Guys, am I making a mistake going for dentistry?

[hs2013]

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I don't know, this is probably coming from the fact that the semester just started and the amount of work I need to do for the semester just sucks. It's just that I'm questioning whether I should do it. If there is anything I would go to school for it would be dentistry, I now I would be happy working in a dental office, helping the patients, and that lifestyle. It's just that the journey there for me is going to be hell. I have no interest in chemistry or biology, it's just the bull**** I have to go through. But even then sometimes I wonder if I am just going into it for the money and lifestyle, which I don't think is wrong but is it worth 8 years of schooling hell?

I just don't know what else to do, I want to be financially secure and make good money and this seems perfect. I have no other "passions" I could see myself pursuing. If there was ever a dream job for me it would be working in the scouting/management of the Packers but that isn't realistic now is it...

I know I can do the work needed to be a dentist, but the motivation to go through this bull**** is nonexistent.

 

[ICUrunning]

If you can't go through it now, what makes you think you can handle 4 years of dental school when it gets even rougher?

Not many people survive health professional schools thinking about the money and lifestyle.

 

[cacajuate]

Go get a real job and pay for all your bills for a year. That'll fix your motivation.

 

[hs2013]

It's not that I can't handle it, I know I can do it, I know that I probably will do it because that's what I always do lol, complain like crazy but end up doing good. But in the end it's still going to suck.

 

[amfassz]

What is the point of this thread? If you want to be a dentist, suck it up and do the work like everyone else. If nontrads can have a day job, have a family and take classes as night you surely have no place to complain about how hard your life is right now.

 

[Jbrowndds]

If it were easy it wouldn't be worth much. If you want to work in the dental field without doing much work there are dental assisting and dental hygiene programs. Even with hygiene it requires science courses. If you really want to be a dentist quit complaining. It only makes the process harder and more frustrating that it has to be. You don't have to major in biology.

 

[techyguy]

I had to shadow a few dentists before I got the bug again. When I wanted do doughnuts down the highway after shadowing one in particular (a pediatric dentist...), I knew that's where I wanted to be.

That said, it has helped a LOT along the journey that I like chemistry, biochem, orgo, biology and psychology. I categorize it as an intrinsic love of learning. I know you can survive and advance without actually liking what you're learning, but I can't say that I'd recommend it.

 

[hs2013]

Ah **** it, I know I can do it and I WILL. Everytime I remember and think about how much it will be worth it in the future, it always puts me back in check and motivates me. I need to put up a sign above my desk with some motivational quotes from myself lol. The hard work will pay off...

 

[Faux]

Whats your semester like and what year are you? You don't necessarily need to be stressing yourself out.

 

[NMC2010]

Ah **** it, I know I can do it and I WILL. Everytime I remember and think about how much it will be worth it in the future, it always puts me back in check and motivates me. I need to put up a sign above my desk with some motivational quotes from myself lol. The hard work will pay off...

Really doesn't sound like you're doing this for the right reasons. For your own sake, I suggest doing some broad shadowing in multiple different career types. You seem to have very little direction and are only doing this because it'll provide a nice paycheck. I'm guessing you'd be much happier doing something you enjoy and making less than doing something you despise for the next 30 years and making a lot of money.

 

[IsaacYankem]

OP you sound like you're only concerned with dollars and cents. You might want to consider something on Wall Street or in banking where you can make a lot of $ and not go to school for 8 years

 

[Ionz]

I don't know, this is probably coming from the fact that the semester just started and the amount of work I need to do for the semester just sucks. It's just that I'm questioning whether I should do it. If there is anything I would go to school for it would be dentistry, I now I would be happy working in a dental office, helping the patients, and that lifestyle. It's just that the journey there for me is going to be hell. I have no interest in chemistry or biology, it's just the bullcrap I have to go through. But even then sometimes I wonder if I am just going into it for the money and lifestyle, which I don't think is wrong but is it worth 8 years of schooling hell?

I just don't know what else to do, I want to be financially secure and make good money and this seems perfect. I have no other "passions" I could see myself pursuing. If there was ever a dream job for me it would be working in the scouting/management of the Packers but that isn't realistic now is it...

