Engineer to dentist

[wikibo]

Hi, I am about to turn 30, thinking of reshaping my career towards being a dentist. I have been working as a software engineer for several years, making close to $200k/year. I studied engineering and graduated with a 3.9 GPA. I have no biology background and no previous shadowing/volunteering experience. My friends think that I am insane to give up my current job, but I feel so much more rewarded being a dentist. Does any of you know with my background, would I at least have a shot at any dental school?

Thanks!!

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[super frank]

20k/year?

 

[wikibo]

20k/year?

Oops, forgot a zero 🙂

 

[super frank]

Oops, forgot a zero 🙂

People on here are going to try to convince you to stay away from dentistry because of your current salary and because of the cost of dental school.

If you will be happier as a dentist, then go for it. You are going to have to complete all prerequisites for acceptance (intro Bio courses, inorganic Chem, organic Chem, etc.), and you will have to take the DAT. If you have some money saved up to pay for some of dental school instead of taking out loans that will help.

 

[Craig_Sherwood234]

 

[I-hate-alginate]

I recommend you to shadow a dentist before make any commitment. You never know if you will like it or not. Being a software engineer is pretty good, don't let anyone tell you it isnt. Your GPA is great and I'm sure you won't struggle in the pre req. Courses if you ever decide to do dentistry.... if you don't mind.... why would you want to go back to school for 4 more years?

 

[acemason]

You have a great shot at dental school. I recommend shadowing a dentist for at the very least 50 hours before you truly make a decision. Also, talk to multiple dentists to really get a sense of what life as a dentist is like. You have a great GPA, you'll just have to maybe enroll in a postbac as a career-changer. There are multiple postbacs that offer classes to career-changers. Make sure you do well in those science classes, do well on the DAT, and apply!

 

[wikibo]

I recommend you to shadow a dentist before make any commitment. You never know if you will like it or not. Being a software engineer is pretty good, don't let anyone tell you it isnt. Your GPA is great and I'm sure you won't struggle in the pre req. Courses if you ever decide to do dentistry.... if you don't mind.... why would you want to go back to school for 4 more years?

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely spend some time shadowing some dentists.

To answer your question, I am pretty sure I will be earning quite a lot if I continue my career as an engineer, probably way more than a dentist after 4 years of school. It is just that I don't see myself sitting in front of computer monitors when I am 40/50 years old. I love helping and interacting with people. It gives me joy and I can see myself doing it for years to come.

 

[Faefly]

It's your life, you know the right answer, why do you ask people to tell you if you can or can't do it?
Why? Is it necessary to hear others say go for it or don't?
You wanna be a dentist! Go for it!
6 years from now you either will be one or you won't, what choice appeals to you the most?

 

[wikibo]

You have a great shot at dental school. I recommend shadowing a dentist for at the very least 50 hours before you truly make a decision. Also, talk to multiple dentists to really get a sense of what life as a dentist is like. You have a great GPA, you'll just have to maybe enroll in a postbac as a career-changer. There are multiple postbacs that offer classes to career-changers. Make sure you do well in those science classes, do well on the DAT, and apply!

Thanks for the suggestion. Would you recommend do pre-reqs part time, but stretch out the length by a year? I would like to have more cash reserves before quitting my job for the dental school.

 

[wikibo]

It's your life, you know the right answer, why do you ask people to tell you if you can or can't do it?
Why? Is it necessary to hear others say go for it or don't?
You wanna be a dentist! Go for it!
6 years from now you either will be one or you won't, what choice appeals to you the most?

Make sense. My heart tells me to go for it. But if everyone here tells me that as a fact, it is extremely rare for my age and my background/experience to become a dentist, then I would think twice before making this decision.

 

[Cali20002]

Make sense. My heart tells me to go for it. But if everyone here tells me that as a fact, it is extremely rare for my age and my background/experience to become a dentist, then I would think twice before making this decision.

I don't think it's rare at all! You could definitely become a dentist...but the million dollar question (quite literally) is "is it worth it?". Only you can answer that

 

[asdf99]

I understand and empathize with the fact that you aren't finding your current job as fulfilling. However, do realize that you are in a pretty solid position and one that many people (maybe some of us even) would kill to be in.

With your current experience, are there avenues you can use your degree that would provide some of the aspects you seek in dentistry? Even if that means taking a bit of a paycut? Forgive me I am being super ignorant, I just don't know much about engineering :s

Ultimately, it is your choice with regards to what you do. Given your strong academic track record (kudos by the way!!!) I don't see the DAT or prereqs being a huge obstacle... furthermore, as a professional in another field you likely have lots of the attributes and life experiences that you need to succeed at the interview stage as well.

