How did you choose this path?

[dmbjeff41jmu]

So guys, at this moment, I'm trying to decide whether I want to go into dentistry or medicine. I’m going into my sophomore year of college this fall. During this summer I've been shadowing at my dentist's office. At first I felt like I really liked it but after about 20 hours of watching cavities being filled, I started thinking that it may not be engaging enough for me. My dad, a pharmacist, and my mom, a nurse, both work in a hospital so I'm hoping I’ll be able to get some shadowing in before I go back to school.

Do any of you have any advice for me at this point? Thinking about going into med school is a pretty big thing but I do have the grades so far and I have the motivation. Thanks for any help.

 

[biowiz15]

you know what man, for me, it's all about the people. Medicine challenges me because you're dealing with the raw emotions of people. You have to find your passions hidden within medicine or dentistry. Medicine is more diverse I feel. Get experience which it sounds like you have and ask yourself, "is this going to challenge me?" Hope my rambelings help. Good luck

 

[Philo]

I looked at medicine the same way I looked at my other career options.
In choosing my career I considered, namely, the income, job security, job satisfaction.

With regards to income, I wanted a career that would allow me to become wealthy.

With regards to job security, I wanted a career that would always be in-demand, relatively stable, and that has a tight range of income.

With regards to job satisfaction, I wanted a career that would allow me to, above all else, problem-solve. I wanted a career that would challenge mentally and physically everyday. In addition, I also wanted a career that would allow me to feel a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day.

oh yeah.............and I want to help people . (j/k its just icing on the cake)

 

[yobynaes]

oh yeah.............and I want to help people . (j/k its just icing on the cake)

a cake without icing is just not that good... that's y i usually avoid wedding cakes.... unless it's a cheese cake which would be a completely different story. im such a fatty!!

oh good luck with the decision... i think i sidetrack just a bit there.

 

[Zoom-Zoom]

So guys, at this moment, I'm trying to decide whether I want to go into dentistry or medicine. I’m going into my sophomore year of college this fall. During this summer I've been shadowing at my dentist's office. At first I felt like I really liked it but after about 20 hours of watching cavities being filled, I started thinking that it may not be engaging enough for me. My dad, a pharmacist, and my mom, a nurse, both work in a hospital so I'm hoping I’ll be able to get some shadowing in before I go back to school.

Do any of you have any advice for me at this point? Thinking about going into med school is a pretty big thing but I do have the grades so far and I have the motivation. Thanks for any help.

Some of the big advantages of being a dentist is you don't have a residency, can work 4 days a week, and make lots of money if you set up a good practice. On the other hand, having an MD gives you a lot more options in terms of type of specialization, the places you can work, procedures, etc.

The downside of being a dentist is you have to look at the backward reflection of the inside of a small, dark hole every working day for the rest of your life. If this doesn't drive you mad, definitely go for it. If you're already bored, try to shadow some doctors and see if this is much more interesting. If it isn't very exciting either, keep in mind that you have other options outside medicine and dentistry, too.

 

[Vox Animo]

In 20 years dentists may have all the insurance problems that doctors have. You never know how things are going to be.