Are you happy with dentistry?

[BBSLM]

I already have a bachelors, but I'm considering returning to undergrad to complete the Pre-Dent track and then applying to dental school.

I've been researching possible careers for the past few months, and I keep coming back to dentistry. There seems to be a prevalent 'grass is greener' mentality in almost every field I've investigated, (MDs wishing they got an MBA, CPAs wishing they were JDs, PharmDs wishing they went DDS/DMD, etc.) that doesnt seem to be as common in dentistry. The dentists Ive shadowed have all claimed to be happy, and they seemed happy. I've seen a few dentists complain that their income is not what they expected, and that buying businesses would have been more profitable for them, but largely dentists seem to be content with their profession. But maybe there's something I'm missing.

Now I understand that this is a self-selecting community and the responses may not be entirely representative of the entire dental community, but I want to get an idea of your general level of satisfaction with their chosen career, and if you could go back in time, would you still choose dentistry? Why or why not? If not, what alternative field (healthcare or otherwise) would you pursue? Do your dentist colleagues share your views?

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[waza]

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[odontologia]

Hi - I'm one of those who took the plunge and completely changed careers from corporate america/business to the dental field and I couldn't be happier. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. The potential in this career is huge and I personally find it very rewarding. Probably the other poster who hates to hear stories from pts. is not a good fit working w/ppl in general, so maybe something in the business world that doesn't deal w/customer service would be best suited for him/her.
Dentistry is very challenging in many ways; procedures, dealing w/pts/staff/peers, growing your bus. if you're a practice owner, etc. but like i said earlier, it's very rewarding. Personally, I am happy in my new career and feel a great sense of pride for having accomplished plenty these last few years. Good luck to you!!

 

[djsux]

BBSLM,

I think you have to be realistic with your expectations within dentistry. I also switched careers from business consulting, and I certainly don't regret the decision to join dentistry.

That being said, I've been out practicing for almost three years, and those first few years can be very important on how you view our profession. You can have varying levels of being busy, making money, free time, rewarding/ fulfilling work, so unfortunately, it depends on who you ask (and where they work).

Ultimately, I think if you're doing it for the right reasons, you'll enjoy it. That being said, all of my colleagues would agree that dentistry is tough. We have all had days where we question why we agree to take on certain patients or procedures. But with time and experience, you can limit those exposures, and you'll find more older dentists who truly enjoy everything they do. It can be physically hard on the body, some teeth (and some patients) can be extremely challenging, and running an office may or may not be what some people want to do. But it's great to be able to help a patient and relieve their discomfort, improve their smile and outlook, etc.

Other professions to look into: pharm, MD, JD, opto, or stay in the same profession you're currently in.

hope this helps a little bit - feel free to pm for more info if you want to know more...

 

[BBSLM]

I'm currently in my final year of dent. studies and I hate it. Like any other career, you will be doing the same thing over and over. What i hate the most about Dentistry is dealing with patients - not that i'm bad at it, rather i find the patients' stories so boring and most of the time (not all) irrelevant. I don't really care whether your daughter is pregnant and your excited or if you're having a bad day. You show sympathy, but as soon as they walk out, you move on with your life...

I always wanted to go into Business, which is what i plan to do after graduating --> practice management.

Hi - I'm one of those who took the plunge and completely changed careers from corporate america/business to the dental field and I couldn't be happier. My only regret is that I didn't do it sooner. Twould be best suited for him/her. he potential in this career is huge and I personally find it very rewarding. Probably the other poster who hates to hear stories from pts. is not a good fit working w/ppl in general, so maybe something in the business world that doesn't deal w/customer service
Dentistry is very challenging in many ways; procedures, dealing w/pts/staff/peers, growing your bus. if you're a practice owner, etc. but like i said earlier, it's very rewarding. Personally, I am happy in my new career and feel a great sense of pride for having accomplished plenty these last few years. Good luck to you!!

Sorry to hear youre not happy, Waza. I hope practice management works out for you.

Good to hear that youre happy, odontologia. I dont think I would mind dealing with patients, as it seems like it would be totally different from traditional customer service, which is diffusing upset customer for problems caused by others. As long as youre good at what you do, theres no reason many customer should be upset with you in Dentistry, correct?

BBSLM,

I think you have to be realistic with your expectations within dentistry. I also switched careers from business consulting, and I certainly don't regret the decision to join dentistry.

That being said, I've been out practicing for almost three years, and those first few years can be very important on how you view our profession. You can have varying levels of being busy, making money, free time, rewarding/ fulfilling work, so unfortunately, it depends on who you ask (and where they work).

Ultimately, I think if you're doing it for the right reasons, you'll enjoy it. That being said, all of my colleagues would agree that dentistry is tough. We have all had days where we question why we agree to take on certain patients or procedures. But with time and experience, you can limit those exposures, and you'll find more older dentists who truly enjoy everything they do. It can be physically hard on the body, some teeth (and some patients) can be extremely challenging, and running an office may or may not be what some people want to do. But it's great to be able to help a patient and relieve their discomfort, improve their smile and outlook, etc.