Give it some time to think, and best of luck!

 

[dr.d00m]

Hi, I am about to turn 30, thinking of reshaping my career towards being a dentist. I have been working as a software engineer for several years, making close to $200k/year. I studied engineering and graduated with a 3.9 GPA. I have no biology background and no previous shadowing/volunteering experience. My friends think that I am insane to give up my current job, but I feel so much more rewarded being a dentist. Does any of you know with my background, would I at least have a shot at any dental school?

Thanks!!

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely spend some time shadowing some dentists.

To answer your question, I am pretty sure I will be earning quite a lot if I continue my career as an engineer, probably way more than a dentist after 4 years of school. It is just that I don't see myself sitting in front of computer monitors when I am 40/50 years old. I love helping and interacting with people. It gives me joy and I can see myself doing it for years to come.

The grass is always greener on the other side. There are downsides to every career, and dentistry is no exception.

$200k/yr for sitting in front of a computer >>>>>>>>> $300k cost of attendance and 4 years of no income for a similar $200k/yr salary

 

[Saddleshoes]

Thanks for the advice. I will definitely spend some time shadowing some dentists.

To answer your question, I am pretty sure I will be earning quite a lot if I continue my career as an engineer, probably way more than a dentist after 4 years of school. It is just that I don't see myself sitting in front of computer monitors when I am 40/50 years old. I love helping and interacting with people. It gives me joy and I can see myself doing it for years to come.

I might have something to add on this topic as I am the son of an engineer...

When my Dad was starting his career he had the same issues. He to wanted more face time with people. He moved into the management area of another company where he bloomed. The company men loved him because he could get the project done on time and under budget, the craft/union people respected him because he really cared about them on a personal level and the venders liked working with him because he was honest, up front and didn't nickel-dime them on the contracts.

I am of the opinion that engineering has more avenues for growth and evolution then dentistry does.

 

[Ollivander]

You won't recoup your loss in earnings by giving up a 200K/year job to take on 300K+ worth of debt and 4 years of your life until your 50's most likely. Something to chew on. You'll probably start out making far less than 200K to start out. Somewhere in the ball park of 110-130K, and this is before being taxed or making payments on that 300K+ student loan. You most likely won't reach the earning potential you're currently at until you open up your own practice, which could take quite a while. I'm not saying don't do it. Only you know what will provide you happiness in life. However, I'd suggest taking some time to really process this decision before you jump in. You're in a wonderful position, especially if you don't have any student loan debt over your head (which I assume you don't) at the moment. The lifestyle you'll be able to have and afford outside of work will be night and day for ~10 years at the bare minimum. Dentistry is very different for a new graduate today versus how you perceive dentists in their 40's to 60's running their practices and their lifestyles outside of work. I'd highly suggest shadowing a dentist in their 30's to get a real feel of what you'll be walking into and what you can expect.

 

[toothdoctor123]

$200k/yr for sitting in front of a computer >>>>>>>>> $300k cost of attendance and 4 years of no income for a similar $200k/yr salary

You know, some people become dentists because they actually like dentistry.

 

[dr.d00m]

You know, some people become dentists because they actually like dentistry.

Yeah they do. But op hasn't even done any shadowing yet or much research on the field itself, and is basing his want to pursue dentistry solely from the aspect of "helping people". There are ways to "help and interact with people" without drowning yourself in $300k unnecessarily, and coming out the other end worse off than when you went in

 

[I-hate-alginate]

You know, some people become dentists because they actually like dentistry.

OP would lose a lot of money and time if he goes back to do dentistry. Let's be honest here, if dentistry paid 70k a year, so many people would not be doing it. OP has a lot to lose if he wants to go back to school for 4 more years, sign up for loans, work as an associate. Keep in mind that he is 30 years old and he didn't take the DAT or prevent pre-requisites yet. If I were in his shoes, I would never ever think about doing dentistry because simply it ain't the brightest idea out there for me.

 

[Ollivander]

You know, some people become dentists because they actually like dentistry.

You're looking at it as if all of us are solely concerned about the numbers and what the numbers provide when that isn't the case. There are tons of people on this forum that I'm sure are very passionate about dentistry, but that doesn't mean we can't look at OP's situation objectively speaking and point out pitfalls and hurdles involved in the decision. No career is all candy and roses, even though some people might like to paint it that way. OP needs a full scope of the situation he will be walking into and taking on based on the point he's starting from with no prereqs, no DAT, no shadowing, no volunteer hours, etc. If he decides to go into dentistry after that then that's great and most of us here would wish him the best, but he needs an objective outlook before making a huge life decision. The "dentistry as a job" question isn't being debated here, as most of us wouldn't be here if we thought we wouldn't enjoy the actual day-to-day work.

