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- Sep 3, 2004
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Hi everyone,
I have been debating with many friends of mine what profession would suit me best. From what I hear, a dentist has a much more 'predictable' lifestyle than the average MD, such as haviing roughly 9-5 hours, which is something I find very appealing as I am very family oriented. As well many have told me that a dentist on average makes much more money than a family doctor (which is something I would also be intersted in). I always wanted to be a sugeon but cant picture myself being on call so much and going to school untill I'm in my early 30's, so I think I would 'settle' for family dr if thats the path I choose. Dentistry also seems to be riskier in my eyes as a large investment is required upon graduation to establish a practice (ive heard around 150-300k). The last concern of mine is that people tell me that it is very hard to establish yourself as a dentist in a large city since most big cities have too many dentists already, whereas you usually here there is a doctor shortage almost evreywhere.
The reason this is so tough for me is that I could see myself as being very happy doing both. I am not using one as a backup for the other as some do. I truly am intersted in both.
I have spoken with some dr's and dentists and have gotten totally random responses such as 100% be a dentist, 150% be a doctor lol. I dont know what to say about some of them, they all seem to not enjoy doing what their doing which is sad and I dont wanna end up like that.
Could someone please let me know if its correct that general dentists really make much more than family doctors
How hard is it to set up shop as a dentist in a big city?
Can a family dr possibly have a similar lifestyle as a dentist while earning a similar salary?
Please let me know what you think
Thanks a lot
I have been debating with many friends of mine what profession would suit me best. From what I hear, a dentist has a much more 'predictable' lifestyle than the average MD, such as haviing roughly 9-5 hours, which is something I find very appealing as I am very family oriented. As well many have told me that a dentist on average makes much more money than a family doctor (which is something I would also be intersted in). I always wanted to be a sugeon but cant picture myself being on call so much and going to school untill I'm in my early 30's, so I think I would 'settle' for family dr if thats the path I choose. Dentistry also seems to be riskier in my eyes as a large investment is required upon graduation to establish a practice (ive heard around 150-300k). The last concern of mine is that people tell me that it is very hard to establish yourself as a dentist in a large city since most big cities have too many dentists already, whereas you usually here there is a doctor shortage almost evreywhere.
The reason this is so tough for me is that I could see myself as being very happy doing both. I am not using one as a backup for the other as some do. I truly am intersted in both.
I have spoken with some dr's and dentists and have gotten totally random responses such as 100% be a dentist, 150% be a doctor lol. I dont know what to say about some of them, they all seem to not enjoy doing what their doing which is sad and I dont wanna end up like that.
Could someone please let me know if its correct that general dentists really make much more than family doctors
How hard is it to set up shop as a dentist in a big city?
Can a family dr possibly have a similar lifestyle as a dentist while earning a similar salary?
Please let me know what you think
Thanks a lot