Hi everyone, I am a sophomore in college right now, I am taking all the pre-med/pre-dental classes but I am not sure about which path I want to take (medicine or dentistry). I worked over the past summer at a hospital shadowing physicians. I wanted to explore what medicine is about, and I think I am going to shadow my dentist next summer so I'll be able to see what dentistry is all about. But my main question is: why dentistry? what is there about dentistry that made you choose it over everything else? When I tell my friends that I am still debating, they think that I am out of my mind for even considering dentistry, they said it's boring and tedious, so what is your take on it? What was it about dentistry that attracted you to become pre-dent, dentist, etc....Any comments would be appreciated, have a great day
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Hi, An important question
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This is a very common question here, so try running a search on this forum and see what turns up. Just to address a couple of your points, though: what makes you think your friends know any more about dentistry than you? Unless you can come up with something justifying their derogatory opinions, they're just spouting the same ignorant garbage as every other tunnel-visioned premed who doesn't see any health profession as worthwhile unless it puts an MD behind your name. Dentistry has a lot going for it; if you decide to dismiss it, make sure you've done plenty of homework in both professions first.
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Hey notsure! I'm a first year dental student and I'm hoping I can help you out a little. Personally, I am thrilled with my career choice. First, I'd like to say how wonderful I have found our instructors to be. They all really love dentistry and pass along their enthusiasm. The more practicing dentists I talk to, the more I am convinced that this career will be personally rewarding. So many love practicing and work into their late 60s and 70s. The schedule is incredibly flexible and you have the ability to start practicing after 4 years of dental school, should you choose. I find my classmates, in general, to be super helpful and not at all cut throat. Everyone goes out of their way to help everyone else out in lab and class. The ADA and state dental societies really help keep a feeling of unity in the profession as well. Dentists rights as healthcare providers are well advocated for. The techniques and materials are constantly changing so there is always going to be something new to learn and something new to get excited about.
Whew. That said, I also want to caution that dental school is a TON of work. Atleast for your first year. . .I have heard that second year is just as tough from upperclassmen. Not only are we crammed full of basic sciences, but we are in the lab for countless hours. I don't think I have gone through a weekend without spending 6-8 hours in lab. However, everyone else is there too and that makes it bearable. Almost fun at times. . .
Sorry this is so long and my thoughts are so scattered! Good luck with your decision!
Whew. That said, I also want to caution that dental school is a TON of work. Atleast for your first year. . .I have heard that second year is just as tough from upperclassmen. Not only are we crammed full of basic sciences, but we are in the lab for countless hours. I don't think I have gone through a weekend without spending 6-8 hours in lab. However, everyone else is there too and that makes it bearable. Almost fun at times. . .
Sorry this is so long and my thoughts are so scattered! Good luck with your decision!
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Medicine could be boring and tedious too. Just ask any resident on his 23rd hour of being on-call. 😀
Seriously, I bet your friends didn't know that dentistry as a profession is constantly evolving, and as a dentist you HAVE to be a part of that evolution-- Most states require you to fulfill a certain number of continuing education credits in order to maintain your license to practice. That means you have to keep current and learn about emerging technologies and methods. And dentistry is in the forefront when it comes to new gadgets-- Stuff like digital radiography, surgical lasers, computer-controlled 3-axis milling machines for making crowns and bridges, etc. New stuff is coming out all the time.
Also, as a dentist, why bore yourself just doing fillings all day? Improve your skill in other dental disciplines (and earn more money). Learn how to do complex perio surgery. Learn implant surgery. Learn some orthodontics. If you are a good dentist I'd daresay you will never be bored. 😛
