Medical vs. Dental School

[th1nk]

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Can anyone give me some pros/cons of each?

How competitive is Med (MD) vs. Dental school?
I know the pre-req classes are the same, and I've heard conflicting accounts about the competitiveness of one vs. the other (I've heard from one source that Dent schools are just as competitive and from others that it is easier)

What about the lifestyle differences, salary differences?

Is it easy to get as easy to get a job for a dentist as is it is for a doctor?

BTW, I'm posting this in both Pre-dent & Pre-med threads, unless mods have a problem with this, so if anyone wants to see the general consensus, they should check both threads.

 

[dudeman]

in my opion, i think it is more competative for dental school than med school. Again this is my opionion, but my reasoning is that med schools have MD and DO schools to choose from which offers more of a range in gpa and test scores. I have had friends apply to both and have been accepted to med school and didnt even get dental school interviews.

 

[th1nk]

I don't want to go to a DO school, maybe I should specify that this is strictly a comparison of MD vs. DDS

 

[UCLAzy]

👎

sounds like you're pre-health for the wrong reasons.

1. who knows which is harder? work hard and you wont have a problem
2. pre-dents would prefer the dental lifestyle, pre-meds would prefer the medical lifestyle. big surprise.
3. sure? i cant imagine it is very hard for any competent dentist or doctor to get a job.

at the end of the day, you should worry about what you'll enjoy rather than 'how hard is the road that takes me there'.

 

[th1nk]

👎

sounds like you're pre-health for the wrong reasons.

1. who knows which is harder? work hard and you wont have a problem
2. pre-dents would prefer the dental lifestyle, pre-meds would prefer the medical lifestyle. big surprise.
3. sure? i cant imagine it is very hard for any competent dentist or doctor to get a job.

at the end of the day, you should worry about what you'll enjoy rather than 'how hard is the road that takes me there'.

How can you make any conclusion about my motivation for being a dentist or a doctor?

My dream is to work as a health professional and to help people... As of right now, I would prefer the MD lifestyle because it seems more exciting, but I also know that my understanding of what I want to do in life is slightly naive. In reality, I strongly believe that I would manage to be happy with either profession because I would be helping people and working as a health professional, also I am someone who tries to remain positive & optimistic so I imagine being equally happy with either. However, one of my goals in life is to go to an ivy league or a top graduate school. If it is easier to go to graduate school through the Dent path, than I may consider switching fields because it would increase my chances of becoming a health professional.

 

[chitah831]

Only you can decide what the pros and cons of each are. You're better off reading about each on Wikipedia or the Occupational Outlook Handbook. I was once as lost as you were, but I had to find my own way. Trying to seek opinions on this forum will get you just that - someone else's opinion. Don't let someone influence you one way or the other. Shadow a dentist. Shadow some MD's. Do you realize you're comparing apples and oranges? MD's aren't only general practitioners. You can specialize in virtually anything on any part of the body. Dentists strictly work in and around the mouth. MD's have to go to school longer. Dentists do give you the option to specialize too, but again you're focusing in the mouth.

I'm sorry, but these are things you need to consider on your own. When it comes time to fill your app you'll need to say why YOU chose that path, not why a bunch of other students who are working hard towards their goals and have already made their decision. Don't be influenced by money. Don't be influenced by a lifestyle. I've seen plenty of well-off dentists and doctors who have told me they wouldn't do it again if they had the option. Do what's right for you. Not why it made it right for other people.

Good luck

 

[longhornpride]

How can you make any conclusion about my motivation for being a dentist or a doctor?

My dream is to work as a health professional and to help people... As of right now, I would prefer the MD lifestyle because it seems more exciting, but I also know that my understanding of what I want to do in life is slightly naive. In reality, I strongly believe that I would manage to be happy with either profession because I would be helping people and working as a health professional, also I am someone who tries to remain positive & optimistic so I imagine being equally happy with either. However, one of my goals in life is to go to an ivy league or a top graduate school. If it is easier to go to graduate school through the Dent path, than I may consider switching fields because it would increase my chances of becoming a health professional.

You keep saying "easier" to get into dental school.

Well... if you want to get into dental school, you better have a 3.5+ gpa and atleast a 20+ on your AA and TS. If it's below that... it's pretty much a crap shoot with the odds against you.

If you find being an MD more exciting... go to med school.

 

[AlexOdentchkin8]

this may be pre-mature but this may help... try writing a letter of intent for both medical and dental school. which ever letter is easier to write, go with that profession. just a suggestion. otherwise, the best way to figure it out is to shadow a dentist and different kinds of doctors. good luck

 

[flapaTron]

How competitive is Med (MD) vs. Dental school?

proportionally, there are more applicants per position @ dental schools than there are applicants per positions at medical school. based on that, dental is more competitive.

