Advice For The Future!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Seeker of Truth]

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Hey guys,

I am currently battling whether or not I should change careers paths to Dentistry. I have a B.S. in Accounting and an MBA but never enjoyed a second of it. I have always enjoyed the sciences and originally set out to be a doctor but chickened out because of the length of school. So here I am at 26 and starting all over. My questions are:

#1 At my age and financial background, do you think it is wise to have such a drastic change in careers? I would have to take all my science pre-reqs. I know that the decision boils down to me but I just want the opinion of people who have been there.

#2 How rewarding is dentistry? My love is to help people and have the satisfaction of making someone’s life a little easier each day. In my current field, there is none of that.

#3 How does the Loan Forgiveness program work? I heard that the government will payback your loans but you have to commit a certain # of years to them. I just want to know can I choose from a list of places (cities) I want to go to or is it random?

#4 How stressful is dentistry school for married couples? I am a newly wed and I hear that divorce rates for couples in dentistry school are out of control.


I have talked with other dentist and everyone I talked to seems to want to get out of this field as quickly as possible because of the stress with HMO’s and employment problems. Sometimes when talking with them, it kind of extinguishes my desire to pursue this. I could really use some construction advice. I know this is a lot but thanks!!

SOT

 

[Dr.Jamie]

i think that if you feel a desire to do it, do it! You are not happy with your career, and you're only 26. Can you imagine 26 more years of it?
My uncle is a dentist, and he has never once tried to persuade me out of dentistry. I've talked to many other dentists that have been very happy as well.
You should just talk it over with your wife, and see how she feels. I think the biggest problem with marriages in dental school is when the spouse didn't want the other to start dental school to begin with. I would think being at a job you hate would bring more stress to a marriage.
Good Luck

 

[Ex_EE]

I also chickened out because of the time commitment and went into engineering. So, I had to take all of my science prereqs and I started when I was 27. So, here I am now starting D-school at 29. So, to answer your questions:
1. Yes I think it is a good idea. It is a little frustrating how long it will take, but worth it.
2. I have seen first hand how grateful some people are when they get their teeth fixed, or dentures so they can eat, so yes dentistry is rewarding.
3. I wouldn't worry about the loan forgiveness at this point. If you get into one of the cheaper public schools your loans may not be that bad. You will make enough money to pay them back.
4. I hope the divorce rate is not that high. I have been married 8 years and have 2 kids. I think it will be harder as a newlywed, but it will actually be a few years until you start school. Just make sure your wife understands how invovled dental school is. Also, once school is over you can actually have more family time than other professions.

I also agree with Dr.Jamie that having a job that doesn't make you happy will cause more stress.