DMD or MD?

[Aero047]

I'm probably one of the most indecisive people on the planet, and I can't seem to make up my mind about whether or not I should go into medicine or dentistry. I truly love both professions and could sit here and write down the pros and cons of each but what I need is some practical advice from you fellow SDNers.

I read a post listed a day or two ago on another student who didn't know which profession to choose, and asked you guys for some advice, but I want to keep my options open. I'm a freshman in college and plan to apply to medical/dental school sometime around junior year. I'm going to start studying for the MCAT & the DAT this summer, but should I take both exams or no just to keep my options open? Should I even start studying for them now? Am I just being a *******?

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[USAF_Dentman]

I'm probably one of the most indecisive people on the planet, and I can't seem to make up my mind about whether or not I should go into medicine or dentistry. I truly love both professions and could sit here and write down the pros and cons of each but what I need is some practical advice from you fellow SDNers.

I read a post listed a day or two ago on another student who didn't know which profession to choose, and asked you guys for some advice, but I want to keep my options open. I'm a freshman in college and plan to apply to medical/dental school sometime around junior year. I'm going to start studying for the MCAT & the DAT this summer, but should I take both exams or no just to keep my options open? Should I even start studying for them now? Am I just being a *******?

Its fine to not know what you want to do, you still have some time to decide. I wouldnt worry about the MCAT and DAT until the summer following your sophmore. Plus, if you study for the MCAT it will prepare you well for the DAT. Just keep shadowing (although this hasnt worked for me because i'm still undecided ). Remember to keep the grades high and start getting LORs...

 

[aphistis]

Get exposure in both fields. Spend some time in a few dental offices (general and specialists) and a few medical clinics (both primary care & hospital), since you've still got lots of time to figure out what you want to do. Get the real story from dentists & physicians both--find out what they like & what they don't. You've got plenty of time to investigate (you're doing the smart thing by getting started early), so just be thorough and you'll end up settling on which career is the one for you. Good luck!

 

[GoGatorsDMD]

aphistis is right. You gotta spend some time with both and see what they do in person! Take this summer off and do it, not study for the MCAT/DAT, let the organic chemistry soak in first. The sooner you know what you want, the better.

Good luck

 

[dentaldaddy]

I'm probably one of the most indecisive people on the planet, and I can't seem to make up my mind about whether or not I should go into medicine or dentistry. I truly love both professions and could sit here and write down the pros and cons of each but what I need is some practical advice from you fellow SDNers.

I read a post listed a day or two ago on another student who didn't know which profession to choose, and asked you guys for some advice, but I want to keep my options open. I'm a freshman in college and plan to apply to medical/dental school sometime around junior year. I'm going to start studying for the MCAT & the DAT this summer, but should I take both exams or no just to keep my options open? Should I even start studying for them now? Am I just being a *******?

You should go into the medical field so the rest of us can get our spots in dental schools.

 

[sidewalkman]

Relax, you have plenty of time to shadow and ask questions of both professions. You will figure it out. Be thankful that you've narrowed down your career path significantly this early in the game.

 

[Sprgrover]

Get exposure in both fields. Spend some time in a few dental offices (general and specialists) and a few medical clinics (both primary care & hospital), since you've still got lots of time to figure out what you want to do. Get the real story from dentists & physicians both--find out what they like & what they don't. You've got plenty of time to investigate (you're doing the smart thing by getting started early), so just be thorough and you'll end up settling on which career is the one for you. Good luck!

Excellent advice and I suggest that you follow Bill's recommendations.

 

[DrTacoElf]

Look at the professions AFTER school is over. What is each doing. Your going to have to look at several specialties of each side to determine which is for you. Do you want to work alone or in a group. Do you like hands on work, surgery?

Thats my suggestion -- it helped me choose dental. I didn't want to be in a group surgical practice, and I wanted to be very hands also. I also didn't want to work for a hospital or the armed forces.