Can't stand "The" dentist statistic

[Hawkeye7685]

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So last night I got what I assume is a pretty regular thing for anybody who is considering being or is already a dentist. I mentioned my ambitions and the person I was talking to said "Dentist? Don't they have the highest rate of suicide for any job?" I've stood by quietly when many many people have quoted me this statistic and I'm tired of it. So I was wondering if anybody had any statistics about other professions such as MD or anything else that I can throw back at these people. Lately I've been saying that the other 99.995% of dentists who don't kill themselves are happy and have nice houses and puppies named Sparky.

 

[PDizzle]

I have to say this is one of most popular myths around and not sure how it got started. Well, it's not true first of all. I think it was white policeman that were #1. And second of all,...who cares??

If you know anything about the subject, you will know that almost all suicides past the age of 25 are due to mental illness of some kind, treated or untreated.

If you want to throw something back at MD's just give them the old, "I'll be making twice the $ in half the hours you work with the added bonus of not putting my finger up someone's butt 15 x's a day!!"

 

[supraman]

So last night I got what I assume is a pretty regular thing for anybody who is considering being or is already a dentist. I mentioned my ambitions and the person I was talking to said "Dentist? Don't they have the highest rate of suicide for any job?" I've stood by quietly when many many people have quoted me this statistic and I'm tired of it. So I was wondering if anybody had any statistics about other professions such as MD or anything else that I can throw back at these people. Lately I've been saying that the other 99.995% of dentists who don't kill themselves are happy and have nice houses and puppies named Sparky.

Dents kill themselves because they make so much money they don't know what to do with it and end up drowning in it. Sad but true I'm afraid. Prevention is the cure!

 

[E Nigma]

A friend of mine in vet school said he learned that veterinarians have actually surpassed dentists in suicides.

Chew on that, nay-sayers.

 

[Andrew324]

Yeah I also hear this often, I think I might have started a thread with the real facts a few months ago...

Anyway it is not correct, not even close to the top. Maybe people are jealous 🙂

I dont know how it got started but it seems every single person I talk to mentions it, not helping the matter many dentists believe it as well. A dentist I shadowed mentioned it.

 

[ChrisM07]

You know, this topic came up once or twice before and before I read this, I actually thought it was true. This article pretty much debunks the myth. I attached the PDF file that was in the other post I read. I think it's pretty informative.

Just tell the MD people that they will want to commit suicide when they're working 17 hour shifts in residency 5 days a week while you're not.

 

[creative8401]

Do whatever YOU want in life. It is your choice and your life. Dont listen to what others say b/c all professions have pros/cons. For instance, the doctor that works in the research lab I am volunteering at, she said "I hate staring into peoples mouth" when she found out I wanted to be a dentist. She just doesnt realize that she looks at peoples ****, literally in their intestine when she performs all those surgeries.

Do what makes you happy. Bye

 

[Oracle DMD]

I have to say this is one of most popular myths around and not sure how it got started. Well, it's not true first of all. I think it was white policeman that were #1. And second of all,...who cares??

If you know anything about the subject, you will know that almost all suicides past the age of 25 are due to mental illness of some kind, treated or untreated.

If you want to throw something back at MD's just give them the old, "I'll be making twice the $ in half the hours you work with the added bonus of not putting my finger up someone's butt 15 x's a day!!"

hahaha i love it! hahaha thats what i say! ahhh thanks for the laugh

 

[alanan84]

It's annoying. I love how everytime someone says it they think they've stumbled upon gold and are telling you something you've never heard before. I just nod, it then gets quiet, and I walk away.

 

[aphistis]

I usually just say "No," and maintain eye contact with them. They'll usually wait for a few seconds expecting you to elaborate, but then you get to watch their dawning realization that it's really a pretty inconsiderate question and, by asking it, they're making some unflattering suggestions about your character. Some folks will apologize, and the rest are usually too embarrassed to pursue it any further. Either way, you avoid dignifying the question with a response.

 

[rkamsterdam]

So last night I got what I assume is a pretty regular thing for anybody who is considering being or is already a dentist. I mentioned my ambitions and the person I was talking to said "Dentist? Don't they have the highest rate of suicide for any job?" I've stood by quietly when many many people have quoted me this statistic and I'm tired of it. So I was wondering if anybody had any statistics about other professions such as MD or anything else that I can throw back at these people. Lately I've been saying that the other 99.995% of dentists who don't kill themselves are happy and have nice houses and puppies named Sparky.

Hey if you're confident you're not gonna kill yourself, why not enter into a competitive field that is full of suicidal crazies. The less dentists there are the greater market share for us who choose to live. 🙂

In all seriousness, its a rumor. Just ignore it and laugh when you have you practice, a decent lifestyle, and no Bill lumberg yelling at you for tps reports.

 

[PDizzle]

and no Bill lumberg yelling at you for tps reports.

Uh...I think someone has a case of the, "Mondays"!!! 🙁 🙁 🙁

 

[DRHOYA]

Uh...I think someone has a case of the, "Mondays"!!! 🙁 🙁 🙁

 

[phospho]

i found this the other day, and thought it was interesting...

http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/1588/what-occupation-has-the-highest-suicide-rate