I don't want to go to a DO school, maybe I should specify that this is strictly a comparison of MD vs. DDS

if you fully understood the med school curriculums, residencies, and professional lives of both MD's and DO's you would not have such an uninformed prejudice (or "dream" if you prefer) against DO's. no offense 😉. the only people who make a stink about this are pre-heath students, not patients, residency programs, or professionals.

My dream is to work as a health professional and to help people

if this is true go nursing school. RN's help more than anyone - they do all of the grunt work and direct patient care.

However, one of my goals in life is to go to an ivy league or a top graduate school. If it is easier to go to graduate school through the Dent path, than I may consider switching fields because it would increase my chances of becoming a health professional.

I go to an Ivy league dental school, and let me tell you---> it makes ZERO difference in the long run. work hard, get good grades, get good board scores and you will be succesful. your pedigree of schools has little effect on anything except one's pride.

 

[armorshell]

in my opion, i think it is more competative for dental school than med school. Again this is my opionion, but my reasoning is that med schools have MD and DO schools to choose from which offers more of a range in gpa and test scores. I have had friends apply to both and have been accepted to med school and didnt even get dental school interviews.

The achievement and competition level for getting into medical school (MD) is higher on average than it is for dental school. This is almost unarguable.

 

[armorshell]

proportionally, there are more applicants per position @ dental schools than there are applicants per positions at medical school. based on that, dental is more competitive.

This is spurious. The average statistics for a medical school applicant (GPA) are significantly higher than for dental school in the US.

You don't need to pretend our branch of medicine (dentistry) is more competitive for it to be a valid career choice.

 

[dentalWorks]

Can anyone give me some pros/cons of each?

How competitive is Med (MD) vs. Dental school?
I know the pre-req classes are the same, and I've heard conflicting accounts about the competitiveness of one vs. the other (I've heard from one source that Dent schools are just as competitive and from others that it is easier)

What about the lifestyle differences, salary differences?

Is it easy to get as easy to get a job for a dentist as is it is for a doctor?

BTW, I'm posting this in both Pre-dent & Pre-med threads, unless mods have a problem with this, so if anyone wants to see the general consensus, they should check both threads.

Competitiveness.... both are just as competitive (MD vs DDS/DMD that is).

If your talking DO, maybe its a little easier to get into DO than USA dental school, but not by much. All the "big 4" health-care schools are extreamly competitive nowadays (Dental, medical, pharmacy, veterinary)

To give a general idea of dental school competitiveness, each school receives about 2000-4000 applications for a class size of about 100.

As far as lifestyle, money, etc etc,...... this is apples vs oranges and is probably best answered if you do your own research. Most of us decided to go into dentistry for OUR OWN reasons and many of them are subjective.

For me personally, I loved the fact that its 4-years in and you go out and in most states, you are NOT required to do any residency (NY state is the exception). Its a very interactive field (yes as a dentist, you will be dealing with human beings on a daily basis, so if you got the right personality, this is the field for you), and one of my favorite aspects of it is.... its got a natural tendency to promote entrepreneurship, I'd love to be able to own my own business someday, be my own boss. And i'd be lying if I said the potential for high earnings isn't a factor, it is a big factor. General dentists, those with 5+ years of experience make good money, how much money? No one can really answer, some stay as associates making around 120k per year, others go on and become partners or bussiness owners making alot more...... I believe the potential to make $ with this field really depends on how bussiness oriented you'll become and how hard ur willing to work.

 

[flapaTron]

This is spurious. The average statistics for a medical school applicant (GPA) are significantly higher than for dental school in the US.

You don't need to pretend our branch of medicine (dentistry) is more competitive for it to be a valid career choice.

indeed, the academic statists as measurable by GPA are generally higher, but there is something to be said about the "supply and demand" aspect of med/dental school admissions.

 

[bing12]

40% acceptance rate to dental school ( of all applicants applied, 40 % will be attending a dental school). For U.S medical schools, its 44% ( i think this would be both M.D and D.O-).... these statistics are taken from both the ADA and the AMCAS( medical school) I personally believe that getting into an M.D program is more competitive than gaining admissions to Dental school. D.O and Dental is arguable, not sure which one is more competitive, i guess it depends on the individual schools. Overall ,its easier to become a medical doctor because you have D.O, and the Caribbean. But M.D (U.S)admissions is more difficult then dental IMO.

 

[DocJL]

Current statistics back up average successful MD program applicants still have a slightly higher GPA than successful DDS/DMD program applicants.

But DDS/DMD applicants have a higher GPA/ qualifications than successful DO program applicants.

