Dissatisfied with Residency

[DouglasFir2020]

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Hey All,

I‘m having a conundrum. I started an endo residency this past July (I was general private practice for a couple years prior), and currently I hate it. I understand that residency is not akin to life in private practice afterwards, but I am having strong second thoughts as to my decision. I think I enjoyed endo more as a general when I was choosing the cases that I took on and not dealing with the worst of the worst. I’m also seriously missing aspects of general dentistry such as extractions, pedo, and I participated in hospital (OR) dentistry (things I didn’t really realize I’’d miss until I’m no longer doing them). I also feel that I am a business-oriented person and enjoy management.

My other concern is more financial. I graduated dental school with ~$200K in loans. The endo residency, not including interest, would bump me up to nearly $450K when all is said and done. Thus, I am having very, very serious buyer’s remorse.

Looking for people’s advice, experiences, etc. to help me weigh the options of walking away or sticking it out.

TIA.

 

[FanOfCostco]

It sounds like you have your answer. If you’re not happy, walk away.

 

[P7898]

Stick with it. You're in it now. Endo will give you guaranteed more money for associate jobs and advanced training in rct that you normally wouldn't try as a GP. In addition, you can always not take your boards and go back to practicing as a GP that kicks ass at endo.

 

[FanOfCostco]

Stick with it. You're in it now. Endo will give you guaranteed more money for associate jobs and advanced training in rct that you normally wouldn't try as a GP. In addition, you can always not take your boards and go back to practicing as a GP that kicks ass at endo.

Is that really worth 450k??

 

[P7898]

Is that really worth 450k??

Is it worth "$250k". I think it is since he/she is already in it and most likely has already paid for the tuition and living this year. So I am going at it as if he/she has already paid 1/3 of the value. Even if he/she is in $450k of debt, I know many endo jobs that can level $300-$400k as an associate if OP isn't really worried about location at the moment so either way I say stay in it.

 

[DouglasFir2020]

Is it worth "$250k". I think it is since he/she is already in it and most likely has already paid for the tuition and living this year. So I am going at it as if he/she has already paid 1/3 of the value. Even if he/she is in $450k of debt, I know many endo jobs that can level $300-$400k as an associate if OP isn't really worried about location at the moment so either way I say stay in it.

I’d only be out this first semester of tuition, so only 1/4 of the cost.

 

[Wahoowah]

I wouldn't worry too much about your COA especially coming out as a specialist. Remember that to earn the same as an endo associate as a GP you probably need to own a practice and be a very competent business owner/manager. Owning a practice means borrowing an additional $800k or more. You could see kids as an endodontist by developing a niche in peds. There are actually pedos who have gone to endo residency in order to do this (the need is there). Some endos also place implants. I would talk with practicing endodontist and get their perspective. Hope this helps!

 

[Rambunctious]

I wouldn't worry too much about your COA especially coming out as a specialist. Remember that to earn the same as an endo associate as a GP you probably need to own a practice and be a very competent business owner/manager. Owning a practice means borrowing an additional $800k or more. You could see kids as an endodontist by developing a niche in peds. There are actually pedos who have gone to endo residency in order to do this (the need is there). Some endos also place implants. I would talk with practicing endodontist and get their perspective. Hope this helps!

That sounds outside the scope of their practice

 

[FutureDent020]

Residency sucks. Especially after practicing for a little while. You have to put up with a lot of BS, you’re treated as a student again, and you are at the base of a new learning curve. The cases that are beating you up won’t seem as hard soon enough. Of course as a specialist you will get difficult cases but you will be prepared to handle them. The sucky moments in residency are preparing you. If you are regretting your decision because you just don’t like Endo then get out, but if you are just frustrated and tired of residency then keep busting though. It’ll go quickly... I hope

 

[P7898]

Above all great points. Yes.....make $400k as an endo associate - you heard me - this is possible. GP you need to borrow $800k like Rambunctious said to make that kind of money on average unless you are a start up magician. I know a couple GP associates that are cranking out $250 - $300k but they are busting...

