as an associate and make somewhere in the 150K range.

First off, thank you for the quick and informative answer. I see what you're saying about Pharmacy, but is that applicable to clinical pharmacy and academia as well? On the outside, retail seems pretty cool, but the insider stories are terrifying to say the least.

Once again, I really appreciate your comment, insight and quick reply.

Is Pharmacy school really that easy to get into? Can students with, say 2.8 GPA's get in also? (Those aren't my stats but I'm just trying to determine how "easy" it really is. I've heard of stories with students with these GPA's getting in. Even so, wouldn't these students be getting into expensive private institutions?

The cost of dentistry is a huge factor as well, but given how most of the schools in my state are pretty close to the cost of Pharmacy schools, that aspect isn't as important.

 

[TeethAreMyThing]

Hello Everyone,

So I know this a common question, but I wanted to ask it based on my own situation.

So I am fortunate in the sense that I have a strong application for Dentistry, and I think I could also do good in Pharmacy if I changed my direction. Basically, if I have both options, I want to know which one is better, given my parameters.

I just so happen to live close to one of the best, if not the best Pharmacy schools in the nation (literally walking distance, I used to go to the park on campus to play as a child). Additionally, Pharmacy is just as interesting to me as Dentistry. I can see myself being either one or the other. I have utmost respect for Pharmacists and their vast knowledge on drugs and pharmacology, etc.,

I understand the retail job market is tanked, and the clinical/hospital market, while extremely healthy, requires a PGY 1 residency, which is highly competitive, I am told.

I will also be very honest, money is an important factor. I do desire a strong ROI. In Pharmacy, my goal would be either to pursue a PharmD/PhD or a PharmD/MBA, or maybe just a PharmD and push hard for a residency. My ultimate goal would be academia. From my research, I am content with the salaries of Professors in the Pharmacy world. Additionally, the academic market doesn't seem over saturated, so getting a job shouldn't be an issue (or at least it seems that way).

As for Dentistry, I have worked in research as well as shadowed dentists. I like the field, and consider it a well-respected field of work. Dentistry is extremely broad, so there are a lot of options. While competitive, I think that I have a strong shot at Dental School, so I would ask that this question be answered without taking into account admissions significantly.

Now, I still will talk a little about admissions. In Dentistry, I feel like while I have a strong-shot, there is no guarantee I will be able to stay in my State. That isn't a make or break decision for me, but I love my State and my home, so nothing beats staying in my comfort zone.

In my state, there are at least 4 different Pharm Schools, and many in surrounding states. This means that the probability of getting in "close" to home, is high. Additionally, Pharmacy is significantly quicker than Dentistry (given I can apply as soon as my Pre-Reqs are finished), so that is an aspect of consideration. This is awesome since I don't need to finish a degree and I can start my independent financial life earlier and fully support myself.

A lot of people talk about the element of being called "Doctor". I understand this sentiment and to be honest, would feel respected to be called that in my career. Since I plan on going into academia, I'm not too worried about this. So let's not take this into account either.

I'm the type of individual who wants to make this decision, and stick upon it. Indeed, I'm at a stage in my undergraduate career that my schedule next semester will look significantly different whether I'm Pre-Pharm or Pre-Dental. If I change my mind thereafter, I will have taken a good bit of coursework for no reason (using up a significant portion of my state scholarship money in terms of credit hours, which I need). I feel like I have enough exposure to both fields, so now I want to hear from this community on what the best course of action is.

I'm happy to hear any insight from Dentists and Pharmacists on this. I'd like to kindly ask everyone to just keep this discussion civilized. Both professions deserve utmost respect and there is no reason to make this discussion into something uncivilized or use any vulgar language for anyone or anything. I only make this disclaimer since some similar discussions on SDN and other forums really became nasty, so I don't want that happening here.

I appreciate everyone's time tremendously.

Are you opposed to applying to both? If you feel pretty equally about them, I'd imagine that that could be a deciding factor. For myself, I chose dentistry because of the independence. I like the ability to thrive in private practice, specialize if/when I please, sell my practice or get an associate, and if that all becomes too much - rock it out in the corporate world. I'm assuming having a private pharmacy practice is a little less common. Likewise with dentistry, you can really grind in your early years, put in as many hours as you are comfortable with and be rewarded for it. The possibility of academia is also still there with dentistry although might be less common (not sure). I think you should really think about what kind of lifestyle you want and perhaps shadow some more to get a better feel. In the end, it is completely a personal choice, and advice from others will likely only make the decision more difficult to make. Good luck with whatever you choose, I don't think there is a bad decision to make here, both are very highly respected.