Other professions to look into: pharm, MD, JD, opto, or stay in the same profession you're currently in.

hope this helps a little bit - feel free to pm for more info if you want to know more...

Thanks for the response. I think my biggest fears are 1) not being able to repay the student loans (either due to not be able to attain an associateship, or failing to run a practice successfully) and 2) accidentally destroying someone mouth on a big procedure. Are these legitimate concerns, or do you think Im just being overly risk adverse?

 

[setdoc7]

Although not specifically called customer service, it is part of the dentist's job to diffuse upset patients, which can happen, for a variety of reasons. That is part of the business aspect of dentistry.

 

[BBSLM]

Although not specifically called customer service, it is part of the dentist's job to diffuse upset patients, which can happen, for a variety of reasons. That is part of the business aspect of dentistry.

Ive worked in a call center doing sales and customer service, and was berated for 9 hours a day due to the incompetence of others. The dentists Ive shadowed had nothing but happy and satisfied patients during the time I was there. Judging from my limited exposure to the field, dentistry seems exponentialy more pleasant than typical customer service work. Dealing with patients in dentistry isnt a significant fear or issue for me.

 

[mike3kgt]

Thanks for the response. I think my biggest fears are 1) not being able to repay the student loans (either due to not be able to attain an associateship, or failing to run a practice successfully) and 2) accidentally destroying someone mouth on a big procedure. Are these legitimate concerns, or do you think Im just being overly risk adverse?

Yes, they are legitimate. #2, however, is less significant because you should seek additional training once you graduate. To hear somebody is doing a full mouth rehab with crown & bridge dentistry right after dental school is a scary thought. Can it be done? Sure, but not for 99% of the average recent dental graduate. Go to Pankey, Dawson, Strupp courses and you'll get the education you need.

#1 is CERTAINLY a serious concern for most dental students these days. Having more than 250k+ of student loans is a big chunk of change that means a 30 year lifetime of monthly payments. Keep your costs down, pick a school with reasonable (or low) total cost of attendance, and don't buy a Porsche the day you graduate.

 

[Mackchops]

I'm only a fourth year so, while I don't yet have "real-world" experience, I can say that I feel very lucky to have found a field I love so much. My motivations for entering dentistry are not so financially centered as so many other dental students' are, but even though I am graduating from one of the most expensive schools in the country I feel confident in my ability to cover my loans and live comfortably while supporting myself and my family. Couple that with a hands-on profession full of limitless toys, engineering possibilities, and patients who truly appreciate what I do for them and I find myself excited to start each day! If you like people, problem-solving, and detailed workmanship then dentistry can be very rewarding.

 

[BBSLM]

Yes, they are legitimate. #2, however, is less significant because you should seek additional training once you graduate. To hear somebody is doing a full mouth rehab with crown & bridge dentistry right after dental school is a scary thought. Can it be done? Sure, but not for 99% of the average recent dental graduate. Go to Pankey, Dawson, Strupp courses and you'll get the education you need.

#1 is CERTAINLY a serious concern for most dental students these days. Having more than 250k+ of student loans is a big chunk of change that means a 30 year lifetime of monthly payments. Keep your costs down, pick a school with reasonable (or low) total cost of attendance, and don't buy a Porsche the day you graduate.

Good to know. Are there any statistics on how often major mishaps happen (e.g., damaging a nerve, cracking a tooth, drilling too deep or something. I have limited exposure to the field, so I really dont even know what exactly could go wrong.)

I'm pretty frugal by nature, so I dont foresee a huge problem as long as I can get a job or open a successful practice.

I'm only a fourth year so, while I don't yet have "real-world" experience, I can say that I feel very lucky to have found a field I love so much. My motivations for entering dentistry are not so financially centered as so many other dental students' are, but even though I am graduating from one of the most expensive schools in the country I feel confident in my ability to cover my loans and live comfortably while supporting myself and my family. Couple that with a hands-on profession full of limitless toys, engineering possibilities, and patients who truly appreciate what I do for them and I find myself excited to start each day! If you like people, problem-solving, and detailed workmanship then dentistry can be very rewarding.

Glad you found a field you love. Based on the bolded part, it sounds like dentistry could be for me too.

 

[ItsGavinC]

SO happy! Can't believe that I get to wake up every day and do what I'm doing. Pedo was a perfect fit for me, and I'm working 3.5 days a week, so not much to complain about at this point!

 

[BBSLM]

SO happy! Can't believe that I get to wake up every day and do what I'm doing. Pedo was a perfect fit for me, and I'm working 3.5 days a week, so not much to complain about at this point!