Nice work life balance as an associate specialist or owner.

 

[FutureDent020]

OP: I will send you a PM.

Anyone else considering going back after having success as a GP; it is not easy being back in the school environment.

Completely agree. Majority of my co-residents struggle with it. Gives you a substantial advantage clinically, but wears on you mentally. Some things we deal with are unavoidable and part of the process. Doing procedures without an assistant, having to personally contact patients, no control over supplies, when things break or need fixing you have to wait for someone else to make sure it gets fixed, and in general loss of autonomy. I could go on. Reading 100’s of pages a week isn’t fun either, but again, that’s how we learn.

My biggest issue is the treatment like a 5th year dental student when the fact is you worked in the real world for a number of years and most likely successfully. If you are done with your patient at 4 you shouldn’t have to stay around until 5 because “you are supposed to there from 8-5”. Yes, we have actually been told that. If your patient cancels, your director shouldn’t find busy work for you to do. We always have something to do. You should stand by in case an emergency shows up and just get your reading done or other work. The micro managing is completely unnecessary. Problem is it’s only 6-7 residents usually so faculty has close and constant contact with you. It’s easy to micromanage without them even realizing it. It’s been worse that dental school IMO. The micromanaging that is...

 

[DouglasFir2020]

Completely agree. Majority of my co-residents struggle with it. Gives you a substantial advantage clinically, but wears on you mentally. Some things we deal with are unavoidable and part of the process. Doing procedures without an assistant, having to personally contact patients, no control over supplies, when things break or need fixing you have to wait for someone else to make sure it gets fixed, and in general loss of autonomy. I could go on. Reading 100’s of pages a week isn’t fun either, but again, that’s how we learn.

My biggest issue is the treatment like a 5th year dental student when the fact is you worked in the real world for a number of years and most likely successfully. If you are done with your patient at 4 you shouldn’t have to stay around until 5 because “you are supposed to there from 8-5”. Yes, we have actually been told that. If your patient cancels, your director shouldn’t find busy work for you to do. We always have something to do. You should stand by in case an emergency shows up and just get your reading done or other work. The micro managing is completely unnecessary. Problem is it’s only 6-7 residents usually so faculty has close and constant contact with you. It’s easy to micromanage without them even realizing it. It’s been worse that dental school IMO. The micromanaging that is...

Couldn’t have said it better myself. That is absolutely part of my frustrations.

 

[allDAT]

I didn’t read other people’s comments. You should absolutely, without a doubt, finish your residency and count your lucky stars that you got in.

You will be able to handle your debt load of 450k as an Endodontist much easier than as a general dentist.

You have a good thing going, just stick it out for another year or so and you’re done.

 

[mmc12]

I think you should finish your program. Individual endo programs typically only have acceptance rates in the single digits (5%). Many GPs would LOVE to be in your position as a potential endodontist.

 

[DouglasFir2020]

I didn’t read other people’s comments. You should absolutely, without a doubt, finish your residency and count your lucky stars that you got in.

You will be able to handle your debt load of 450k as an Endodontist much easier than as a general dentist.

You have a good thing going, just stick it out for another year or so and you’re done.

Yes, but I won’t have 450K in debt if I don’t finish the endo residency; that was the point I was trying to make.

 

[allDAT]

Yes, but I won’t have 450K in debt if I don’t finish the endo residency; that was the point I was trying to make.

I would take 450 as an Endodontist over 200 as a GP any day of the week.

 

[DouglasFir2020]

I think you should finish your program. Individual endo programs typically only have acceptance rates in the single digits (5%). Many GPs would LOVE to be in your position as a potential endodontist.

So I should do something I find miserable just because others would like to be doing it? I’m having a hard time with that logic.

 

[allDAT]

I would take 450 as an Endodontist over 200 as a GP any day of the week.

The overhead of endo is very appealing. You know that if you’ve practiced. You have a great opportunity in front of you.

 

[DouglasFir2020]

The overhead of endo is very appealing. You know that if you’ve practiced. You have a great opportunity in front of you.