 

[GypsyHummus]

First off, thank you for the quick and informative answer. I see what you're saying about Pharmacy, but is that applicable to clinical pharmacy and academia as well? On the outside, retail seems pretty cool, but the insider stories are terrifying to say the least.

Is Pharmacy school really that easy to get into? I

Sure, no problem

I can only relay to you about clinical pharmacy, as that is where a majority of my friends went. I do not know anyone in academic pharmacy, though a would assume that those pharmacists hate themselves a little less, though, I would imagine there is a little less cash at the end of that road.

Pharmacy school, compared to all the other professional schools (with the exception of law) is the easiest school to get into. We have people with 2.5s getting into pharmacy schools on the message board. That said, getting in and making it through are two different things, and I am sure Pharm school is difficult.

 

[pharmadentist]

Are you opposed to applying to both? If you feel pretty equally about them, I'd imagine that that could be a deciding factor. For myself, I chose dentistry because of the independence. I like the ability to thrive in private practice, specialize if/when I please, sell my practice or get an associate, and if that all becomes too much - rock it out in the corporate world. I'm assuming having a private pharmacy practice is a little less common. Likewise with dentistry, you can really grind in your early years, put in as many hours as you are comfortable with and be rewarded for it. The possibility of academia is also still there with dentistry although might be less common (not sure). I think you should really think about what kind of lifestyle you want and perhaps shadow some more to get a better feel. In the end, it is completely a personal choice, and advice from others will likely only make the decision more difficult to make. Good luck with whatever you choose, I don't think there is a bad decision to make here, both are very highly respected.

Thanks so much TeethAreMyThing. This answer was really helpful. I plan on going into academia either which way. I absolutely love teaching, and like that balance which is inherent in academia. Obviously, things could change, but I don't see myself practising dentistry and being a typical dentist as opposed to being a professor. I guess in terms of lifestyle, I want to be able to provide for a family, take vacations, not to be too stressed out, have the ability to give to charity, etc.,

Applying to both is an option, but taking the PCAT + DAT would be way too much for me personally. Additionally, the pre-reqs have reached the middle of the road at the stage I'm at, so no more do I have the liberty to continue on the path and fulfill reqs for both fields.

You're completely right about it being a personal choice. It's literally ripping me apart. You're very correct - both are good professions and will come to good decisions either way.

I wish you all the best on your dental journey. I'm glad to know you've found your nag and your going in with that passion. That's the most important thing. Thanks again for your answer and insight.

 

[pharmadentist]

Sure, no problem

I can only relay to you about clinical pharmacy, as that is where a majority of my friends went. I do not know anyone in academic pharmacy, though a would assume that those pharmacists hate themselves a little less, though, I would imagine there is a little less cash at the end of that road.

Pharmacy school, compared to all the other professional schools (with the exception of law) is the easiest school to get into. We have people with 2.5s getting into pharmacy schools on the message board. That said, getting in and making it through are two different things, and I am sure Pharm school is difficult.

That's very true. I'm very glad to have gotten your insight. I would hate to be miserable on my job, and if clinical is what I want to do (I hardly consider retail an option anymore with the current job market), then I don't want to push through school with the end being a stressful and miserable career. People in my family who have, in my opinion, "made it" always tell me to push for a career where you can have a lot of independence and no one on top of you bossing you around. I don't want to go to school and work really hard only to end up in a situation where I loose my independence and quality of life. Your response was really really helpful as some food for thought. Many thanks again.

 

[pharmadentist]

That's very true. I'm very glad to have gotten your insight. I would hate to be miserable on my job, and if clinical is what I want to do (I hardly consider retail an option anymore with the current job market), then I don't want to push through school with the end being a stressful and miserable career. People in my family who have, in my opinion, "made it" always tell me to push for a career where you can have a lot of independence and no one on top of you bossing you around (in a disrespectful way). I don't want to go to school and work really hard only to end up in a situation where I loose my independence and quality of life. Your response was really really helpful as some food for thought. Many thanks again.

 

[TeethAreMyThing]

Thanks so much TeethAreMyThing. This answer was really helpful. I plan on going into academia either which way. I absolutely love teaching, and like that balance which is inherent in academia. Obviously, things could change, but I don't see myself practising dentistry and being a typical dentist as opposed to being a professor. I guess in terms of lifestyle, I want to be able to provide for a family, take vacations, not to be too stressed out, have the ability to give to charity, etc.,

You're completely right about it being a personal choice. It's literally ripping me apart. You're very correct - both are good professions and will come to good decisions either way.