Judging from you avatar it looks like working with kids is a great fit. Glad you're happy. It seems most are in this profession.

 

[omaralt]

i've worked many different jobs; from landscaper, best buy salesperson, and even post office. i've never been truly happy at a job until dentistry. and i wasnt truly happy in dentistry until i owned my own practice. i do what i want and dont do what i dont. i dont see medicaid or HMO patients. work 4.5 days/week and make a great living. on the flip side some of my classmates dont have the balls to buy a practice and they're miserable working for one of the chains. they work 10 times harder than me for a fraction of what i make

 

[BBSLM]

i've worked many different jobs; from landscaper, best buy salesperson, and even post office. i've never been truly happy at a job until dentistry. and i wasnt truly happy in dentistry until i owned my own practice. i do what i want and dont do what i dont. i dont see medicaid or HMO patients. work 4.5 days/week and make a great living. on the flip side some of my classmates dont have the balls to buy a practice and they're miserable working for one of the chains. they work 10 times harder than me for a fraction of what i make

I've actually heard that before (that those who work for chains are overworked and unhappy.) What % of new DDSs/DMDs immediately open/buy their own practice after dental school/GPR/specialty?

 

[Mackchops]

I'm just a fourth year, but I believe it's very very rare for someone to go out and start up/buy a practice right after d-school. Maybe a little more common after a GPR and certainly more likely after specialty training. Most graduates work as associates for a few years, being miserable and making little money until they learn enough to be comfortable starting their own business.

 

[omaralt]

I'm just a fourth year, but I believe it's very very rare for someone to go out and start up/buy a practice right after d-school. Maybe a little more common after a GPR and certainly more likely after specialty training. Most graduates work as associates for a few years, being miserable and making little money until they learn enough to be comfortable starting their own business.

Ya and unfortunately most people spend too much time in the trenches; being miserable. I bought my practice 6 months after graduation; so it's definitely possible. My situation was very different but it does happen. My advice would be to start looking for practices within a year of working and plan on buying within 2 yes of graduation.

 

[bevoMBA90]

I'm currently in my final year of dent. studies and I hate it. Like any other career, you will be doing the same thing over and over. What i hate the most about Dentistry is dealing with patients - not that i'm bad at it, rather i find the patients' stories so boring and most of the time (not all) irrelevant. I don't really care whether your daughter is pregnant and your excited or if you're having a bad day. You show sympathy, but as soon as they walk out, you move on with your life...

I always wanted to go into Business, which is what i plan to do after graduating --> practice management.

I'm a refugee from dental school. I liked the patients, alright, it was the crown-and-bridge / operative instructors that I hated. After getting colitis in the 3rd year, I opted for an MBA. Same didactic stress, but no clinical and no regrets. As far as I could tell, my class had 5 RN's, 1 judge, about 12 attorneys and 2 dentists. One dentist was getting out of dentistry and became a broker for Goldman-Sachs. (He was going to do the minimum, at a free clinic, to keep his license.) The other was getting his MBA for (bingo!) practice management.
🙂

 

[Stroszeck]

Holy crap you can become a broker at Sachs as a dentist??? Sign me up please! 😀

 

[jk5177]

i find the patients' stories so boring and most of the time (not all) irrelevant. I don't really care whether your daughter is pregnant and your excited or if you're having a bad day.

Interesting, I actually find that to be the most interesting. It is especially true if the patients are sharing genuine life stories. However, sometimes people might share sad stories to manipulate sympathy, hence lower the cost they have to pay, then that is wrong.

 

[jk5177]

SO happy! Can't believe that I get to wake up every day and do what I'm doing. Pedo was a perfect fit for me, and I'm working 3.5 days a week, so not much to complain about at this point!

Thanks.

Here are my sincere questions regarding the pedo specialty, perhaps you can prove me wrong.

But don't you find crying kids so annoying? I like working with kids, it's a great change to the monotony of the day, but I can't imagine having to do that all day long.

Also, do you ever feel that you may be a mill?? Especially for pedo.

 

[ItsGavinC]

Thanks.

Here are my sincere questions regarding the pedo specialty, perhaps you can prove me wrong.

But don't you find crying kids so annoying? I like working with kids, it's a great change to the monotony of the day, but I can't imagine having to do that all day long.

Also, do you ever feel that you may be a mill?? Especially for pedo.

I see 40-70 patients a day and maybe 1-2 of them cry. Some "bad" days I have 4-5 fuss, but many days I have nobody cry at all. I don't count children under 2 into that because it's normal for them to cry. I'm talking about children 2+ that verbally cry.

I've never felt like I'm a mill. I treat my patients well and build relationships with each of them. There are some patients that I only spend 2 minutes with, but they are spending the other 18 minutes with the hygienist or the assistant getting cleaned or radiographs taken, so it isn't like they are sitting in a room all alone.

Pedo is a great profession!

 

[jk5177]

Thanks for following up.