Confused... I think its over

[gator1210]

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Golf man I think you are a great guy. Some of these posters are not really reading what you are saying, and are just voicing opinions. Don't worry about them. YOU SHOULD NEVER DO SOMETHING JUST FOR MONEY OR BECAUSE SOMEONE ELSE WANTS YOU TO. So with that said, I think it is great that you are taking the time to decide what you really want in life.

To many people are pursuing dentistry for the wrong reasons. Most of them are to green to know any better. It sounds like you are making a very mature decision. Best of luck to you in whatever you decide to do. Your honesty will take you a long way in life.

If you should never do something for money, I would have droppped out of college long time ago and become a drunk. But unfortunately, I want a roof over my head so I decided to make something of myself.


Money is what makes a capitalistic society work. Better yet, if you want to make sure you arent doing it for the money, move to a commi country.

My opinion, dont get offended or deny yourself to free speech.

 

[RockstarDMD]

If you should never do something for money, I would have droppped out of college long time ago and become a drunk. But unfortunately, I want a roof over my head so I decided to make something of myself.


Money is what makes a capitalistic society work. Better yet, if you want to make sure you arent doing it for the money, move to a commi country.

My opinion, dont get offended or deny yourself to free speech.

Hey Gator whats up man. No offense taken. However, I feel you need to reread my prior post. I stated you should never do something JUST for money. To most this is a common sense statement. Meaning, if the amount of money you will make is your only motivating factor for choosing a profession, than maybe that job/ profession isn't for you.

Don't be ridiculous everyone needs a roof over their head, and you should always strive to make the best of yourself. Yet, my friend if you are always chasing dollar signs their is a chance you could end up living a unfulfilled life. Chew on that for a bit.

 

[1992Corolla]

What a waste of bandwidth.

Let me contribute:

Being the economically sound person you are you are deciding to apply anyway, but you will try to blow all chances by telling the two schools you want to get into that you have no desire to be a dentist. Besides that being a dikfor move you call people f_____rs and then tell them they missed the whole point of your post? What was the point? You had a life changing moment because your credit card can't handle 3K and you suck at studying dedicated for a couple of months? Whats not to understand?

I understood that you are immature and don't want to work for anything, but you want to makes lots of money. "Hey I know! I will apply to dental school"

You mentioned that this board is a great online community. It will get better when you leave.

I think he made it obvious, LOL!

 

[asckwan]

Reading some of these posts makes my heart ache. The reason being that I know some of my future colleagues will not take a passion in what they are doing and chose the career I love solely based on the financial rewards they could obtain from dentistry. Don't get me wrong, I'm fully aware of the benefits that dentistry can provide, but think about 10 years or 15 years down the line when dentistry becomes like medicine, lawsuits out the wazoo, paying $200,000 for malpractice a year (I know for a fact physicians pay more than the above stated amount.), Medicaid and Medicare patients, etc. How are you going to feel then? Something close to, "F**K, where did all the monetary benefits go? Dentistry sucks!" I imagine.

Think about longevity and passion and benefiting society by doing what you will love and do well. Dentists don't ever stop learning, what happens when you are 15 years into it and DREADING another CE course. You have to keep up to date in this career, but you won't have the passion and the drive to seek the latest and greatest to treat your patients.

I give the OP kudos for thinking twice about choosing something based on a $$$. Yes, with money you can live life outside of work with lovely things and rewards, but you can find something you love doing as well somewhere else. It might take you longer, but in my opinion it's quite worth it.

…and removing soapbox…

 

[1992Corolla]

Reading some of these posts makes my heart ache. The reason being that I know some of my future colleagues will not take a passion in what they are doing and chose the career I love solely based on the financial rewards they could obtain from dentistry. Don't get me wrong, I'm fully aware of the benefits that dentistry can provide, but think about 10 years or 15 years down the line when dentistry becomes like medicine, lawsuits out the wazoo, paying $200,000

Too bad in order for this too happen it would require major lobbying and cooperation with the ADA (and others) with the federal government and legislation. It's a good thing the people who manage out health care will never turn it into the fiasco that md/od's now face.