I know I can do the work needed to be a dentist, but the motivation to go through this bullcrap is nonexistent.

Not wholly unrealistic, but yes, near impossible and very ideal. To be blatantly honest, I would drop everything right now if given the opportunity. Except I would have to switch out Packers for 49ers.

 

[Bereno]

Not wholly unrealistic, but yes, near impossible and very ideal. To be blatantly honest, I would drop everything right now if given the opportunity. Except I would have to switch out Packers for 49ers.

😱 dear god, anyone but the 49ers... coming from a man 😀 lol

OP: just as a reality check, dental school has a whole lot more bullcrap than undergrad, thats for sure. If this is making you question dentistry, then dental school might be the tipping point. The caveat to this is that every school (both undergrad and dental) are different so your results might be different. From my personal experience though, undergrad was cake comparatively... Best of luck!

 

[hs2013]

Oh how I wish I could delete this thread lol, I was just being an idiot last night. To those of you saying I should do something else or I am doing it for the wrong reasons, YOU ARE WRONG. I'm doing it because I know dentistry is the field I want to pursue if I continue my college education, there is nothing else I want to go to school for other than dentistry. Sure money plays a role in it, but don't tell me that is the wrong reason to go into dentistry. When I am looking for a career I want something with a good lifestyle, something I would enjoy doing, and a good paycheck-dentistry happens to fit that.

I'm just going to shut up and do the work because otherwise it's miserable for me.

 

[Gaucho4Life]

Oh how I wish I could delete this thread lol, I was just being an idiot last night. To those of you saying I should do something else or I am doing it for the wrong reasons, YOU ARE WRONG. I'm doing it because I know dentistry is the field I want to pursue if I continue my college education, there is nothing else I want to go to school for other than dentistry. Sure money plays a role in it, but don't tell me that is the wrong reason to go into dentistry. When I am looking for a career I want something with a good lifestyle, something I would enjoy doing, and a good paycheck-dentistry happens to fit that.

I'm just going to shut up and do the work because otherwise it's miserable for me.

You're gonna be absolutely miserable if you don't like biology and chemistry. Just saying.

 

[hs2013]

You're gonna be absolutely miserable if you don't like biology and chemistry. Just saying.

I shouldn't say I don't like them. When I am in class and solving problems and applying myself, it feels good when I do well. Especially because those subjects come easy to me, I don't think it will be miserable. I just need to change my mindset and then everything will be fine. Because I do want to be a dentist, it's just a matter of me pushing myself and keeping on top of my work.

 

[MouthMechanic]

You're gonna be absolutely miserable if you don't like biology and chemistry. Just saying.

This is true. I hate ALL classes. Especially science ones, and I'm doing pretty well as a lowly D1. I am a tad miserable, but I am going to get through it just fine, and I am going to be a fine dentist. I LOVE the operative stuff we get to do.

Yeah, a lot of the classes we take suck, but what we will end up doing day to day is pretty freaking cool.

 

[doc toothache]

Sound like the pursuit of education is just a thorn in your side.

 

[Endo2021]

It all seems daunting if you look at it as a whole. Take it a semester at a time and you'll be just fine.

 

[hs2013]

Sound like the pursuit of education is just a thorn in your side.

Is it not for everyone? Does anyone really want to go through school to get to be a dentist? No, but it's the only way and my desire to be a dentist trumps the fact that I don't like school. If I want the life I have planned out I need to suck it up and go through it.

 

[doc toothache]

Is it not for everyone? Does anyone really want to go through school to get to be a dentist? No, but it's the only way and my desire to be a dentist trumps the fact that I don't like school. If I want the life I have planned out I need to suck it up and go through it.

It will apparently be a shock to your system, but there are many who truly enjoy learning.

 

[Michdent]

Is it not for everyone? Does anyone really want to go through school to get to be a dentist? No, but it's the only way and my desire to be a dentist trumps the fact that I don't like school. If I want the life I have planned out I need to suck it up and go through it.

I actually am really looking forward to going to school. Think of everything you will learn. I used to dislike chemistry and now I realize how important it is so I love it. You will use chemistry all the time as a dentist whether you choose to acknowledge that fact or not. I think you should probably pick something else if you don't have a passion for science and attaining knowledge. The money should be the last thing on your mind when picking something you will do for the rest of your life.