The overhead of endo is absolutely awesome, but if I’m hating the endo part, the overhead could be zero and that‘s not going to make me any less miserable.

 

[allDAT]

So I should do something I find miserable just because others would like to be doing it? I’m having a hard time with that logic.

If you find endo miserable, that’s different. If you just don’t like the residency, your colleagues, or whatever else but find the procedures themselves enjoyable, don’t quit.

If you’re finding endo is hard, don’t quit because the cases will get easier as you practice. You can always change up your practice and place implants later too.

if you don’t want to deal with difficult people/cases, partner with a few GPS and pick the cases within a large practice. Refer out what you don’t want.

 

[TanMan]

So I should do something I find miserable just because others would like to be doing it? I’m having a hard time with that logic.

Have you thought of quitting and opening an office? If you only have a few months left, could you finish, start your own office, and bill more out for endos/procedures as a specialist? If you're business-oriented, maybe you should open a GP office instead. Make lots more money that way than staying as a GP/endo associate.

 

[AONLINE]

if you don’t want to deal with difficult people/cases, partner with a few GPS and pick the cases within a large practice. Refer out what you don’t want.

A GP would refer hard endo cases to endodontists, and to whom would an endodontist refer cases that he does not like? As a specialist you’re supposed to be the expert of your field, it would look really bad if you need another specialist to bail you out.

 

[charlestweed]

This is common with traveling endodontists that go to gp offices (usually corporate). The gp lines up the straight forward cases for the endo day and refers out the headaches. Then the traveling endo can see alot of cases on the 1 or 2 days per month they come in.

Not saying it’s right, but this is part of the new reality. Same thing goes on with other traveling specialists too.

An ortho friend of mine, who works for the corp office near my office, often refers her ortho patients, whom she thinks they would need combined surgical and orthodontic treatments, to my private office. That's because most corp offices don't want to treat patients who need jaw surgeries. The traveling OS's who work for the corp do mostly extractions...they don't do things like orthognathic surgeries, biopsies, sinus lifts, TMJ etc. The OS at my corp does most of the the canine exposures that I has referred to him but the were a small number of difficult cases that he had refer to the Loma Linda OS dept.

My wife's GP boss has an in-house orthodontist. But His office still refers a few ortho cases to my office either because his in-house orthodontist didn't want to treat them or because the patients' HMO plans pay his office very little.

I welcome all referrals....cases from other ortho offices, cases from corp offices, cases that were started by the GPs but they didn't turn out the way the patients wanted, transferred cases that the local orthodontists don't want to touch etc........the more the merrier.

 

[allDAT]

A GP would refer hard endo cases to endodontists, and to whom would an endodontist refer cases that he does not like? As a specialist you’re supposed to be the expert of your field, it would look really bad if you need another specialist to bail you out.

It wouldn't look bad. The way such an arrangement would work is that the endodontist owns the office and partners with or just employs the GPs. The GPs in the office don't get to do any endo and refer it all to the endodontist. Honestly, this works out because the endo gets paid more by insurance. If the endodontist doesn't want to do the case, he or she refers it out to another specialist, and this specialist would be happy to have the referral source.

Obviously, most people do not choose to practice this way. But it would be an option.

As far as referring to another specialist is concerned. It actually happens all the time. For example, Dr. Gary Carr is a very well respected endodontist who is considered to be the endodontist who endodontists refer to in San Diego County and has built a reputation around successfully retreating other endodontists unsuccessful retreats.

 

[allDAT]

This is common with traveling endodontists that go to gp offices (usually corporate). The gp lines up the straight forward cases for the endo day and refers out the headaches. Then the traveling endo can see alot of cases on the 1 or 2 days per month they come in.

Not saying it’s right, but this is part of the new reality. Same thing goes on with other traveling specialists too.

It's really common for the traveling gig because they don't typically have access to everything they may need like a CBCT and often a microscope.

 

[TanMan]

This is common with traveling endodontists that go to gp offices (usually corporate). The gp lines up the straight forward cases for the endo day and refers out the headaches. Then the traveling endo can see alot of cases on the 1 or 2 days per month they come in.