 

[Trench Mouth]

Let's all hope that golf doesn't finish the test, the application process and especially get into any programs this year. I just finished my first year and we had a classmate drop on the 2nd day of school because she "wasn't sure she wanted to be a dentist." Besides wasting her own time and money, she stole a spot from someone who really wanted to be here. I would hate to see this happen to someone else. It would be even more selfish than someone staying in it just for the money. Being able to work in a noble profession that also provides a comfortable living is not something to be ashamed of.

Thanks for all the advice and support everyone! Really do appreciate it. I was a little drunk last night... thats probably why i sounded a little incoherant. Anyways, it was the truth. A lot of you folks are right. Dentistry is a great career, but requires alot of hard work along the way. I dont think im truly mature enough right now in my life to apply this cycle. Next year? Its a strong possibility... I need to get my bearings straight, make straight As next year, and spread the DAT study over 6 months, lightly. While im taking the year off, I will work in the real world while

 

[bigsilvo]

Confused...I was a little confused, then I really decided that I do like girls, it was just a phase. Ohhh we're talking about dental school....J/K...really J/K...hmmm.

 

[golfmontpoker]

Let's all hope that golf doesn't finish the test, the application process and especially get into any programs this year. I just finished my first year and we had a classmate drop on the 2nd day of school because she "wasn't sure she wanted to be a dentist." Besides wasting her own time and money, she stole a spot from someone who really wanted to be here. I would hate to see this happen to someone else. It would be even more selfish than someone staying in it just for the money. Being able to work in a noble profession that also provides a comfortable living is not something to be ashamed of.

Dont worry about it buddy... I dont think I will be applying this cycle. Next cycle??? MAYBE. To tell you the truth, what I really love. Is law and business. Its the truth... I am hella good when it comes to things like law and business. The most enjoyment I have had so far in college are the business classes I have taken. I have started working on a business plan for a beer drive through business I thought about. So instead of putting all my energy into studying for the DAT, I will put it into developing a business plan. I have allready done the research and have created profit projections etc etc etc...

Anyways, thanks for the honesty some of you guys have gave me. I truly think my true calling is business and law. Therefore I will study for the GMAT and LSAT next semester and try to get into a duel JD/MBA program. This is what i truly think will make me happy and motivated. Anyways, I will stay active on this site, just to see how some of the friends I have made on here are doing with their apps and what not. BTW, the pic is of an ELK. The forrest service in the Smoky Mountain National Park have re-introduced them into the park, and you can hike into their habitat, its awesome! 😀

 

[dentwannabe]

Confused...I was a little confused, then I really decided that I do like girls, it was just a phase. Ohhh we're talking about dental school....J/K...really J/K...hmmm.

I'm more concerned about this guy

 

[gator1210]

Hey Gator whats up man. No offense taken. However, I feel you need to reread my prior post. I stated you should never do something JUST for money. To most this is a common sense statement. Meaning, if the amount of money you will make is your only motivating factor for choosing a profession, than maybe that job/ profession isn't for you.

Don't be ridiculous everyone needs a roof over their head, and you should always strive to make the best of yourself. Yet, my friend if you are always chasing dollar signs their is a chance you could end up living a unfulfilled life. Chew on that for a bit.

Ya, I see what you are saying. But I believe everyone is chasing success, but its when you realize to stop and start enjoying life (leisure time). Success includes money, self satisfaction.

Plus, alot of people who chase money are satisfied with their lives, they know how to enjoy.

Your right, I just got flustered bc alot of people are saints on this post. Dont get me wrong helping people feel better and remove pain is self rewarding, but alot of people say thats the only reason they go into healthcare. I always tell them to join the peace corp.

 

[leia05]

Dont worry about it buddy... I dont think I will be applying this cycle. Next cycle??? MAYBE. To tell you the truth, what I really love. Is law and business. Its the truth... I am hella good when it comes to things like law and business. The most enjoyment I have had so far in college are the business classes I have taken. I have started working on a business plan for a beer drive through business I thought about. So instead of putting all my energy into studying for the DAT, I will put it into developing a business plan. I have allready done the research and have created profit projections etc etc etc...

