Just Made The Switch From Med To Dent

[Metamorphosis.DO]

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Hey everyone,

I feel SO incredibly happy to finally say I’ve switched to Dentistry. I was sort of pushed into med believing that it was superior; that it was a “real” sign of success. Yeah.. forget that!

Anyway. I wanted to ask (since this was something I WAS kind of looking forward to) if general dentists would write a script for antibiotics for a family member? For example.. if my wife has a UTI, would it be appropriate to write a script for that?

Thanks everyone!

 

[Boat on the Chesapeake]

*Technically* not appropriate and wouldn’t hold up under dental board scrutiny in some states. That being said it happens a lot and many pharmacists will fill minor stuff like that without pushback and some won’t.

Personally I find prescribing for family outside of dental care to be a big headache anyway (dental work sometimes too).
Best scenario: wife doesn’t have to go to urgent care to refill UTI script
Worst scenario: grandma hospitalized for C. diff because you gave antibiotics for a viral sinus infection

 

[Saddleshoes]

Only a fool has family as patients.
---Too many bad things can happen.

 

[allantois]

Dentists, optometrists, and podiatrists have limited prescribing authority to their respective organs

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

I feel SO incredibly happy to finally say I’ve switched to Dentistry.

Why the switch? Based on your inquiry, seems like you want to practice medicine.

Big Hoss

 

[dentistrydmd]

Hey everyone,

I feel SO incredibly happy to finally say I’ve switched to Dentistry. I was sort of pushed into med believing that it was superior; that it was a “real” sign of success. Yeah.. forget that!

Anyway. I wanted to ask (since this was something I WAS kind of looking forward to) if general dentists would write a script for antibiotics for a family member? For example.. if my wife has a UTI, would it be appropriate to write a script for that?

Thanks everyone!

Nope even though technically you could, you are inappropriately prescribing it for something you cannot diagnose within your scope of practice.

 

[TanMan]

Hey everyone,

I feel SO incredibly happy to finally say I’ve switched to Dentistry. I was sort of pushed into med believing that it was superior; that it was a “real” sign of success. Yeah.. forget that!

Anyway. I wanted to ask (since this was something I WAS kind of looking forward to) if general dentists would write a script for antibiotics for a family member? For example.. if my wife has a UTI, would it be appropriate to write a script for that?

Thanks everyone!

No, but if you had a family member with some type of odontogenic infection that required an antibiotic that subsequently treated both odontogenic and UTI, then you could prescribe the medication.

 

[Metamorphosis.DO]

Why the switch? Based on your inquiry, seems like you want to practice medicine.

Big Hoss

I started as predental and soon after was pressured into med by lots of premed students. I was made to believe that medicine was the more “prestigious” and therefore is the only thing that would make me feel truly satisfied and accomplished.

each time I went to the dentist or my wife did I was enamored with the nature of the medicine. The hands-on nature all day was perfect for me. It fits perfectly with what I want.
1. Continuity of care (General dentistry)
2. Provide Pain relief
3. Ability to improve Confidence and self esteem in others
4. Not be overwhelmed with the bureaucracy And red tape like med counterparts.
5. Finish in 4 years and begin what I love and have time for my family.

Each specialty I shadowed I liked in med but always felt this cognitive dissonance. I hated the idea of a residency. I am excited for dental school and the challenges that will come but I don’t see the costs of residency outweighing the benefits of being a MD/DO.

My wife had her wisdom teeth extracted and our dentist smoothed out a couple of her front teeth that she had asked about. She was AMAZED at how well he did and her boost confidence was so moving to me. I realized that I was making a huge mistake. I was convincing myself to follow a dream tha my wasn’t mine for 3.5 years. Dentistry has everything I love and want.
I just withdrew my med applications today and finished up my dental personal statement. I couldn’t be happier— even if I don’t get accepted this cycle.

I was curious about prescribing for my family because I did sincerely looks forward to that. But honestly, it’s a small sacrifice compared to living my dream.

Testament

 

[Metamorphosis.DO]

*Technically* not appropriate and wouldn’t hold up under dental board scrutiny in some states. That being said it happens a lot and many pharmacists will fill minor stuff like that without pushback and some won’t.

Personally I find prescribing for family outside of dental care to be a big headache anyway (dental work sometimes too).
Best scenario: wife doesn’t have to go to urgent care to refill UTI script
Worst scenario: grandma hospitalized for C. diff because you gave antibiotics for a viral sinus infection

Very helpful! This honestly isn’t heartbreaking to me. I was really just curious and couldn’t find answers elsewhere! I’m totally good with making friends with a GP to scratch each others backs when needed.

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

I was curious about prescribing for my family because I did sincerely looks forward to that.

Even for physicians, I believe many states look unfavorably on treating immediate family members.

Big Hoss

 

[deleted480308]

Very helpful! This honestly isn’t heartbreaking to me. I was really just curious and couldn’t find answers elsewhere! I’m totally good with making friends with a GP to scratch each others backs when needed.

That’s a weird way to say “my family will have a doctor” and “I will also have patients”

 

[OMSDoc]

That’s great you made the change.

State law prevents someone with a dental license from prescribing anything to anyone that is not within their practice scope.

Everyone for whom you write a prescription must be a patient of record, and that entails a lot.

 

[Splenda88]

Very helpful! This honestly isn’t heartbreaking to me. I was really just curious and couldn’t find answers elsewhere! I’m totally good with making friends with a GP to scratch each others backs when needed.

Most physicians will not prescribe something for your wife because that physician your friend.


It sounds like you wanted to do medicine mostly because of prestige. If that was your main motivating factor, you might not be happy with dentistry.

 

[Metamorphosis.DO]

You’re exactly right. I started predental 4 years ago and switched because the culture of the premeds I took classes with really made me feel like if I didn’t do the “prestigious” route then I wouldn’t be happy.
I’ve learned that in my case, it’s quite the opposite. Dentistry offered everything I’m looking for. Work with my hands. Alleviate pain. Boost confidence. Manage a business with minimal red tape (relatively speaking). Have a flexible schedule.
It’s perfect.

Most physicians will not prescribe something for your wife because that physician your friend.


It sounds like you wanted to do medicine mostly because of prestige. If that was your main motivating factor, you might not be happy with dentistry.

 

[P7898]

You’re exactly right. I started predental 4 years ago and switched because the culture of the premeds I took classes with really made me feel like if I didn’t do the “prestigious” route then I wouldn’t be happy.
I’ve learned that in my case, it’s quite the opposite. Dentistry offered everything I’m looking for. Work with my hands. Alleviate pain. Boost confidence. Manage a business with minimal red tape (relatively speaking). Have a flexible schedule.
It’s perfect.

Welcome to the promise land. Be thankful you do not now have to worry about prescribing meds for UTIs. Lol

 

[Molar Whisperer]

Welcome to the promise land. Be thankful you do not now have to worry about prescribing meds for UTIs. Lol

No more prostate, rectal, hemorrhoids, & testicular exams, I had some of those done in the USAF by a female physician.