Not saying it’s right, but this is part of the new reality. Same thing goes on with other traveling specialists too.

The good thing about being a traveling specialist is that you usually don't have to do any post-ops or deal with post operative complications. It's all productive procedures. The GP does the scutwork (non-productive postop prn) leaving the specialist with all the billable procedures.

 

[Sbosu]

So I should do something I find miserable just because others would like to be doing it? I’m having a hard time with that logic.

This comment and the comment below that you made says it all. If you dont like endo, then I would not specialize in it, as that is what you will be doing 99.99% of the time. You will have no regrets that you didn't try, you tried it and you didn't like it, move on with no regrets. You wont have to look back and think what if I did endo, which is great peace of mind. Move on and do what you enjoy.

 

[Cold Front]

Hey All,

I‘m having a conundrum. I started an endo residency this past July (I was general private practice for a couple years prior), and currently I hate it. I understand that residency is not akin to life in private practice afterwards, but I am having strong second thoughts as to my decision. I think I enjoyed endo more as a general when I was choosing the cases that I took on and not dealing with the worst of the worst. I’m also seriously missing aspects of general dentistry such as extractions, pedo, and I participated in hospital (OR) dentistry (things I didn’t really realize I’’d miss until I’m no longer doing them). I also feel that I am a business-oriented person and enjoy management.

My other concern is more financial. I graduated dental school with ~$200K in loans. The endo residency, not including interest, would bump me up to nearly $450K when all is said and done. Thus, I am having very, very serious buyer’s remorse.

Looking for people’s advice, experiences, etc. to help me weigh the options of walking away or sticking it out.

TIA.

Just came across this thread. Did you decide if you will finish or bail out on the Endo program?

I might be the only person (or in the minority) who would tell you to walk away. We all have different limits on what we can enjoy or hate doing. A miserable experience can have long term effects on you, mentally. Further pressure can push you to walk away anyways, but if you already feel you reached the threshold that you can’t absolutely tolerate it anymore - then pull the plug and don’t look back. You would still be a dentist with a strong Endo exposure (that accounts for something). Minimal to 0 Endo referrals in general dentistry awaits.


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[P7898]

Just came across this thread. Did you decide if you will finish or bail out on the Endo program?

I might be the only person (or in the minority) who would tell you to walk away. We all have different limits on what we can enjoy or hate doing. A miserable experience can have long term effects on you, mentally. Further pressure can push you to walk away anyways, but if you already feel you reached the threshold that you can’t absolutely tolerate it anymore - then pull the plug and don’t look back. You would still be a dentist with a strong Endo exposure (that accounts for something). Minimal to 0 Endo referrals in general dentistry awaits.


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A GP with great endo treatments and success can makes heavy dough $$$ (no overhead costs and heavy profit). But the fact that they can save the tooth without ext. and implant is great. Also, they get to put the cherry on top..I mean crown. Call it a hat trick (endo, build-up, crown). Boom.

 

[DouglasFir2020]

Just came across this thread. Did you decide if you will finish or bail out on the Endo program?

I might be the only person (or in the minority) who would tell you to walk away. We all have different limits on what we can enjoy or hate doing. A miserable experience can have long term effects on you, mentally. Further pressure can push you to walk away anyways, but if you already feel you reached the threshold that you can’t absolutely tolerate it anymore - then pull the plug and don’t look back. You would still be a dentist with a strong Endo exposure (that accounts for something). Minimal to 0 Endo referrals in general dentistry awaits.


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Still currently in the residency; mostly because I haven’t been able to bring myself to pull the plug yet. It’s an affliction of not wanting to disappoint those around me (yes, I know this is a decision I have to make for myself, irregardless of others’ opinions). I just don’t get any enjoyment out of doing only root canals anymore, but part of me worries about this being a “grass is always greener” syndrome, and that after residency things might be fine. I’m easily influenced by my environment, so I think the grueling nature of residency itself isn’t exactly helping. But on the other hand, there hasn't been a single day of residency that I have gone home and been happy/fulfilled with what was accomplished that day. I get no enjoyment or excitement out of going to clinic and seeing patients; this was not the case when I was a general.