 

[wengerout]

You know, some people become dentists because they actually like dentistry.

 

[wengerout]

Hi, I am about to turn 30, thinking of reshaping my career towards being a dentist. I have been working as a software engineer for several years, making close to $200k/year. I studied engineering and graduated with a 3.9 GPA. I have no biology background and no previous shadowing/volunteering experience. My friends think that I am insane to give up my current job, but I feel so much more rewarded being a dentist. Does any of you know with my background, would I at least have a shot at any dental school?

Thanks!!

OP this is what I would do if you're serious about this.

1. As all the other posters have suggested, shadow a dentist to get a really good feeling for the actual day to day job.
2. If you decide you want to go through it, I would take night classes if you can and keep working, setting money aside to pay for dental school when the time comes.
3. Classes will take you 2-3 years to finish probably, once you knock out the pre-reqs you'll be in a position to study for the DAT.
4. I wouldn't quit your job until you have an acceptance letter. You might have to use vacation days for interviews/etc.
5. Do your research on your state school/other schools with low cost/other schools that align with your career goals. I am assuming you are only interested in becoming a GP so pick schools that are clinically strong.

 

[toothdoctor123]

Yeah they do. But op hasn't even done any shadowing yet or much research on the field itself, and is basing his want to pursue dentistry solely from the aspect of "helping people". There are ways to "help and interact with people" without drowning yourself in $300k unnecessarily, and coming out the other end worse off than when you went in

OP would lose a lot of money and time if he goes back to do dentistry. Let's be honest here, if dentistry paid 70k a year, so many people would not be doing it. OP has a lot to lose if he wants to go back to school for 4 more years, sign up for loans, work as an associate. Keep in mind that he is 30 years old and he didn't take the DAT or prevent pre-requisites yet. If I were in his shoes, I would never ever think about doing dentistry because simply it ain't the brightest idea out there for me.

You're looking at it as if all of us are solely concerned about the numbers and what the numbers provide when that isn't the case. There are tons of people on this forum that I'm sure are very passionate about dentistry, but that doesn't mean we can't look at OP's situation objectively speaking and point out pitfalls and hurdles involved in the decision. No career is all candy and roses, even though some people might like to paint it that way. OP needs a full scope of the situation he will be walking into and taking on based on the point he's starting from with no prereqs, no DAT, no shadowing, no volunteer hours, etc. If he decides to go into dentistry after that then that's great and most of us here would wish him the best, but he needs an objective outlook before making a huge life decision. The "dentistry as a job" question isn't being debated here, as most of us wouldn't be here if we thought we wouldn't enjoy the actual day-to-day work.

Of course I'm being a little provocative. I think you guys are missing the context here.

OP is a 30 year-old adult making $200k. He would probably have the financial resources to pay for a lot of his dental education up front (especially because he would have at least two more years to save.) A decision to change careers is not the financial risk you're describing. He could easily return to software engineering if his dental career doesn't pan out.

 

[Michael_Scott]

Shadow. A. Dentist. intensively.
...before you make a decision. Yes dentistry is #1 job in US but you don't wanna be switching from a great career to realize you don't like dentistry and dealing with patients(especially since your previous one does not include that). I see you are smart so I am sure you will do your due diligence.

All the best!

 

[Michael_Scott]

Of course I'm being a little provocative. I think you guys are missing the context here.

OP is a 30 year-old adult making $200k. He would probably have the financial resources to pay for a lot of his dental education up front (especially because he would have at least two more years to save.) A decision to change careers is not the financial risk you're describing. He could easily return to software engineering if his dental career doesn't pan out.

I think you are missing the point of lost wages whilst he tries to pursue something that may not be good for him(added stress). Neither I nor you know that. So pretty much all the posters are gently reminding him to shadow and find out if Dentistry is really what he wants to do before diving in.

 

[super frank]

You're looking at it as if all of us are solely concerned about the numbers and what the numbers provide when that isn't the case. There are tons of people on this forum that I'm sure are very passionate about dentistry, but that doesn't mean we can't look at OP's situation objectively speaking and point out pitfalls and hurdles involved in the decision. No career is all candy and roses, even though some people might like to paint it that way. OP needs a full scope of the situation he will be walking into and taking on based on the point he's starting from with no prereqs, no DAT, no shadowing, no volunteer hours, etc. If he decides to go into dentistry after that then that's great and most of us here would wish him the best, but he needs an objective outlook before making a huge life decision. The "dentistry as a job" question isn't being debated here, as most of us wouldn't be here if we thought we wouldn't enjoy the actual day-to-day work.

