Introverted Personality should be a concern?

[informatique]

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I feel that my stats are decent enough to get some interviews and perhaps get accepted somewhere, but I'm concerned whether or not I should pursue dentistry due to my personality. I'm not shy in the least, but I would categorize myself as being pretty introverted. I love working with people and participating in dental procedures, but I also enjoy solitary activities on my free time and I'm not that big on small talk and feigning it just makes things awkward. I know this is a huge drawback for me in terms of becoming a successful dentist.

I've volunteered a lot at a free clinic and really enjoy dentistry, but sometimes I think I'm doomed for failure in terms of running a successful practice. I'm pretty articulate and would have no problem answering questions at an interview for school or being confronted with difficult questions, but I'm pretty sure my personality wouldn't shine and I will come off as being cold and reserved, but I think pretending to be animated and lively would make for a horrible interview. Even if I get accepted somewhere, I'm having second thoughts on whether or not dentistry is the right career for me in terms of my personality.

I know it might sound somewhat trivial but any thoughts on this issue?

 

[Turnerjo13]

I tend to have an introverted personality but I don't let that get me in the way of doing dentistry. Some of your patients might actually like that you are not over the top and always trying to talk to them when they have their mouth full of instruments. If dentistry is something that you really want to do, then do what you have to do to get it done.

 

[armorshell]

As tested by the Meyers-Briggs assessments, the majority of dentists are introverted personality types. I doubt you have much to worry about.

 

[yorkiepoo]

Many of the people that are attracted to dentistry are introverted.... Just think about it.. people that go into dentistry like the idea of opening up their OWN office and not having to answer to ANYONE. Clearly signs of an introverted personality. 😉 . I am pretty introverted myself. That doesn't mean I don't have friends or know how to talk to people. It just means I also like my "me time" and being solitary at times. Well dentistry is perfect for that in maybe ways because you are working on your own for the most part. Yes you have assistants and hygienists... but you don't have to be throwing a party everyday in the office to have a smooth business.

Just be friendly, intelligent and genuine at your interview. It's more about confidence and showing that you are a caring human being than making small talk... Trust me.. there is not going to be any small talk at your interview between you and the interviewer... between you and the other applicants, yes probably... so it's a good idea to be friendly with them. ADCOMs take not of how interviewees interact... and they don't want to let someone who refuses to talk to other interviewees into their school because that makes for a bad unfriendly student, but on the other hand they probably also don't want someone who talks more to the other students than pays attention at the interview. It's all about balance and showing the right side of you at the right time.

Good Luck.

 

[HupHolland]

I would say that the majority of people in my class are extroverted, not introverted. Many are interested in going into a group or partner practice of some sort.

This is not to say that you won't be successful in dentistry. But I would encourage you to gain some self confidence and join us extroverts (to some extent). There is a fine line between cocky and confident- your patients will prefer a confident extrovert over an introvert any day of the week.

-Hup!

 

[12YearOldKid]

Don't sweat it. A lot of dentists are nerdy introverts. It's OK to be that way. 😀 When you get your practice just be sure to hire assistants who will do all the talking and making the patient feel comfortable -- the stuff that you don't like. You'll make it work.

I don't do a lot of small talk - that is my assistant's job. Usually just a smile, how are you today, then shove a giant needle in their face. And my patients love me. 😀

 

[dente per dente]

Usually just a smile, how are you today, then shove a giant needle in their face. And my patients love me. 😀

That sounds so wrong! LOL (But it's so funny)

 

[Bruinlove]

Usually just a smile, how are you today, then shove a giant needle in their face. And my patients love me. 😀

lol, lol, lol

 

[ClickityClack]

Read this and this. I've been meaning to post it elsewhere, but oh well.

I worried about personality types very much myself, until I read this. Just stay away from being very neurotic/negative and you're golden, at least according to these folks.

My introversion is probably my highest worry in the entirety of this process. Almost every dentist that I've shadowed has disliked me for it, and the (usually) cliquey assistants absolutely hate me. But, I got my hours, and I learned alot.
The only dentist that I've met so far that shared my personality type has been an oral surgeon. Focusing on that keeps me positive. I suggest that you find something to keep your mind upbeat, also.

 

[ClickityClack]

Here's a myer's-briggs test (Jung.. whatever) that might make you feel better, also. They try to list positive things about your personality type.
It'll make you feel a little better. There's a bunch of other ones on there, in case you just can't fight off the worry-demons. Nothing to base hugely important decisions on or anything, just kinda helps make you feel better (especially if you're introverted and *******s keep trying to tell you to "be a little more outgoing" or whatever).

 

[ClickityClack]

In case you're too busy to read through the reports, they basically mention that introverted people are more successful both as dentists and dental students. There are some limitations, of course (which the reports mention in very good detail), a large one being negativity (hence why I suggest that you focus on being less worried).

I don't think you or I will be the first couple of dental applicants that the acceptance committees have seen, however. And, according to the reports, the committees actually seek out this character trait to a certain extent.

 

[seaweed719]

In case you're too busy to read through the reports, they basically mention that introverted people are more successful both as dentists and dental students. There are some limitations, of course (which the reports mention in very good detail), a large one being negativity (hence why I suggest that you focus on being less worried).

I don't think you or I will be the first couple of dental applicants that the acceptance committees have seen, however. And, according to the reports, the committees actually seek out this character trait to a certain extent.

I don't think these papers really point out that introverted dental students/dentists are more successful. To the contrary, they found no correlations between extroversion and performance among dental students/dentists.

"Extroversion was not associated with any performance measure. Neither were any of its facets linked to the criteria; this differed from Smithers et al.3 where the facet of Positive Emotions predicted third-year clinical training."

"Although all of the Big Five components or their facets, except Extroversion, predicted our criteria, Conscientiousness and Neuroticism, and to a lesser extent Agreeableness, appear to be the most important personality components."

It is interesting that dentists in general scored low on leadership in a number of personality tests, which might indicate dentists' inclination to stay independent and that they are less willing to exert their influence on the general public.

Both papers place a strong emphasis on conscientiousness, a strong predictor of professionalism. The criteria for judging conscientiousness can be found here: http://www.jdentaled.org/cgi/content-nw/full/69/11/1222/T1

"Conscientiousness: This competency focuses on a student's ability to be enthusiastic and committed to one's work. It addresses such characteristics as preparedness, planning and organization, sustained enthusiasm, attention to detail, maintenance of standards, pride, and responsibility."

 

[ss2kj]

Remember, opening a private practice is not your only option. It's an option that MAY help you make more money. But if you really like the field go for it. You could be involved in academics which is highly in demands (due to the fact that most dentists wanna go for private practice). Don't let the unkowns bother you. It's four years of school. You're gonna be involved in many social and group activities, meet so many new people, learn and teach to the point that you won't believe you're socializing so much.