Another aspect that I’ve noticed is that I functioned better when I was managing multiple patients, hopping into hygiene exams, never spending more than 20-45 minutes with any particular patient. I thrived on the quick turnaround. These long multi-hour endo procedures are killing me.

 

[AONLINE]

Still currently in the residency; mostly because I haven’t been able to bring myself to pull the plug yet. It’s an affliction of not wanting to disappoint those around me (yes, I know this is a decision I have to make for myself, irregardless of others’ opinions). I just don’t get any enjoyment out of doing only root canals anymore, but part of me worries about this being a “grass is always greener” syndrome, and that after residency things might be fine. I’m easily influenced by my environment, so I think the grueling nature of residency itself isn’t exactly helping. But on the other hand, there hasn't been a single day of residency that I have gone home and been happy/fulfilled with what was accomplished that day. I get no enjoyment or excitement out of going to clinic and seeing patients; this was not the case when I was a general.

Another aspect that I’ve noticed is that I functioned better when I was managing multiple patients, hopping into hygiene exams, never spending more than 20-45 minutes with any particular patient. I thrived on the quick turnaround. These long multi-hour endo procedures are killing me.

Sounds like you’re destined to be a GP, not an endodontist.

 

[Combine33]

Still currently in the residency; mostly because I haven’t been able to bring myself to pull the plug yet. It’s an affliction of not wanting to disappoint those around me (yes, I know this is a decision I have to make for myself, irregardless of others’ opinions). I just don’t get any enjoyment out of doing only root canals anymore, but part of me worries about this being a “grass is always greener” syndrome, and that after residency things might be fine. I’m easily influenced by my environment, so I think the grueling nature of residency itself isn’t exactly helping. But on the other hand, there hasn't been a single day of residency that I have gone home and been happy/fulfilled with what was accomplished that day. I get no enjoyment or excitement out of going to clinic and seeing patients; this was not the case when I was a general.

Another aspect that I’ve noticed is that I functioned better when I was managing multiple patients, hopping into hygiene exams, never spending more than 20-45 minutes with any particular patient. I thrived on the quick turnaround. These long multi-hour endo procedures are killing me.

I agree with your assessment of "grass is greener." All of the endodontist I know hop from room to room knocking out molars/re-treats/apicos and make mad money doing it. They love it because they get people out of pain and help them keep their teeth longer. Residency isnt meant to be fun/enjoyable/fulfilling, its meant to make you a master. Dont take for granted what other people dream for.

 

[Awarara]

Still currently in the residency; mostly because I haven’t been able to bring myself to pull the plug yet. It’s an affliction of not wanting to disappoint those around me (yes, I know this is a decision I have to make for myself, irregardless of others’ opinions). I just don’t get any enjoyment out of doing only root canals anymore, but part of me worries about this being a “grass is always greener” syndrome, and that after residency things might be fine. I’m easily influenced by my environment, so I think the grueling nature of residency itself isn’t exactly helping. But on the other hand, there hasn't been a single day of residency that I have gone home and been happy/fulfilled with what was accomplished that day. I get no enjoyment or excitement out of going to clinic and seeing patients; this was not the case when I was a general.

Another aspect that I’ve noticed is that I functioned better when I was managing multiple patients, hopping into hygiene exams, never spending more than 20-45 minutes with any particular patient. I thrived on the quick turnaround. These long multi-hour endo procedures are killing me.

just finish residency. you are already almost halfway done. you don't want to have any regrets or "what ifs" if you don't finish it for the rest of your life. trust me, i'm in the middle of my residency, and while there are plenty of good times, residency still sucks. residency is the ultimate grind. you just gotta man up and stick with it. you and your family's future will be set if you finish. you got this bro

 

[Cold Front]

you and your family's future will be set if you finish.

In what sense?





