I need career advice!

[RyanBrooksDDS]

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Hello All,

I am currently a senior in high school. For many years, I have yearned to build a career in the medical field. My first interest was
Orthopedic Surgery, which was followed by Dermatology. Lately,
however, I have been seriously considering a career in Dentistry.

Fortunately, I reside in the outskirts of Gainesville, Florida, which is home to the famous, or shall I infamous, University of Florida. From all that I've gathered from conversations with physicians and dentists, UF's School of Dentistry is a great one. Has any member of this forum heard anything, good or bad, about this school? Has anyone attended it?

Along with my queries concerning the U of F, I would greatly
appreciate any advice or guidance that could be offered by anyone who'd like to help a youth receive a DDS or DMD! 😀

Thank You,

Ryan Brooks

 

[aphistis]

Your situation is actually the same as mine was in high school. My first love was orthopedics, but as I went through college I reevaluated some priorities, and decided dentistry was a better fit for the life I hoped to lead. Right now, all I'll say is that I couldn't be happier with my decision. Dentistry requires fine manual abilities (as does surgery), and the intellectual requirements are also similar. If you're gung-ho for medicine, then by all means give it your best, but I think if you look closely at dentistry you'll see it contains nearly all the benefits of a medical specialty (everything except the MD, in my opinion), with much less headache. Good luck!

 

[NDBeast]

Originally posted by aphistis
but I think if you look closely at dentistry you'll see it contains nearly all the benefits of a medical specialty (everything except the MD, in my opinion), with much less headache. Good luck!

Can you elaborate on this, please? 😀

 

[aphistis]

Originally posted by NDBeast
Can you elaborate on this, please? 😀

Certainly.

- You're providing necessary health care to patients.

- Your dental procedures requires significant dexterity and knowledge in order to obtain a successful outcome.

- You have full prescriptive authority.

- You're the top-level expert in an area of the body nobody else is permitted to treat (as compared to optometrists, podiatrists).

- You're in charge of accessory health care staff.

- You're pulling down a handsome salary for your services.

There are plenty more, but that's a start.

 

[ShawnOne]

nicely said aphistis

 

[ULTRON]

RyanBrooksDDS,

Dentistry is a GREAT career. You're never jobless, no one can fire you or lay you off, the malpractice insurance is kinda low and there is a LOT of money.

I went through MANY career choices since high school. Everything from astronomer to pianist, and NASA scientist to fighter pilot. Currently I'm a senior in electrical enginering doing a minor in chemistry and looking forward to begin dental school in 2004.

Good luck !

ULTRON

 

[RyanBrooksDDS]

Thank you very much, Aphistis and ULTRON!

I'd like to let you know that I am very thankful for your advice and perspective on the field of Dentistry. Your opinions have helped me to make an informed decision to pursue a career in this field!

Hope to see you at some DDS/DMD conventions in the years to come!

Thanks!

Ryan

 

[larryt]

one more thing

few schools in US are offering 6 yrs DDS program for high school graduates. You may search around and apply. I know some medical schools offer 6 year MD also.

 

[ULTRON]

A 6-year program is good....but I'd still go for a normal 8-year BS/DMD program. Hey, an education only makes you smarter.

ULTRON

 

[aphistis]

Originally posted by ULTRON
A 6-year program is good....but I'd still go for a normal 8-year BS/DMD program. Hey, an education only makes you smarter.

ULTRON

Enh. Personally, if you know what you're going for, I'd encourage you to get what education you need, and then get to work. Speaking for myself, I really didn't care for several courses required for my general biology major; they had nothing to do with human biology, my personal interest. If you can get into dental school after two or three years, more power to you 😀