 

[Michdent]

Also, it's a bit insulting that the main reason you want to do this is about money and other selfish reasons. Becoming involved in a healthcare field isn't about you. It's about serving and helping others, not about being comfortable or having the lifestyle you want. Try to be a CEO or go into business if that's your goal in life. As a dentist, you have people's health on the line.

 

[str8ner]

This isn't meant to be pessimistic and I can point you to references if you like. It is just meant to be honest.

There is nothing wrong with wanting a nice lifestyle as a dentist and making money isn't immoral or a crime. That said, you should have your head examined if you think there is money in dentistry. Dental school is long, hard, and expensive. Average student loan debt for graduating dentists is $250,000. This statistic comes from a survey that included people that could have had their school paid for by others like parents. So, if you don't have a wealthy benefactor, your debt could easily surpass 250K. Starting a new practice could easily throw you over a million in debt. Have fun with that lifestyle while you worry about going bankrupt because no patients are coming in the door.

There are more dentists now than ever in the history of the United States. The dentist to population ratio is at an all-time high. More dental schools keep opening because skewed statistics are being used to suggest we are somehow 10,000 dentists short in America. Political forces determined to drive down the cost of dentistry are creating this bubble and there is no indication this trend will change in our lifetime.

Of course you should do what you like. You should also be more aware of the dental profession than you seem to be. If you are smart and motivated, you deserve better. Consider a career where appreciation, respect, and pay are better.

For example, a fireman is in my opinion much more respected and appreciated than a dentist. Don't believe me? Watch the movies. In New York City, firemen with no college education can make over $100,000 after five years. In fact, the fire department will often pay for your college education. A general dentist in New York City will be lucky to make that. In addition, a dentist has the mountain of debt with which to contend.

Bottom line: Too many dentists are graduating with too much debt. The profession can be, at times, very rewarding. But you deserve to know that most patients simply think you charge too much and show about the same level of respect and appreciation they would show a mechanic.

 

[NMC2010]

Also, it's a bit insulting that the main reason you want to do this is about money and other selfish reasons. Becoming involved in a healthcare field isn't about you. It's about serving and helping others, not about being comfortable or having the lifestyle you want. Try to be a CEO or go into business if that's your goal in life. As a dentist, you have people's health on the line.

I definitely agree that money shouldn't be the only reason for becoming a dentist. And while altruism is a noble trait to be sure, it's alright to have other reasons you want to become a dentist. I want to be a dentist because I love working with my hands, working hours are compatible with family life, I enjoy talking with others, and I like biology (the money is nice too ofc). Dentistry seems to encapsulate all of those in one, and helping others is an added benefit. Don't you think it should be partially about you?

long post

I think a dentist making 100k/year is below average unless they're fresh out of school. Also, I'd like if you'd show some evidence that says there isn't going to be an increasing demand for dentists in the future. And come on, you're saying firemen are worth more than dentists, and basing that on movies?

 

[hs2013]

Also, it's a bit insulting that the main reason you want to do this is about money and other selfish reasons. Becoming involved in a healthcare field isn't about you. It's about serving and helping others, not about being comfortable or having the lifestyle you want. Try to be a CEO or go into business if that's your goal in life. As a dentist, you have people's health on the line.

And I hate people who use that argument. I do enjoy helping other but let's say for the sake of conversation that I only became a dentist for just money and hated doing it, that wouldn't matter would it if I still did my job? Just because someone doesn't enjoy doing something doesn't mean they are going to screw up people teeth and do a bad job, hell the dentist who hates being a dentist could very well be better at his job than a dentist who isn't as talented but works his ass off.

 

[hs2013]

This isn't meant to be pessimistic and I can point you to references if you like. It is just meant to be honest.

There is nothing wrong with wanting a nice lifestyle as a dentist and making money isn't immoral or a crime. That said, you should have your head examined if you think there is money in dentistry. Dental school is long, hard, and expensive. Average student loan debt for graduating dentists is $250,000. This statistic comes from a survey that included people that could have had their school paid for by others like parents. So, if you don't have a wealthy benefactor, your debt could easily surpass 250K. Starting a new practice could easily throw you over a million in debt. Have fun with that lifestyle while you worry about going bankrupt because no patients are coming in the door.