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[Cold Front]

Still currently in the residency; mostly because I haven’t been able to bring myself to pull the plug yet. It’s an affliction of not wanting to disappoint those around me (yes, I know this is a decision I have to make for myself, irregardless of others’ opinions). I just don’t get any enjoyment out of doing only root canals anymore, but part of me worries about this being a “grass is always greener” syndrome, and that after residency things might be fine. I’m easily influenced by my environment, so I think the grueling nature of residency itself isn’t exactly helping. But on the other hand, there hasn't been a single day of residency that I have gone home and been happy/fulfilled with what was accomplished that day. I get no enjoyment or excitement out of going to clinic and seeing patients; this was not the case when I was a general.

Another aspect that I’ve noticed is that I functioned better when I was managing multiple patients, hopping into hygiene exams, never spending more than 20-45 minutes with any particular patient. I thrived on the quick turnaround. These long multi-hour endo procedures are killing me.

So, you chose to finish the residency in a field that you described - that it feels like it’s “killing you”. Not just now and but also in the future as well. That’s not a great way to start a career in endodontics. Also, why do you care more about how the people around you feel (and their disappointment) if you dropped out! This is about you and only you, for what you feel and endure. Maybe that’s the problem, this decision to continue or give up is not yours alone. But if the decision was yours alone (and no one else to disappoint) - would it be easier and be a different decision for you?


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[Cold Front]

I share most of OPs sentiments. Residency sucks. There’s not much else to say about it.

I think general dentists are spoiled rotten in the real world with a lot of freedom and autonomy - compared to residency, which is tough because they lose control and get institutionalized all over again like in dental school. How does anyone applying to residency not know that’s what they signed up for? Even if I had an acceptance to a top residency program today, I would not go back to school - except if I truly loved that field. Mentally, it would be next to a solitary confinement.


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[laundry]

Is that really worth 450k??

answer - hell no!

I almost went into endo after my PhD, when I was still doing full time stem cell research. Had my residency and post doc lined up but, like the OP, knew I would miss GP work.

Here’s my advice and what I did - stick with GP and find several medicare/federal clinics to refer you endo at a lower fee than specialists. Most of those clinics have no endo coverage and refer out all cases - simple and complex. You’ll be doing as many cases as you’d like.

 

[P7898]

answer - hell no!

I almost went into endo after my PhD, when I was still doing full time stem cell research. Had my residency and post doc lined up but, like the OP, knew I would miss GP work.

Here’s my advice and what I did - stick with GP and find several medicare/federal clinics to refer you endo at a lower fee than specialists. Most of those clinics have no endo coverage and refer out all cases - simple and complex. You’ll be doing as many cases as you’d like.

Fantastic idea.

 

[ibuprofen400mg]

Finish residency and practice as GP

 

[cmjacks5]

Hey All,

I‘m having a conundrum. I started an endo residency this past July (I was general private practice for a couple years prior), and currently I hate it. I understand that residency is not akin to life in private practice afterwards, but I am having strong second thoughts as to my decision. I think I enjoyed endo more as a general when I was choosing the cases that I took on and not dealing with the worst of the worst. I’m also seriously missing aspects of general dentistry such as extractions, pedo, and I participated in hospital (OR) dentistry (things I didn’t really realize I’’d miss until I’m no longer doing them). I also feel that I am a business-oriented person and enjoy management.

My other concern is more financial. I graduated dental school with ~$200K in loans. The endo residency, not including interest, would bump me up to nearly $450K when all is said and done. Thus, I am having very, very serious buyer’s remorse.

Looking for people’s advice, experiences, etc. to help me weigh the options of walking away or sticking it out.

TIA.

There are people out here that really want to become an endodontist and they cannot because of a plethora of reasons, so consider yourself lucky in that regard. However, have you decided if you're going to quit residency after this year is over? It sounds like from your posts that you know in your heart what you want to do but the fear of disappointing others is holding you back. I think its admirable for a person to pursue something and realize soon afterwards that it isn't what is is cracked up to be. I cant stress enough that you cant put a price on a PEACE of mind if you feel like becoming and endodontist isn't it, leave the program, otherwise you are wasting your/ co-residents/ Program directors time.