Are you back to dentistry again?

 

[Ollivander]

Are you back to dentistry again?

Nope. Just trying to help others.

 

[LFA20]

Hi, I am about to turn 30, thinking of reshaping my career towards being a dentist. I have been working as a software engineer for several years, making close to $200k/year. I studied engineering and graduated with a 3.9 GPA. I have no biology background and no previous shadowing/volunteering experience. My friends think that I am insane to give up my current job, but I feel so much more rewarded being a dentist. Does any of you know with my background, would I at least have a shot at any dental school?

Thanks!!

Don't be stupid and stay where you are.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

200k at 30 and having second thoughts about their career. Only on SDN 🤣

 

[Medin2017]

OP would lose a lot of money and time if he goes back to do dentistry. Let's be honest here, if dentistry paid 70k a year, so many people would not be doing it. OP has a lot to lose if he wants to go back to school for 4 more years, sign up for loans, work as an associate. Keep in mind that he is 30 years old and he didn't take the DAT or prevent pre-requisites yet. If I were in his shoes, I would never ever think about doing dentistry because simply it ain't the brightest idea out there for me.

 

[wengerout]

200k at 30 and having second thoughts about their career. Only on SDN 🤣

Playing devils advocate I wouldn't stay at a job where I made 200k a year if I hated it. Plus unless you're working for yourself you're always going to be one pink slip away from making $0 (I've seen it first hand).

 

[Medin2017]

Playing devils advocate I wouldn't stay at a job where I made 200k a year if I hated it. Plus unless you're working for yourself you're always going to be one pink slip away from making $0 (I've seen it first hand).

True, but to be fair if he's so capable and experienced to be hitting 200k as a software engineer, I'm sure the $0 would be very temporary.

 

[DMD-DOC]

Hi, I am about to turn 30, thinking of reshaping my career towards being a dentist. I have been working as a software engineer for several years, making close to $200k/year. I studied engineering and graduated with a 3.9 GPA. I have no biology background and no previous shadowing/volunteering experience. My friends think that I am insane to give up my current job, but I feel so much more rewarded being a dentist. Does any of you know with my background, would I at least have a shot at any dental school?

Thanks!!

Find an engineering job that gives you the joy of " helping and interacting" with people. You are obviously very smart. Dumb people do not make $200K/ year.
Maybe work on or design or solve a problem in dentistry that only an engineer can solve. You can easily involve yourself in dentistry without having a dental degree. Ask yourself this question: " If I had $400K(tuition cost) cash in the bank, what would I do? Dental school or ____________(fill in the blank)?

 

[wengerout]

True, but to be fair if he's so capable and experienced to be hitting 200k as a software engineer, I'm sure the $0 would be very temporary.

For the person I know it hasn't been, but everyone is different. Their job got outsourced to India and it's not fun trying to find a new one in your later years.

With that being said I wouldn't fault OP for staying at his job either.

 

[Medin2017]

For the person I know it hasn't been, but everyone is different. Their job got outsourced to India and it's not fun trying to find a new one in your later years.

With that being said I wouldn't fault OP for staying at his job either.

Yea that's true didn't think about outsourcing. Surprising though b/c thought if you make like 200k+ as a software engineer you're doing something seriously right and you would have lower chance of being outsourced (less replaceable).

 

[free99]

Not a chance I'd consider $1m+++ in opportunity cost to pursue dentistry. It'll take you a lifetime to recoup those costs. Most people who go to dental school do so hoping they will like it, but have no clue because they've never touched a handpiece and bent over someone's mouth for 8 hours a day. Some people end up liking it, some despise it - that's not something I'd be willing to gamble a million bucks on.

 

[Medin2017]

Not a chance I'd consider $1m+++ in opportunity cost to pursue dentistry. It'll take you a lifetime to recoup those costs. Most people who go to dental school do so hoping they will like it, but have no clue because they've never touched a handpiece and bent over someone's mouth for 8 hours a day. Some people end up liking it, some despise it - that's not something I'd be willing to gamble a million bucks on.

Yep I feel like shadowing at best would tell you if you absolutely hated it but not whether you would like it.

 

[Frychicken]

I probably wouldn't if I was in your position.

Sure, the idea of "helping people" is what all initially drove us towards dentistry. You start to romanticize the idea that every patient you treat will appreciate you and the work you do for them.

The reality is that, just like any other job, the patients you treat and people you work with will bring you either a lot of joy or pain in the ass (mostly the latter).