Anyways, thanks for the honesty some of you guys have gave me. I truly think my true calling is business and law. Therefore I will study for the GMAT and LSAT next semester and try to get into a duel JD/MBA program. This is what i truly think will make me happy and motivated. Anyways, I will stay active on this site, just to see how some of the friends I have made on here are doing with their apps and what not. BTW, the pic is of an ELK. The forrest service in the Smoky Mountain National Park have re-introduced them into the park, and you can hike into their habitat, its awesome! 😀

sorry to burst your bubble but the university of MS...a major party school...has already beaten you to the drive-through-beer idea... the rebel barn.... but it seems to have fairly steady work so who knows...that might work out great for you!

as far as the law and business aspect goes...i dunno how much schooling you're willing to tolerate but if you're still somewhat interested in dentistry you could always go the route some others have...i forget the terminology and am too tired to look for it but it's along the lines of combining law and dentistry...do a search if this might be something you'd like to consider

at any rate...good luck to you in all you do 🙂 i've enjoyed reading your posts over the time i've been a member on here and am jealous you're so close to the smoky mountains...they're one of my favorite places!

 

[aggie-master]

golfmontpoker, I think you are making a smart choice by not applying this year.

I was on the fence when I was finishing up undergrad and decided to go into the real world myself to see if I liked it. After a few years I realized that I made the wrong choice and started taking my prereqs so that I could apply this cycle. I think that if I had gone straight into dentistry without experiencing anything else I might not have been as into it because I would have been wondering if my other choice of a career would have been better for me.

Your posts remind me of myself at that time in my life and I think you'll probably benefit by getting some experience doing something other than going straight into dental school. If you end up loving the business or law stuff, then that will be even better for you because you won't have to go through the trouble of getting established in one career only to leave it.

 

[dexadental]

Part of me somewhat understands what this guy is going through...the confusion of putting yourself through so much and not knowing if it would be worth the trouble. I've been through that dilemma more times than I could imagine, but in the end and with all things considered, the decision to become a dentist is alive and well. Every now and then I'll look back and think about how I could have gone to art school and probably never had been exposed to the idea of becoming a dentist. Guess this post just really hits home after recently returning from Universal in Orlando...
I saw all that creativity and the thrill of actually designing a ride, or making a simple sketch to put a smile on someone's face. I know it sounds crazy, but my girlfriend and I watched a little girl getting a caracature and it was obvious the guy loved what he was doing, though I'm sure he makes pennies. I love dentistry and am glad I'm starting this fall, but at the same time, I sometimes think about if I could be doing that. Sounds dumb, but just trying to relate.

 

[SirShagaLot]

what a thread..took me forever to get through it......anyways i dont have much that hasn't already been said.......................................................one thing i would suggest, if u really feel u need to get your thoughts together, is to stop drinking..for now at least. Frankly, I would be quite impressed if someone that doesn't really appreciate any of the great aspects of dentistry, except the money, would be able to get through 4 yrs of dental school and become a medical professional.........sometimes i get the impression from these threads that people think the hard part of pursing a career in dentistry is getting accepted.....i think getting accepted is prob. a hell of a lot easier than what actually happens once u start school...........i don't think your mentally prepared for what lies ahead in dental school. Once your in, u better be in it to win it or ur screwed. I know that the majority of all of us pursue dentistry in part for the financial security...but that should never be enough to pursue a career, it should be a light at the end of the tunnel, a way to repay all your debt, and a means to take good care of your family and enjoy your lives together. good luck in whatever u decide to do. 😎

 