 

[anonymousdent]

I'm interested in knowing what has happened from developing such a keen interest to apply to one of the more restricted (procedurally, what you're "allowed" to do) specialties to now? Reading your original post I'm a little surprised you made it into or pursued a residency having enjoyed so many areas of general dentistry prior. That said, I remember an endo resident who had been in practice for 9 years as a GP before returning telling me "the first year of residency was the worst year of my life, I absolutely love it now." She was in her 3rd year as a resident (getting an M.S.) when she told me this comment.

It seems like there's more than one first year endo resident having buyers remorse from the posts above. Is it just the bureaucracy of being in school or are many of you not enjoying the back to back difficult molar RCT/anxious patients? I hope you find peace in whichever decision you make and I agree with cmjacks5 it takes a strong person to walk away.

 

[DouglasFir2020]

I'm interested in knowing what has happened from developing such a keen interest to apply to one of the more restricted (procedurally, what you're "allowed" to do) specialties to now? Reading your original post I'm a little surprised you made it into or pursued a residency having enjoyed so many areas of general dentistry prior. That said, I remember an endo resident who had been in practice for 9 years as a GP before returning telling me "the first year of residency was the worst year of my life, I absolutely love it now." She was in her 3rd year as a resident (getting an M.S.) when she told me this comment.

It seems like there's more than one first year endo resident having buyers remorse from the posts above. Is it just the bureaucracy of being in school or are many of you not enjoying the back to back difficult molar RCT/anxious patients? I hope you find peace in whichever decision you make and I agree with cmjacks5 it takes a strong person to walk away.

The decision has been made and I’m leaving residency. It’s been a lot of back and worth, but I have forced myself to make a decision based on what I want and not based on having a bad week or a tough case. I’m actually doing very well in residency—good grades in classes and very positive feedback and critiques from faculty in the clinic. But because I am doing well and find no enjoyment or passion now or excitement in the future as an endodontist, I know it’s time to walk away. And another year of adding $100K in debt is certainly not worth it. I don‘t think there should be shame in admitting that I was wrong.

I appreciate everyone’s feedback. I know a lot of people will find my decision is foolish and rash, but I am not a complacent person.

 

[Cold Front]

The decision has been made and I’m leaving residency. It’s been a lot of back and worth, but I have forced myself to make a decision based on what I want and not based on having a bad week or a tough case. I’m actually doing very well in residency—good grades in classes and very positive feedback and critiques from faculty in the clinic. But because I am doing well and find no enjoyment or passion now or excitement in the future as an endodontist, I know it’s time to walk away. And another year of adding $100K in debt is certainly not worth it. I don‘t think there should be shame in admitting that I was wrong.

I appreciate everyone’s feedback. I know a lot of people will find my decision is foolish and rash, but I am not a complacent person.

It takes a lot of guts and soul searching to come to such decision. I’m sure other residents (who realized they don’t like the specialty like you did) are stuck in residency out of fear of what will happen to them if they quit. You are still a general dentist with a great potential and career ahead of you. Also, you will refer 0 Endo cases to your (future) local endodontists. That’s a big plus!


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[AONLINE]

The decision has been made and I’m leaving residency. It’s been a lot of back and worth, but I have forced myself to make a decision based on what I want and not based on having a bad week or a tough case. I’m actually doing very well in residency—good grades in classes and very positive feedback and critiques from faculty in the clinic. But because I am doing well and find no enjoyment or passion now or excitement in the future as an endodontist, I know it’s time to walk away. And another year of adding $100K in debt is certainly not worth it. I don‘t think there should be shame in admitting that I was wrong.

I appreciate everyone’s feedback. I know a lot of people will find my decision is foolish and rash, but I am not a complacent person.

At the end of the day you should take care of yourself first before anyone else and do what is right for you. I’m sure you have already learned a lot about endo over the past 6 months. Best of luck to you!

 

[anonymousdent]

But because I am doing well and find no enjoyment or passion now or excitement in the future as an endodontist, I know it’s time to walk away.