I wish you all the best on your dental journey. I'm glad to know you've found your nag and your going in with that passion. That's the most important thing. Thanks again for your answer and insight.

Sure thing, glad I could help. It took some serious introspecting to arrive at my decision, as I'm sure it does for others. I believe most people start to find their niche and the choice becomes more clear. It comes down to really analyzing all aspects of your choices and seeing what feels best. I've always had pretty good luck with a simple pros/cons lists comparing a few things (might be too cheesy for you!). It sounds like you have some time to decide so just stay the course, keep your grades and extracurricular activity up and don't let it rip you apart any longer! And thanks for your kind words!

Also, if you're so set on teaching, have you considered a Ph.D instead?

 

[pharmadentist]

Sure thing, glad I could help. It took some serious introspecting to arrive at my decision, as I'm sure it does for others. I believe most people start to find their niche and the choice becomes more clear. It comes down to really analyzing all aspects of your choices and seeing what feels best. I've always had pretty good luck with a simple pros/cons lists comparing a few things (might be too cheesy for you!). It sounds like you have some time to decide so just stay the course, keep your grades and extracurricular activity up and don't let it rip you apart any longer! And thanks for your kind words!

Also, if you're so set on teaching, have you considered a Ph.D instead?

I see where you're coming from. I'm going to take that advice and try to do pro/cons list as well. Haha, I don't think that's cheesy at all, and even so, if it works, it works! I guess my main concern is that I'm at that stage where I have to take some Pre-Pharmacy courses next semester, which don't count for my degree nor Pre-Dentistry. By the same token, it's the same scenario if I go down the dental route. So, I do want to make a decision soon, otherwise, it's going to cost me a good bit. I'm fortunate to have had months and months to think about both options, but I haven't progressed that far. Now that things have become "real" in terms of making a decision, it definitley is getting to me!

I definitely considered the PhD route, however, I am fortunate to have been involved in a dental research group, as well as had much exposure to academia in health care. If you have ever been in these environments, you'll see that a professional degree, be it a MD, DO, DPM, PharmD, DVM, or whatever, along with a PhD, gives you tremendous leverage in academia. Additionally, academia isn't always the most stable, and you have that option to revert back to private practice and not be at the mercy of the job market so much so as a normal PhD would. Finally, while I love teaching, I want to do a bit of clinical practice since just observing dentists and pharmacists makes me exited. So I think doing a professional degree + the PhD is the best way to go from my experience.

Thanks again for the advice though. I'm making the intention that I'm going to sit with myself this weekend and do a pros and cons list, and put some deep thought into it like you suggested. I really appreciate your input -definitley helps

 

[escanoke]

How different are the pre-reqs? I'd assumed that 80% is identical, mostly the sciences anyways and to be honest waiting an extra year to finish of pre-reqs IF you were to change your mind at the last second and pursue the "other" option isn't that big of a deal IMO. 22-24 I felt that I really gained a lot of maturity.

As for pharmacy, yes it's the easier professional schools to get into but they don't dumb down the curriculum so you can't breeze through.

I'm in my first semester of a accelerated program and it's not that bad. I like to compare it to like wading in water. You can't really stop and there's always things to do for work.

I say going the dentist route would be a safer bet in terms of earning potential, autonomy, and flexibility.

With pharmacy ask yourself, if I can't get that academic job that you wish to have, are you okay with possibly working retail for a temporary period of time (which could be anywhere from 1-5yrs) and maybe out of your home state?


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[pharmadentist]

How different are the pre-reqs? I'd assumed that 80% is identical, mostly the sciences anyways and to be honest waiting an extra year to finish of pre-reqs IF you were to change your mind at the last second and pursue the "other" option isn't that big of a deal IMO. 22-24 I felt that I really gained a lot of maturity.

As for pharmacy, yes it's the easier professional schools to get into but they don't dumb down the curriculum so you can't breeze through.

I'm in my first semester of a accelerated program and it's not that bad. I like to compare it to like wading in water. You can't really stop and there's always things to do for work.

I say going the dentist route would be a safer bet in terms of earning potential, autonomy, and flexibility.

With pharmacy ask yourself, if I can't get that academic job that you wish to have, are you okay with possibly working retail for a temporary period of time (which could be anywhere from 1-5yrs) and maybe out of your home state?


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Thanks for the reply and insight. So I've already finished up the majority of my social-science core (required) courses at my university. For Pharmacy, I need to take Economics, Calculus, Statistics, and Communication. For Pre-Dental or my major, none of these courses are absolutely required. These are essentially 12 hours which mean nothing to any singular degree and will take up space and time in my own degree track. If I choose Pharmacy, I go in with the intent to apply without finishing my B.S. degree.

