Business as your undergrad?

[CleverThought]

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Just curious as to the opinions of having Business as an undergrad major for a pre-dent. I've been tentatively toying around with the idea of switching to business, because I have no clue how to run a practice when the time comes.

I'm just curious if you guys think its a practical major, or just good in theory.

 

[Seahawk]

I know some people doing it.

I thought about it....But...

1. I was going to have crazy schedules to get in all the prereqs as well.
2. The classes in a business major at my school that would significantly help you running a small business (according to what others have said) were very few.
3. Tons of dentists start successful PP's going into dental school with little/no business knowledge.

 

[MUSCDMD]

I think it's a great idea if you can get the pre-reqs in. If not, try a business minor. The most common piece of advice dentists have told me is to try and take business courses in undergrad b/c dental school does very little to prepare you for the business aspect of dentistry. I know Columbia has a dual DDS/MBA degree option once you get in there. I think it's probably a 6 year track, though.

 

[MrAvicii]

I think it's a great idea if you can get the pre-reqs in. If not, try a business minor. The most common piece of advice dentists have told me is to try and take business courses in undergrad b/c dental school does very little to prepare you for the business aspect of dentistry. I know Columbia has a dual DDS/MBA degree option once you get in there. I think it's probably a 6 year track, though.

i come from a Finance background, there's absolutely no need for an MBA. (MBAs are for those individuals who plan to work in corporations.) the proper thing to do is to find a very good business manager, accountant and lawyer. Those 3 individuals would help you the most. Even though I have a finance background, I do not plan on making my business plan via DYI to save some $$$, i might make a mistake and hurt myself in the long run.

Just like I dont plan on fixing pipes in my house, instead I call the plumber. 🙂

 

[Bereno]

A business degree wont help you as a dentist; there is not much need for it. A business degree is for those working in corporate America.

If I were you, the best classes to take are a set of accounting classes, along with at least one marketing class, and a managing people class. I am also a business major (in Finance) and have taken more business classes that you can shake a stick at. Out of all of the classes I have taken, the first year basics will be the most helpful (accounting, a marketing class, and a management class). 👍

 

[sacapuntas]

I am a business major, post-bacc student who has worked in small (15 employees) and large (65,000 employees) business for a significant period of time.

I don't remember hardly anything from my undergrad.

Business really is a learn by doing experience in my opinion. You would be wasting time to get a business degree. If you want to learn business, try and get a summer job or internship in a small business of some type where you can learn people management and the basics of money management.

Pay special attention to money coming in versus money going out (accounts payable vs. accounts receivable), how employees are motivated, the proper way to manage issues that your staff will have such as illness, pregnancies, career fulfillment, conflict, and learn the basics of how to attract and most importantly retain clients.

These are the basics that you will only learn about theoretically in a classroom but learn quickly in a real small business.

 

[yappy]

I majored in bio and minored in business. This allowed me to cherry pick good business classes: econ, accounting, finance, small business management, leadership, marketing, and professional sales. All good stuff for a future dentist to know if you ask me.

BUT: bread and butter is bio. I love that stuff.

 

[doc toothache]

Just curious as to the opinions of having Business as an undergrad major for a pre-dent. I've been tentatively toying around with the idea of switching to business, because I have no clue how to run a practice when the time comes.

You want to choose a degree on the off chance that you will gain admission to a professional school?
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=813958