I respect you for making a tough decision many others want to make but don't because of fear, as ColdFront said. No shame in admitting you were wrong, the world needs more people like you. Peoples ego's (especially health care workers) are crazy. I think the statement I quoted from your reply above needs to be read by many people (not just dentists, physicians, or residents) for their own self reflection. Healthcare, in a sense, is a trap profession when you sink a lot of $ and 6-12 years of school to join a system that you are not passionate about, it can definitely be tough. I'm happy to hear that you like and find enjoyment as a GP! most of my colleagues do not enjoy being a dentist (they tell me this, however, they tell the general public and non-dentist friends they like it?) like I said, takes a strong person to be honest!

 

[P7898]

In reality once you find something you truly enjoy then you start living life to the fullest. People can get too caught up on income (which is still an important consideration) but no amount of money trumps genuine enjoyment. I am a full believer that if you enjoy something then you will strive to be the best at it just naturally because you love doing it - the money will come. The hardest part in life is finding something you can enjoy. Congratulations at finding that - hopefully we will all find that one day.

 

[Anondds87]

I think it's a smart move. When I applied for residency I applied everywhere and was of the opinion "wherever I get accepted it will be worth it".
Things are changing, it's not necessarily "going to be worth it". So I think it's really important to enjoy yourself for the years of residency. If I was to do it all again, I would have only applied to schools I really would have liked and been happy to not get accepted - because working as a general dentist is perfectly fine - who cares if it takes longer to get accepted exactly where I want.
Plus, jordan Peterson has an interesting talk online where he talks about what universities are actually selling. They sell two things, information and accreditation. Well these days a lot of the information is available in other means, such as online. So what keeps their degrees so valuable is accreditation- complete our degree and you will legally be allowed to do something other people cant.
Well with dental specialties, the accreditation doesnt have as big of a value - you can still do root canals without having your specialist title. I have a friend who did a 3 year long distance endo program (as a general dentist) she got through the first 2 years which were lots of practical, and the third year was mostly just a research project - so she dropped out after 2 years because she didnt want to pay the huge fees for mostly just the "title" of finishing the program. Finishing the program wouldnt have given any ability to do more procedures as a dentist so didnt have as big of a value.
Not all education is worth the price tag. If society knew that we wouldnt have allowed dental school tuition to get so out of hand.

 

[Yachi]

I think it's a smart move. When I applied for residency I applied everywhere and was of the opinion "wherever I get accepted it will be worth it".
Things are changing, it's not necessarily "going to be worth it". So I think it's really important to enjoy yourself for the years of residency. If I was to do it all again, I would have only applied to schools I really would have liked and been happy to not get accepted - because working as a general dentist is perfectly fine - who cares if it takes longer to get accepted exactly where I want.
Plus, jordan Peterson has an interesting talk online where he talks about what universities are actually selling. They sell two things, information and accreditation. Well these days a lot of the information is available in other means, such as online. So what keeps their degrees so valuable is accreditation- complete our degree and you will legally be allowed to do something other people cant.
Well with dental specialties, the accreditation doesnt have as big of a value - you can still do root canals without having your specialist title. I have a friend who did a 3 year long distance endo program (as a general dentist) she got through the first 2 years which were lots of practical, and the third year was mostly just a research project - so she dropped out after 2 years because she didnt want to pay the huge fees for mostly just the "title" of finishing the program. Finishing the program wouldnt have given any ability to do more procedures as a dentist so didnt have as big of a value.
Not all education is worth the price tag. If society knew that we wouldnt have allowed dental school tuition to get so out of hand.

So the endo friend never got the specialist title, but does everything an endodontist does (minus the specialist fee schedule)?

 

[Anondds87]

So the endo friend never got the specialist title, but does everything an endodontist does (minus the specialist fee schedule)?

Sorry I should have been more clear - it wasnt a endo specialty program, but a 3 year part time endo program

 

[2TH MVR]

OP.
Life is too short to do something you're not happy with. Best wishes going forward.