Career Change

[Tony Mack]

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Hello everyone,

I just graduated the Sugical technology program in June. I like the surgery part i want to do something else. I have considered dentistry because i can have my own practice.

What i am bascally asking is has anyone changed there career liek i want to. I am going to be taking my prerequisites to bring up my GPA.

if this question is unclear feel free to state which part.

best Regards,

Tony

 

[drPheta]

I can't speak for myself, but there are many in my class who come from careers ranging from laboratory technicians to presidents of small businesses. In fact, one of our professors went from law school to dentistry, and he's now a successful endodontist.

Others will chime in, but you're definitely on the right path. Welcome to this side of the grass...it's much greener here. 😀

 

[grettlin2]

Tony,
I was in the same boat as you two years ago. I was a research engineer in image processing, and I was doing well at that time. I found being a dentist is my dream and I want to pursue it. So, I resigned the job and back to the school to take courses. Remember, YOU CAN DO IT! Two people I know were doing the exactly same things. One has graduated from dental school and the other is D3 now.
Just try to choose appropriate program to get good GPA and allow 3 monthes to prepare for DAT (in my opinion). Try to achieve 20or 20+ in AA and 18+ in PAT. You will achieve your goal. 🙂

 

[Tony Mack]

For all of the useful information. I want to proceed with my career early on in life. I Don't want to become stuck doing something that i will hate later on.

Keep the responses coming

Best regards

 

[ecdoesit]

Patient interaction is the difference between dentistry and surgical tech program. Do you like to work with people?

Another difference is that you are "alone" or independent, depends on how u like it to be.
Sugical tech program probably involves other surgeons, etc.
If you train to be an oral surgeon and work at a hospital, I dont think there is much difference.

Autonomy is the third difference.

 

[Tony Mack]

Originally posted by ecdoesit
Patient interaction is the difference between dentistry and surgical tech program. Do you like to work with people?

Another difference is that you are "alone" or independent, depends on how u like it to be.
Sugical tech program probably involves other surgeons, etc.
If you train to be an oral surgeon and work at a hospital, I dont think there is much difference.

Autonomy is the third difference.

Yes I do enjoy working with people. Sometimes i like to be alone just to do my own work but i also enjoy the company of others.

The Surgical Tech program does involve other surgeons in the operating room. Sometimes i will be just me and the surgeon in some basic cases. Some surgeons are grouchy or rude. I have to deal with all of the personalities.

Are there any books out that i could read to gain more understanding? My future brother-in-law's sister husband is a dentist i may ask him could i shadow him for a day for more understanding.

Best Regards

 

[zimaad]

I'm another career changer. I went to school and got some engineering degrees then worked for a few years for DuPont. About a year ago I quit my job to get the prereq's and apply to dental school. I'm now on my way to VCU this summer to begin dental school. You can definately do it. Its hard to go from making money to being college poor again. You have to keep they goal in mind though and realize in a few years it'll all be worth it. If you have any specific questions as you go feel free to ask me via a private message in the forum or an email. Best of luck to you.

 

[jota]

I am another career changer. I have been working as a computer applications developer for the past 6 years.

I will start dental school this coming year. I imagine going from a salary to huge debt will be difficult, along with the whole lifestyle change, but I am sooo excited about it.

Wish I could tell you more, but I am just starting out....

Feel free to pm with questions.

 

[Tony Mack]

 

[crazy8]

Tony,

Congrats on your decision (or soon to be one if you have not committed 100% yet). Dentistry is an amazing profession as all of us know.

I too am a career changer, worked a year in finance after school, then three for a dot.com (both amazing experiences btw). I resigned and the next two years (finishing up this spring) took all my pre-reqs (I was an econ major) and DAT and now im heading to D-school come this fall.

For me, it was a big adjustment at first. There were definitely times I questioned what the hell I was doing and dealing with being a poor student again, staring down a sizeable debt when all said and done. However, those times passed by me quickly and so did the two years and now I am incredibly exicted about the future.

If you are interested, you can contact me regarding all the **** you have to do up until D-school.

Best of luck and again, great decision!
Crazy8

 

[dentite001]

Going from general to specific is the best. I plan to do an MBA and maybe a JD first. People make hasty decisions when options seem limited. There is plenty of time in life to explore.