I still enjoy dentistry, but you will have a lot of bad days that will weigh on you heavily.

 

[DentEngineer]

I am an engineer as well, but very hard to believe an engineer making $200k at 30.
Engineers usually break $200k at the end of their career (if all works out well), when they move into management. Usually after you get MS or MBA through company sponsored program. You would be very very lucky to make $150k as a technical engineer with bachelor's degree.
I think this guy's bluffing.

 

[dr.d00m]

I am an engineer as well, but very hard to believe an engineer making $200k at 30.
Engineers usually break $200k at the end of their career (if all works out well), when they move into management. Usually after you get MS or MBA through company sponsored program. You would be very very lucky to make $150k as a technical engineer with bachelor's degree.
I think this guy's bluffing.

Software engineer ≠ engineer. There's some big bucks out there in comp. sci./tech industry if you get lucky. I don't think this guy is bluffing, but I wouldn't be surprised if he were

 

[MaizeGoBlue]

Go ask some actual dentists about your decision. SDN is a great resource, but it's primarily students. Practicing dentists have a better view on the day to day of dentistry.

 

[Medin2017]

Software engineer ≠ engineer. There's some big bucks out there in comp. sci./tech industry if you get lucky. I don't think this guy is bluffing, but I wouldn't be surprised if he were

More meritocracy based than luck from what I know via friends in compsci or working at Google/fb

 

[wengerout]

Go ask some actual dentists about your decision. SDN is a great resource, but it's primarily students. Practicing dentists have a better view on the day to day of dentistry.

Probabaly the best advice here tbh


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[distressstudent]

I am an engineer as well, but very hard to believe an engineer making $200k at 30.
Engineers usually break $200k at the end of their career (if all works out well), when they move into management. Usually after you get MS or MBA through company sponsored program. You would be very very lucky to make $150k as a technical engineer with bachelor's degree.
I think this guy's bluffing.

Key word: Software engineer

 

[periopocket]

I hate to be the one to say it. But this might be the worst decision you could ever make. As a general rule of thumb, if your already making over 150k, stay the hell away from dental school. Jk...maybe


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[wengerout]

I hate to be the one to say it. But this might be the worst decision you could ever make. As a general rule of thumb, if your already making over 150k, stay the hell away from dental school. Jk...maybe


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I'm gonna have to respectfully disagree. He needs to shadow and make sure he wants to do it, but if he loves it why not? I certainly wouldn't wanna be stuck doing a job I don't like for the only life I get.

 

[periopocket]

I'm gonna have to respectfully disagree. He needs to shadow and make sure he wants to do it, but if he loves it why not? I certainly wouldn't wanna be stuck doing a job I don't like for the only life I get.

No problemo...you will soon see the quality of life in dental school. Then maybe you will change your mind.


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[wengerout]

No problemo...you will soon see the quality of life in dental school. Then maybe you will change your mind.


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Lol...I don't see how that is relevant. It's not about me, it's about OP.

In the abstract, no matter what job X is, if doing Job Y brings me a happier quality of life when everything is taken into account, I will take Job Y over Job X, EVEN if I am making more money/have no debt with Job X. What's the point of doing a job you despise for the rest of your life?

I'm not even trying to be an unrealistic idealist who says to "Follow your dreams", but at the same time 200k isn't worth hating your job. Then again, that is just my personal opinion.

EDIT: Out of curiosity, what dental school do you go to?

 

[periopocket]

Lol...I don't see how that is relevant. It's not about me, it's about OP.

In the abstract, no matter what job X is, if doing Job Y brings me a happier quality of life when everything is taken into account, I will take Job Y over Job X, EVEN if I am making more money/have no debt with Job X. What's the point of doing a job you despise for the rest of your life?

I'm not even trying to be an unrealistic idealist who says to "Follow your dreams", but at the same time 200k isn't worth hating your job. Then again, that is just my personal opinion.

EDIT: Out of curiosity, what dental school do you go to?

I just graduated from UB, so I've been a dentist for about a week now. So I guess I only have a pinch of more experience about what dental school is like, since you'll be starting in just a short couple months. I am not trying to be rude, im letting you know dental school takes a toll on you like you wouldn't imagine.

I am only looking out for the OP. Have him post this thread on dental town and see what they tell him. At some point life is about making practical decisions. But we are both certainly entitled to our opinions. By the way my mom is a software engineer also making 6 figures, I think she has a dam good life.


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[MaizeGoBlue]

You really won't know if dentistry is your "calling" in life until you become a practicing dentist. I know quite a few dentists who love their job, but none that view it as a "calling" and they have all said they could see themselves doing a different job as well.