Dentists in Australia

[skatertudoroga]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey could someone tell me what it's like to be a dentist in Australia? Thanks.

 

[Ostracized]

I imagine it's like being a dentist anywhere else - but with more kangaroos.

 

[dentaldawg32]

I imagine it's like being a dentist anywhere else - but with more kangaroos.

and more Outback Steakhouses

 

[razorback2009]

Have you ever seen finding Nemo? It's exactly like that...

 

[chaka1988]

It is very similar. Except, the dentists in Australia have a much higher quality of life than in the US.

 

[skatertudoroga]

It is very similar. Except, the dentists in Australia have a much higher quality of life than in the US.

How so? Is it realistic to finish dental school in australia, find a job as an associate for some private practice for $100k/yr and get a 10week vacation? Or you're a nobody until you get your own practice and a lot of clients?
And if you make the same salary(for any small business job such as dentistry, owning a gas station,etc) in australia as in usa, how would the lifestyle differ?

 

[chaka1988]

Well. I am still a dental student, but I sometimes work as a dental assistant. My dentist has already offered me a job when I graduate with a salary of 150k a year first year out of uni (private practice).
I have checked around and found out that the salary of first year dentist should exceed at least 100k a year in a private practice.
Also, my dentist who has lived and practiced in the US told me the the dentist's salary in Australia is higher than those in the US.
Lastly, I dont think the lifestyle differs much between the dentists who live in the US and Australia due to their high income.
However, if you compare the medium-low earners sector, you will find out that the Australia Government offers much more to its citizens ---> starting with the free medical service and continuing with the fortnightly support payments to students (YEAY).

 

[skatertudoroga]

Well. I am still a dental student, but I sometimes work as a dental assistant. My dentist has already offered me a job when I graduate with a salary of 150k a year first year out of uni (private practice).
I have checked around and found out that the salary of first year dentist should exceed at least 100k a year in a private practice.
Also, my dentist who has lived and practiced in the US told me the the dentist's salary in Australia is higher than those in the US.
Lastly, I dont think the lifestyle differs much between the dentists who live in the US and Australia due to their high income.
However, if you compare the medium-low earners sector, you will find out that the Australia Government offers much more to its citizens ---> starting with the free medical service and continuing with the fortnightly support payments to students (YEAY).

Cool. What about vacation as an associate? How much vacation are you going to get? Would you get fired (or not hired) if you asked for a slightly lower salary and 10 week vacation?
And what are your plans long-term? Do you plan to eventually get your own practice or specialize in something like omfs,etc? Would the dentist you work for encourage you to get your own practice or specialize? If you wanted to go into a residency would your competitiveness depend on your recommendations/work experience or on how you did in dental school(like standardized exams or grades)? Thanks!

 

[chaka1988]

I am not planning to specialize so I dont know much about it. Sorry, but I know nothing about the vacations. I am pretty sure you can get them though. The other dentist in the clinic goes a way quite a bit.

 

[skatertudoroga]

I am not planning to specialize so I dont know much about it. Sorry, but I know nothing about the vacations. I am pretty sure you can get them though. The other dentist in the clinic goes a way quite a bit.

Thanks! I have another question unrelated to australia. Just something I've been thinking about lately:
I know most people who consider going to dental school also consider medical school. For me in medicine especially it would be either emergency medicine or internal medicine. So besides money/lifestyle, is there any reason that you should do dentistry as a career over emergency medicine or vice versa? I must say that I've never felt very passionate about any career or any subject, though I generally like most subjects(especially physiology) and most jobs.

 

[chaka1988]

Sorry mate but I know nothing about emergency medicine. To be honest, my second preference was pharmacy and not medicine.

 

[z3u2]

keep in mind that australia has a much higher income tax that US.

 

[chaka1988]

Max Income tax in australia 45%, in US 33% (if I am not mistaken).

 

[Daurang]

Max Income tax in australia 45%, in US 33% (if I am not mistaken).

Max income tax in the US rising to 40% next year and there's talk of reducing deduction for charitable contribution and mortgage interest. We'll surpass them soon enough but probably with less benefit for our money.