Conflicted career goals

Started by timeforacleanin
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timeforacleanin

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Hi everyone

It took me a great deal of courage to come on the board to ask a few questions and hope for some input.

I recently graduated from college with about 3.1 gpa and got a 19 on the dat with 20s over every category except reading comprehension. For two years I struggled with a career to go in with the mindset of job security, autonomy (I work better without a higher up), and feeling like I am a professional at something. These are my primary reason for going into dentistry and I am conflicted if these motivators are not up to par. I did shadow a dentist and gained experience through his clinical practice but I still feel very conflicted because I don't know if it is the right field for me. I especially feel more conflicted because I was recently accepted into dental hygiene for a second bs but I don't know if it will help or if it is even for me. I have spent countless hours finding myself about what I want to do with my life and my mind shifts every now and then.

Do you guys think I am suited for being a dentist or even dental hygiene? I do clinical laboratory science now and I love reading the data and interpreting what the patient has.

Thank you
 
I think that cold feet is something everybody gets. From what I can tell, you're very passionate for what you want to do. In the sense that you seek professionalism. I think this is key for any health professional. Don't make it a job, make it a career and a profession. Always be a lifelong learner.

If you have shadowed and you are still unsure about going into dentistry, then I would advise you do some research. You have good criteria for a career. I can tell you that dentistry meets all of those bars you have set up. However, if YOU don't feel so then you need to do some soul searching.

As far as dental hygiene degrees go, it will help you to some degree but if you're using the degree to boost your GPA then you should enter a masters program. Your DAT is not bad, and your GPA could be worse.

Just do a little more research. Shadow some more. You'll find the answer
 
TheToothsayer said:
I think that cold feet is something everybody gets. From what I can tell, you're very passionate for what you want to do. In the sense that you seek professionalism. I think this is key for any health professional. Don't make it a job, make it a career and a profession. Always be a lifelong learner.

If you have shadowed and you are still unsure about going into dentistry, then I would advise you do some research. You have good criteria for a career. I can tell you that dentistry meets all of those bars you have set up. However, if YOU don't feel so then you need to do some soul searching.

As far as dental hygiene degrees go, it will help you to some degree but if you're using the degree to boost your GPA then you should enter a masters program. Your DAT is not bad, and your GPA could be worse.

Just do a little more research. Shadow some more. You'll find the answer
Click to expand...

Thank you for your input. I must ask why you consider a masters over dental hygiene. While I consider dental hygiene as a GPA booster, I feel it is a field of dentistry with real world experience and not simply watching to the side. I have considered a masters program but that entails a side of risk as well because I do know some master degree graduates that are not going anywhere with their degree. My conflict has been what I've seen dentists do compared to how I can do what they do. I am not afraid about blood or anything really but it is very difficult for me to determine if I am suited to doing this as a career.

I would like to know what others think when they decided to do dentistry or whatever career field they choose.
 
Shadow shadow shadow shadow shadow. Shadow until you run out of DDS in your area. Shadow all specialties, various DDS for the same specialty, different locations at different times. We're very lucky in health science to have a tradition of shadowing before entering a field.

Second, volunteer, volunteer, volunteer. Volunteer in dental clinics, hospitals, university dental schools anything you can possibly do.

These are the only ways you can explore dentistry.

In regards to the masters program, the dental hygiene degree will prepare you for actual dental work. However, it won't be as useful as you might guess. A masters degree may take a shorter amount of time to complete. In the end, one is a masters degree and one is a bachelors degree. Unless you would be satisfied being a dental hygienist(which is also a very important part of the dental office) I would pursue a "back up" degree if you will.

You could also consider other career paths once your GPA is up to par such as pharmacy, PA or PT school. Shadow as much as you can. If after 100 hours you still aren't sure, then I think dentistry is not for you. You should explore other career choices.

Remember, everyone gets cold feet. Professional school is scary and a commitment. You must stick to it.
 
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