There are more dentists now than ever in the history of the United States. The dentist to population ratio is at an all-time high. More dental schools keep opening because skewed statistics are being used to suggest we are somehow 10,000 dentists short in America. Political forces determined to drive down the cost of dentistry are creating this bubble and there is no indication this trend will change in our lifetime.

Of course you should do what you like. You should also be more aware of the dental profession than you seem to be. If you are smart and motivated, you deserve better. Consider a career where appreciation, respect, and pay are better.

For example, a fireman is in my opinion much more respected and appreciated than a dentist. Don't believe me? Watch the movies. In New York City, firemen with no college education can make over $100,000 after five years. In fact, the fire department will often pay for your college education. A general dentist in New York City will be lucky to make that. In addition, a dentist has the mountain of debt with which to contend.

Bottom line: Too many dentists are graduating with too much debt. The profession can be, at times, very rewarding. But you deserve to know that most patients simply think you charge too much and show about the same level of respect and appreciation they would show a mechanic.

For me financial security and such is a big thing, I want to be able to enjoy my life outside work as well, so yea if I were going into debt like that I would never become a dentist a doctor or anything to do with that much of debt. I'm lucky in the sense that my parents are paying for it, so I do think dentistry is a great field for me to be financially secure because I won't be in debt out of college, I don't want to live in the big cities so that will also help my income, and I will enjoy being a dentist plus that dentists will always be around, at least until I die.

 

[str8ner]

I definitely agree that money shouldn't be the only reason for becoming a dentist. And while altruism is a noble trait to be sure, it's alright to have other reasons you want to become a dentist. I want to be a dentist because I love working with my hands, working hours are compatible with family life, I enjoy talking with others, and I like biology. Dentistry seems to encapsulate all of those in one, and helping others is an added benefit. I don't think it's wrong to say that it is partially "about you." I wouldn't suggest doing something that one wouldn't enjoy for a profession simply because it serves the greater good. Yeah, the patients health is the top priority, but the same is true for any other medical profession; doesn't mean someone would enjoy that. Also, I don't think it's wrong to hope for a comfortable lifestyle out of this - after all, look how much you're sacrificing to get it!



I think a dentist would be pretty unlucky to make 100k/year (assuming they aren't fresh out of school), since most make far above that! Also, I'd like if you'd show some evidence that says there isn't going to be an increasing demand for dentists in the future.

There are a lot of unlucky general dentists in NYC. I don't know what you call "far above" that but the average in NYC is still well under $150,000. Dentists in NYC make less than average due to high competition. In addition, they have a hard time filling their schedules. They may only work three days per week because that's all the work they can find. As a general dentist in NYC, you are lucky to make $500/ day 4 days per week which is about what it would take to break $100,000. Surveys used for statistics about dental pay rarely include associates. They often look at private practice dentists who have higher pay. In addition, the response to such surveys is extremely low. There are plenty of new and experienced dentists making less than $100,000 per year. In fact, most military general dentists make less than $100,000/year.

 

[Michdent]

I definitely agree that money shouldn't be the only reason for becoming a dentist. And while altruism is a noble trait to be sure, it's alright to have other reasons you want to become a dentist. I want to be a dentist because I love working with my hands, working hours are compatible with family life, I enjoy talking with others, and I like biology (the money is nice too ofc). Dentistry seems to encapsulate all of those in one, and helping others is an added benefit. Don't you think it should be partially about you?


Of course it is partially about yourself, but seeing that this person doesn't like science and just wants money, it doesn't seem that a field firmly based in science is the right choice. However, as a dentist, it's all about the patients. Which should be the main focus. After all they are the reason that there is the field of dentistry.

 

[Michdent]

Also, if you just kind of want to be a dentist, then you could possibly be taking the spot of someone who is really passionate about the field of dentistry.

