How to motivate dentists to pursue research..?

[shwayne]

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I had a conversation with my supervisor recently (who is a surgeon/scientist) about motivating dentists and dental specialists to pursue research.

He told me about a conversation he had with the Chief of OMFS about how he can motivate first/second year residents to pursue more basic science and not private dentistry.. The Chief's response was simple, how do you inspire an individual to pursue science in lieu of a career that has the potential of generating a 7 figure salary?

What do you believe motivates dentists/dental specialists to pursue private practice over research if the earning potential isn't a significant factor?

 

[elemental951]

My biggest issue with research is that you don't necessarily see immediate impact that you can make and a lot of times you can spend a lot of time for something inconsequential; to do research you really have to be in love with the process. On the other hand, practicing dentistry you can actually provide relief for people and you can see the impact of your work immediately and how you can affect peoples lives.

 

[Carbohydrates]

Research is just like everything else. You have to have passion and the love for it.

I did research for 3 years. I presented my research here and there, receiving grant to continue doing it. But for the love of God It never grow on me. It's just not my thing....
So I wouldnt do it even for the 7 figures thing.

Again, all depend on you.

 

[blablabla1]

I had a conversation with my supervisor recently (who is a surgeon/scientist) about motivating dentists and dental specialists to pursue research.

He told me about a conversation he had with the Chief of OMFS about how he can motivate first/second year residents to pursue more basic science and not private dentistry.. The Chief's response was simple, how do you inspire an individual to pursue science in lieu of a career that has the potential of generating a 7 figure salary?

What do you believe motivates dentists/dental specialists to pursue private practice over research if the earning potential isn't a significant factor?

People go into fields like dentistry and medicine because they like to interact with people. Cells aren't a lively bunch to talk to.

 

[Toothout]

There's no way. You either love research and will do it on your own (without no one telling you) or you don't.

 

[FanOfCostco]

You know, Sheldon and leonard had the same issue about getting women more interested in the sciences. They did a google search on how to get young girls excited... maybe you can google how to get dentists excited?

 

[aggietxdent]

I did research for 2 years as an undergrad (incoming D1 now) and honestly the research part is pretty fun as long as you choose the right lab. I was offered a position in one lab that was basically just computer work dealing with data analysis of neuron synapses in frog legs, but basically no actual bench work. I said no way in hell. The lab I ended up joining worked with live mice and I got a lot of active bench time dissecting and extracting DNA/RNA from different mice organs. It was a lot of fun and interactive and by the time I was done, I was training the grad students and undergrads. I would have really enjoyed the process if it wasn't for the stress of added on exams and amping up my D-school app that also had to be done. However, that was my experience as an undergrad, which is really minimal stress and pressure to produce results and as long as I didn't burn the lab down or not show up, I was getting my A.

The grad students however were miserable because they had to produce results and write papers or they wouldn't graduate. The professor was also miserable because he was worried about producing results and writing grants/getting approved for grants so he wouldn't run out of money and have to shut down his lab. They don't get paid much when they first start out and they have to do a LOT of work. There's also a lot of BS politics involved with the school and a lot of headaches.

I went and joined a research lab to see if I wanted to pursue research and look good for D school but my experience for the most part has turned me off to pursuing a CAREER in it (fun as an undergrad though still and probably even as a dental student but nothing higher for me)

 

[shwayne]

You know, Sheldon and leonard had the same issue about getting women more interested in the sciences. They did a google search on how to get young girls excited... maybe you can google how to get dentists excited?

What are you even talking about..? I want to be a dentist just like you, however I have more of an interest in advancing the field of dentistry through research while still teaching clinical dentistry rather than filling cavities my entire life.