Career advice

[Gimlipig]

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I am a senior in college, with a dual major in biology and chemistry. For the past 4 years I have had no idea with what I want to do with my career. Officially I've been a pre-med, however the stress and long hours of a doctor don't appeal to me.

I have considered veterinary school, but have ruled that out due to the ethics involved (i.e. convenience euthanasias and terminal surgeries) -- things I know I could never ethically do.

In the past few weeks I've been researching dentistry -- something I have never before considered. It has several pluses for me --
1. normal hours
2. good pay
3. reliable job
4. autonomy
5. helping people (I have an interest in low income children)
6. touches on artistic talents
etc, etc

However I still hesitate. From the outside it looks monotonous and not very fulfilling. However I do not know much at all about dentistry.

Can anyone clue me into job satisfaction rates as well as if the job is monotonous or un-fulfilling? 🙂

 

[lnsip9reg]

there's plenty of stuff to keep you interested in this career. the science/technical aspect, people interaction, business side, etc. you'll learn plenty in dental school and throughout your career to keep your brain active and engaged.

start exploring it by shadowing some dentists, maybe it'll pique your interest 🙂

 

[Gimlipig]

Thanks, nice FMA avatar, btw! 😀

 

[Lemming]

I am a senior in college, with a dual major in biology and chemistry. For the past 4 years I have had no idea with what I want to do with my career. Officially I've been a pre-med, however the stress and long hours of a doctor don't appeal to me.

I have considered veterinary school, but have ruled that out due to the ethics involved (i.e. convenience euthanasias and terminal surgeries) -- things I know I could never ethically do.

In the past few weeks I've been researching dentistry -- something I have never before considered. It has several pluses for me --
1. normal hours
2. good pay
3. reliable job
4. autonomy
5. helping people (I have an interest in low income children)
6. touches on artistic talents
etc, etc

However I still hesitate. From the outside it looks monotonous and not very fulfilling. However I do not know much at all about dentistry.

Can anyone clue me into job satisfaction rates as well as if the job is monotonous or un-fulfilling? 🙂

Wow, sounds like my life story right there. I made the mistake of actually going to Vet school. I attending ISU for a year, but never considered the ethical implications (especially as an animal lover) that being a veterinarian implied. I withdrew from the program and was lost for about 5 years before deciding on dental. My finacee finished dental and is now in an ortho program, so I had a lot of first hand information. I was leary of dental for the same reasons you were until I went and shadowed a dentist for awhile, and realized I was completely wrong. So I also, as the previous poster, would encourage you to shadow a dentist (or several), ask tons of questions, and find out the many many facets of dentistry beyond holding a drill. The people involved, the business aspect, as well as the hand skills...a very dynamic profession with ample opprotunities for self direction. Good luck!🙂