Engineer to dentist

[wengerout]

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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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Oh I don't doubt you have more experience or that dental school takes a huge toll. I just offer OP what I would in his case as I personally couldn't live doing a job I "HATED". Of course, there is a difference between not loving a job and hating it.

A member of my family is as well, but as previously mentioned their job was outsourced and they have been unable to find another job (partially due to age? Not sure of this).


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[wengerout]

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.

I mostly agree with this. While I think dentistry is a very good fit for me (as of now anyway) I would never say it's the only profession I could. However I know I would never be happy doing a traditional office job where I just stare at a computer monitor all day.


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[periopocket]

Oh I don't doubt you have more experience or that dental school takes a huge toll. I just offer OP what I would in his case as I personally couldn't live doing a job I "HATED". Of course, there is a difference between not loving a job and hating it.

A member of my family is as well, but as previously mentioned their job was outsourced and they have been unable to find another job (partially due to age? Not sure of this).


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You have a great point. I guess if one truly hated their job, they should consider another career. Dentistry is plenty rewarding. I just fear the OP may be having a grass is greener moment. I would also like to mention my room mate in dental school was an IT who switched to dental and was right around the same age as him. He is happy with his choice. However, he was way closer to 60-70k mark. 200k is a very healthy salary to pass up, I would think long and hard before I ditched it, that is the upper limit salary for some dentists believe it or not.


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[predental21250]

Oral surgeon I shadowed was an MIT graduated engineer for 5 years before he decided to go into dentistry. He seems really happy with his decision and even used his background to do research in dental school.

 

[wikibo]

Wow! You guys are awesome! Sorry that I can't reply to each post. I really really appreciate everyone's input.

I agree that I need to get more insights before making this life-changing decision. I will start talking to some dentists in the field to get a real sense of what the life would be like. No matter what I choose, I don't want to leave myself regretting for the rest of my life.

Thanks again and good luck to everyone!!

 

[deleted678432]

So what will make you happy. Don't be dumb about it and make an impulse decision. Nobody here can answer it for you. If you know it'll make you happier, go for it. You can always go back to being an engineer. It's better to regret what you've done than what you haven't.


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[Edward Norton]

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!!

You'd be crazy to become a dentist at this point. A $200k annual salary is comparable to what a dentist with years of experience is making. With the staggering amount of loans that you'd have to borrow, you'd be putting yourself in a deep hole upon graduation -- especially since the Department of Education has announced plans to raise interest rates this summer. Also, upon graduating, you'll only be making $120-130k to start. The increase in income comes years later when you're experienced and a successful owner-dentist. It takes years to get there, and there are costs to getting there.

As an engineer, you already have the benefit of working for a large company that offers a pension plan or 401k, health coverage, etc. You don't get those benefits as a dentist (unless you are also working for a large company, but who the hell wants to make a living working for corporate dentistry?). You don't need to use your own income to purchase a retirement plan or your own health plan. You don't need to worry about getting sued or injuring yourself -- hence, you don't need to purchase malpractice or disability insurance. You don't need to worry about the expenses of running an office: overhead, managing a staff, or dealing with illiterate dental auxiliaries who think that their grade 12 education qualifies them to be doctors. Then there are the patients -- some of them are wonderful, but some of them are just total a-holes who make you hate the human race. As an engineer, you're surrounded by educated and like-minded people and you're probably working in a quiet office environment.

I'd strongly advise you to rethink your decision. I love the practice of dentistry, but after having worked for years as a dentist, I've seen enough nonsense that has disgusted me deeply about this profession. It's not as great or as rewarding as you may think. PM me for more input. (I was an electrical engineer before I became a dentist.)

 

[comatose]

You cannot tell whether or not you will like dentistry by shadowing. I would not gamble on another profession, especially one that costs so much. THERE IS NO GUARANTEE YOU WILL LIKE DENTISTRY. Repeat that over and over in your head until you talk yourself out of it, which will be the smartest thing you will ever do. Stay where you are at, suck it up, and take antidepressants like everybody else.