The issue is that I'm on a state supported scholarship, which will go dry after 127 credit hours. I can use them on Pre-Pharmacy courses, but that'll be deviating from any degree since no degree at my university has that structure.

I'm sure in my career that I may have to, or choose to move, and there are various places I can see myself working outside of my state if I can't find a job at any university in state. However, I guess what you're trying to say is that many things can happen, like I may not get a residency, or not go down the PhD route, which will hurt my chances in academia. While retail pharmacy seems awesome everytime I walk through a pharmacy store or watch videos about it, the insider stories and accounts from pharmacists and pharm techs seems miserable. I don't think I'd be too happy about it.

However, if I do choose Pharmacy, I will push hard to try to get that residency and make sure to broaden my options so I can get into academia. So, the debate remains for me.

Thanks for your insight. I really appreciate it.

 

[Henry Killinger]

I really think you should shadow both and go from there, even if it's only for a day each. They are very different and require a different personality, and you need to gauge that yourself before you consider other pros and cons or you'll be left throwing darts into a dark room.

 

[Buck-E-Badger]

.

 

[Mason91]

I don't know about clinical and academia fields but working as a retail pharmacist sounds very very boring. Plus, isn't pharmacy really saturated because of the new private schools?
"Employment of pharmacists in traditional retail settings is projected to decline as mail order and online pharmacy sales increase."
"The number of pharmacy schools has grown in recent years, creating more pharmacy school graduates and therefore more competition for jobs." - Bureau of labor statistics http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Pharmacists.htm#tab-6
Pharmacy, to me, could be one of those jobs that can be affected/replaced significantly by automation/machines in near future.
But I guess it all depends on what YOU want to do.

 

[pharmadentist]

I really think you should shadow both and go from there, even if it's only for a day each. They are very different and require a different personality, and you need to gauge that yourself before you consider other pros and cons or you'll be left throwing darts into a dark room.

Thanks for your reply, I really appreciate it. I have shadowed a dental practice for many hours, and plan on doing a bit in Pharmacy in the future. I have observed Pharmacists, but again, that doesn't tell as much as shadowing does. Thanks for the helpful insight.

 

[pharmadentist]

I don't know about clinical and academia fields but working as a retail pharmacist sounds very very boring. Plus, isn't pharmacy really saturated because of the new private schools?
"Employment of pharmacists in traditional retail settings is projected to decline as mail order and online pharmacy sales increase."
"The number of pharmacy schools has grown in recent years, creating more pharmacy school graduates and therefore more competition for jobs." - Bureau of labor statistics http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Pharmacists.htm#tab-6
Pharmacy, to me, could be one of those jobs that can be affected/replaced significantly by automation/machines in near future.
But I guess it all depends on what YOU want to do.

That's true. And you're right, the Pharmacy market seems to be extremely saturated, with new schools opening up constantly it seems. On the same token though, opening up a Pharmacy school is a business because students will not stop applying and these schools can easily fill up their seats. It would be nice to see Pharmacy schools open up with cheap tuition, but that isn't seeming to happen. I saw the tuition for one relative new Pharmacy school, Chapman, a tuition alone for the first two years is around 70K...Can you believe that? 70K for Pharmacy School!!! But people apply and the class fills, so there's no incentive to bring that down.

 

[pharmadentist]

P1 (attending a top pharmacy program) that is currently applying to dental programs here. Unless you absolutely love pharmacy and drug interactions, I would go into something else. Even then I would reconsider pharmacy. In school I keep hearing professors and distinguished speakers talking about how great their experiences in ambulatory care/clinical settings/etc. are because they have earned liberties that not many pharmacists receive. An example of this would be prescribing authority for a narrow range of drugs or running a diabetes clinic, i.e. very basic things that physicians wouldn't sweat about. The underlying theme I keep seeing is that pharmacists keep having to take on remedial responsibilities to maintain their place in healthcare and even then they are usually treated as low-tier providers by both nurses and physicians. I won't go into the job market besides saying that it is awful and that even if you were willing to go straight into retail (where the decent money is) that retail is described by many as Hell. Being in pharmacy school for the past month and a half has only further solidified my choice to pursue a career in dentistry.

Also you mentioned wanting to go into academia. If this is the case, you shouldn't be wasting your time or money on a professional degree, but should rather look into a Ph.D. program in the field you're most interested in.

This is a very important reply and I really appreciate you taking out time to write it. I would definitely congratulate you on your achievement to get into a top Pharmacy school, but also your decision to do what is best for you ultimately. This post is a great eye opener, and it is very helpful. Thank you.