[soflamel]

what a thread..took me forever to get through it......anyways i dont have much that hasn't already been said.......................................................one thing i would suggest, if u really feel u need to get your thoughts together, is to stop drinking..for now at least. Frankly, I would be quite impressed if someone that doesn't really appreciate any of the great aspects of dentistry, except the money, would be able to get through 4 yrs of dental school and become a medical professional.........sometimes i get the impression from these threads that people think the hard part of pursing a career in dentistry is getting accepted.....i think getting accepted is prob. a hell of a lot easier than what actually happens once u start school...........i don't think your mentally prepared for what lies ahead in dental school. Once your in, u better be in it to win it or ur screwed. I know that the majority of all of us pursue dentistry in part for the financial security...but that should never be enough to pursue a career, it should be a light at the end of the tunnel, a way to repay all your debt, and a means to take good care of your family and enjoy your lives together. good luck in whatever u decide to do. 😎

I can only tell you my experience over the last four years of dental school. First let me give you a quick prelude. I shadowed a dentist in undergrad once a week for two years. Let's be honest, I didn't really understand what was going on...I got a little bit of exposure to dentistry. The point is, I still wanted to be a dentist. Anyway, there have been PLENTY of times throughout dental school that I have said to myself, "this is so hard, and it sucks so f***ing bad...thank God that this is really what I want to do with my life or else I couldn't take it". By the way, I am sooo broke and I made it financially through all 4 years. You take out loans. My point is this, I want nothing else more in the world! Being days away from finishing my requirements and leaving dental school has humbled me. I am so very thankful for the oppurtunity in my life. I will be so happy to be a dentist. Dental school is challenging both academically and emotionally. If you can come to the conclusion that you want to be a dentist so badly that you will do anything it takes...then go to dental school. Side note, I applied to 5 schools. My first interview was out of state and I took it. My second interview was in state. Once I found out I got into my first and second schools, I didn't go to any other interviews.

 

[SirShagaLot]

I can only tell you my experience over the last four years of dental school. First let me give you a quick prelude. I shadowed a dentist in undergrad once a week for two years. Let's be honest, I didn't really understand what was going on...I got a little bit of exposure to dentistry. The point is, I still wanted to be a dentist. Anyway, there have been PLENTY of times throughout dental school that I have said to myself, "this is so hard, and it sucks so f***ing bad...thank God that this is really what I want to do with my life or else I couldn't take it". By the way, I am sooo broke and I made it financially through all 4 years. You take out loans. My point is this, I want nothing else more in the world! Being days away from finishing my requirements and leaving dental school has humbled me. I am so very thankful for the oppurtunity in my life. I will be so happy to be a dentist. Dental school is challenging both academically and emotionally. If you can come to the conclusion that you want to be a dentist so badly that you will do anything it takes...then go to dental school. Side note, I applied to 5 schools. My first interview was out of state and I took it. My second interview was in state. Once I found out I got into my first and second schools, I didn't go to any other interviews.

congrats man, hope I can say the same thing SOME DAY.

 

[Gulch]

Its funny how this has turned into a somewhat productive thread all because the op was a little buzzed one night...

 

[RozhonDDS]

yea I wouldn't apply, leave the spot for me

 

[golfmontpoker]

Part of me somewhat understands what this guy is going through...the confusion of putting yourself through so much and not knowing if it would be worth the trouble. I've been through that dilemma more times than I could imagine, but in the end and with all things considered, the decision to become a dentist is alive and well. Every now and then I'll look back and think about how I could have gone to art school and probably never had been exposed to the idea of becoming a dentist. Guess this post just really hits home after recently returning from Universal in Orlando...
I saw all that creativity and the thrill of actually designing a ride, or making a simple sketch to put a smile on someone's face. I know it sounds crazy, but my girlfriend and I watched a little girl getting a caracature and it was obvious the guy loved what he was doing, though I'm sure he makes pennies. I love dentistry and am glad I'm starting this fall, but at the same time, I sometimes think about if I could be doing that. Sounds dumb, but just trying to relate.

Designing roller coasters would be awesome! Anyways, its humble to know that you were going through the same dilemma, im not the only one... Thanks for all the support guys!

 

[Notoriousjae]

theres a really insightful post by dentwannabe. All you people who are pursuing dentistry solely for the money aspect should definetly check it out. It should give you guys a realistic perspective on the facade of financial success regarding the dental profession.

 

[Tche]

LOL
I couldnt have put it better

True that