 

[Screwtape]

There are a lot of unlucky general dentists in NYC. I don't know what you call "far above" that but the average in NYC is still well under $150,000. Dentists in NYC make less than average due to high competition. In addition, they have a hard time filling their schedules. They may only work three days per week because that's all the work they can find. As a general dentist in NYC, you are lucky to make $500/ day 4 days per week which is about what it would take to break $100,000. Surveys used for statistics about dental pay rarely include associates. They often look at private practice dentists who have higher pay. In addition, the response to such surveys is extremely low. There are plenty of new and experienced dentists making less than $100,000 per year. In fact, most military general dentists make less than $100,000/year.

Most Americans don't live in NYC… Why do you keep bringing it up like its a useful example? BLS average general dentist: $149,310, BLS average fireman: $45,250. Specialists earn more than general practice dentists. No argument anymore there. Also, last time I checked most dentists don't work 24 hour shifts, take call, and risk their lives/bodies while at work. Even in the dreaded conditions of NYC, you said it yourself, dentists can work 4 days a week and pull in $100k. How many other careers can accomplish that? Now subtract all with expensive and/or long training. Not left with much am I right? Either way you slice it, dentists are among the highest earning professions in America. And there is a shortage of dentists in America, just not in NYC and other metropolitan areas.

 

[hs2013]

Also, if you just kind of want to be a dentist, then you could possibly be taking the spot of someone who is really passionate about the field of dentistry.

Well good thing I am passionate about dentistry, it's the only field I could see myself doing and being happy in, of course other than GM of the Packers.

 

[Michdent]

Well good thing I am passionate about dentistry, it's the only field I could see myself doing and being happy in, of course other than GM of the Packers.

Well then I think you have your answer

 

[BestDoctorEver]

For me financial security and such is a big thing, I want to be able to enjoy my life outside work as well, so yea if I were going into debt like that I would never become a dentist a doctor or anything to do with that much of debt. I'm lucky in the sense that my parents are paying for it, so I do think dentistry is a great field for me to be financially secure because I won't be in debt out of college, I don't want to live in the big cities so that will also help my income, and I will enjoy being a dentist plus that dentists will always be around, at least until I die.

I think your reasons (financial, lifestyle etc...) for going into dentistry is PERFECTLY legitimate.... Financial reason should be a BIG part whenever someone chooses to pursue a career.... I would never advice someone to get a $100+k in student loan for an undergrad degree for instance in psychology no matter how bad they want to understand human behavior. The people who are telling that your heart is not in the right place are kidding themselves IMO...

 

[Dr. Dai Phan]

Greetings,

In any profession, there are some who think it is the best career choice while there are who think otherwise. If you look at dentistry, we really have it made. I have seen pharmacists standing on their feet all days at Walgreens, Vets complaining about low income (to me personally), optometrists versus OMD, DPM versus orthopedic surgeons but dentistry is alone out there. We do not have to deal with HMO and no profession can do what we do. How many dental offices you see keep their doors open on Fridays? Dentistry is an income POTENTIAL and offers a balance between job and life style. The reason why I am an avid mentor for you is because this profession has given me so much joy, return and I want all of you to have the same. If you truly enjoy the nature of dentistry and are willing to work hard, then you will be successful. The people I have seen failed in dentistry are the ones who choose it for the wrong reasons or their hearts were not in it in the first place. DP

 

[NMC2010]

Greetings,

In any profession, there are some who think it is the best career choice while there are who think otherwise. If you look at dentistry, we really have it made. I have seen pharmacists standing on their feet all days at Walgreens, Vets complaining about low income (to me personally), optometrists versus OMD, DPM versus orthopedic surgeons but dentistry is alone out there. We do not have to deal with HMO and no profession can do what we do. How many dental offices you see keep their doors open on Fridays? Dentistry is an income POTENTIAL and offers a balance between job and life style. The reason why I am an avid mentor for you is because this profession has given me so much joy, return and I want all of you to have the same. If you truly enjoy the nature of dentistry and are willing to work hard, then you will be successful. The people I have seen failed in dentistry are the ones who choose it for the wrong reasons or their hearts were not in it in the first place. DP

This is a great post for pretty much everyone in our shoes as pre-dents, regardless of whether they're having doubts. Thanks for the encouragement Dr. Dai Phan!