As for academia, I want to know that I have the option to leave it and go back into clinical practice. I shadowed a dentist enough to know that I could see myself doing that. Teaching in a clinical setting would also be pretty cool I think.

But really, thanks again. This made me look at pharmacy from yet another angle, and definitely helps in making my decision. I only wish you the best in getting into dental school!

 

[Mason91]

That's true. And you're right, the Pharmacy market seems to be extremely saturated, with new schools opening up constantly it seems. On the same token though, opening up a Pharmacy school is a business because students will not stop applying and these schools can easily fill up their seats. It would be nice to see Pharmacy schools open up with cheap tuition, but that isn't seeming to happen. I saw the tuition for one relative new Pharmacy school, Chapman, a tuition alone for the first two years is around 70K...Can you believe that? 70K for Pharmacy School!!! But people apply and the class fills, so there's no incentive to bring that down.

That's the problem. There are many students who want to be a pharmacist, of course. It's a decent career. But that doesn't mean there should be more schools opening up to meet the demand of pre-pharm students! The matriculating stats are getting lower and lower each year and basically, it means more pharmacy schools (private schools, of course) are accepting unqualified students (compared to the past). It's a big problem to the point where some overly qualified pharm students are looking into other slightly "better" options such as dentistry and optometry. If you go to their forum, there are some threads talking about the over-saturation and the lowering of standards. I've seen many sub 3.0 GPAs getting accepted to pharm schools and it really tempted me at one point, but I really want to be a dentist over pharmacist so I didn't go into it.

 

[pharmadentist]

That's the problem. There are many students who want to be a pharmacist, of course. It's a decent career. But that doesn't mean there should be more schools opening up to meet the demand of pre-pharm students! The matriculating stats are getting lower and lower each year and basically, it means more pharmacy schools (private schools, of course) are accepting unqualified students (compared to the past). It's a big problem to the point where some overly qualified pharm students are looking into other slightly "better" options such as dentistry and optometry. If you go to their forum, there are some threads talking about the over-saturation and the lowering of standards. I've seen many sub 3.0 GPAs getting accepted to pharm schools and it really tempted me at one point, but I really want to be a dentist over pharmacist so I didn't go into it.

Well said. It's a really good career, but from the start, I knew that retail wouldn't be an option, and clinical probably isn't the best way to spend my life in the long run. In my area, whenever I do a job search, I come across a lot of part time or floater positions in Pharmacy. That's not the job stability that I want to aim for. I hope dentistry works out for you and I wish you the best in your career! Thanks for your insight!

 

[Henry Killinger]

Well said. It's a really good career, but from the start, I knew that retail wouldn't be an option, and clinical probably isn't the best way to spend my life in the long run. In my area, whenever I do a job search, I come across a lot of part time or floater positions in Pharmacy. That's not the job stability that I want to aim for. I hope dentistry works out for you and I wish you the best in your career! Thanks for your insight!

That is what the overwhelming majority of pharmacists do. And from what I gather, you really jive with dentistry based on your shadowing experience.

I know what's going on.... that nearby pharmacy school is poking you.... tempting you..... "come here baby...."

 

[dentalcpa90]

I wouldn't count on pharmacy academia. I foresee pharmacy schools closing down soon and the college bubble popping in future (many colleges will have to be forced to close or go lean).

I wouldn't do dentistry either unless you really love it and have what it takes open a successful practice.

 

[pharmadentist]

That is what the overwhelming majority of pharmacists do. And from what I gather, you really jive with dentistry based on your shadowing experience.

I know what's going on.... that nearby pharmacy school is poking you.... tempting you..... "come here baby...."

Man, I'm telling you that's exactly what is happening. You got me - it's no joke. I have to pass by that school every day on the way home from college and trust me, it's so tempting. I don't know what to do! Haha, your post just made my day because of how accurate it was.

 

[personalstatementsbyeric]

Actually not a common question. Hands down Dental School. No doubt.

 

[pharmadentist]

I wouldn't count on pharmacy academia. I foresee pharmacy schools closing down soon and the college bubble popping in future (many colleges will have to be forced to close or go lean).

I wouldn't do dentistry either unless you really love it and have what it takes open a successful practice.

I appreciate the insight. I'm committed to Dental academia. Pharmacy academia like you said may be tougher - unless I can get into a competitive residency and then do a PGY 2.

 

[pharmadentist]

Actually not a common question. Hands down Dental School. No doubt.

Thanks for your reply. I'm leaning to that a bit more now.