Interpret this as you like:

according to this link (from AACOMAS, the DO applicant service):

For the 2009 application cycle:

Average GPA: 3.48
Average sci-GPA: 3.35
Average non-sci: 3.58

http://www.aacom.org/resources/books...cib-p12-15.pdf

According to wiki: successful dental school applicants:

2009 had an overall GPA of 3.54 and a science GPA of 3.46 (dental)





So - average overall GPA in 2009 was 3.54 Dental vs. 3.48 DO
average science GPA 3.46 Dental vs. 3.35 DO

 

[armorshell]

indeed, the academic statists as measurable by GPA are generally higher, but there is something to be said about the "supply and demand" aspect of med/dental school admissions.

Not really. If you assume that dental and medical schools are accepting the top academic rung of applicants, then there's simply a lower academic bar for entrance into dental school.

I would have a better chance at winning a 100M dash against 50 of my medical school classmates than I would against a single olympic sprinter, despite the fact that in the first race there were 50x as many racers.

 

[prospdent]

for the top schools I know applicants at med schools have higher stats than dental students...

 

[321931]

Can anyone give me some pros/cons of each?

How competitive is Med (MD) vs. Dental school?
I know the pre-req classes are the same, and I've heard conflicting accounts about the competitiveness of one vs. the other (I've heard from one source that Dent schools are just as competitive and from others that it is easier)

What about the lifestyle differences, salary differences?

Is it easy to get as easy to get a job for a dentist as is it is for a doctor?

BTW, I'm posting this in both Pre-dent & Pre-med threads, unless mods have a problem with this, so if anyone wants to see the general consensus, they should check both threads.

You are asking all the wrong questions. You have to figure out what YOU like. Go shadow a Dentist and a Doctor. If you enjoy working in the mouth/oral aspects, then pursue Dentistry. If you don't like it, then don't pursue dentistry.

That is really the bottom line. All this talk about salary this and easier that is meaningless. Both professions are sufficient in salary and relatively difficult to get into. What really matters if you enjoy the material. Period.

 

[duycuonggg]

You are asking all the wrong questions. You have to figure out what YOU like. Go shadow a Dentist and a Doctor. If you enjoy working in the mouth/oral aspects, then pursue Dentistry. If you don't like it, then don't pursue dentistry.

That is really the bottom line. All this talk about salary this and easier that is meaningless. Both professions are sufficient in salary and relatively difficult to get into. What really matters if you enjoy the material. Period.

I agree with Rainee here. Both are hard to get into. If you shadow both and decide which profession you are passionate about and willing to fight for, the differences become irrelevant. If you are truly driven than you will work hard because you know where you want to be, not because it is the easier path. You'll find that the career that interests you more will be easier to enjoy while studying up to the point where you get your doctorate degree.

I use to want to go into pharmacy because in my head I thought it was the "easier" route when I first started college. I didn't do well in my classes and I was lying to myself because deep down I wasn't interested in pharmacy. I even took the PCAT and bombed it. When I found dentistry I had a genuine interest for it and it motivated me to work hard because I knew that I wanted to do something I would enjoy.

Sorry about the long rant but choose what you like and be honest with yourself.

 

[notin]

Can anyone give me some pros/cons of each?
What about the lifestyle differences, salary differences?

dentistry pros - better lifestyle, work ~35 hours a week, be your own boss. you do not have to deal with oppressive health care regulations and insurance companies. no real risk of being sued for malpractice.

MD pros - more prestige, wider variety of things you can specialize in, potentially more interesting depending on said specialty.

armorshell provides a better answer about salary in your other thread. but, general dentists are averaging 215k/year according to the latest statistics. Specialists, depending on which, average something like 300k, which varies a bit depending on what you specialize in, going up toward 400k. I believe that these values are roughly equal to average salaries for MD's, if not even a little better, though i am fuzzy on my md numbers. they are almost universally better on an hourly scale. as i said armorshell provides a lot of good info in the other thread.

How competitive is Med (MD) vs. Dental school?

generally speaking, dental schools require something like a 3.5-3.6 to be competitive. MD schools require something like a 3.6-3.7. the MCAT generally requires more study than the DAT as well (anecdotally).

as posted above, dental school is generally harder to get into than DO school.

Is it easy to get as easy to get a job for a dentist as is it is for a doctor?

i am unfamiliar with the process of getting a job as an md. getting a job as a dentist is as easy as buying a building and putting a sign on the front that says dentist. i think it's unlikely i'll ever look for a job again in my life. but, there are associate positions available pretty readily, most commonly taken by new dental graduates who want to get their workspeed up and get some safe $ before getting into a practice of their own. these positions generally pay considerably less than a self-owned practice, and how good they are depends on who is offering them, how skillful you are, and how saturated your area is with dentists. metropolitan areas can be pretty competitive.

 

[yappy]

In terms of MD vs DDS - getting into an MD schools is on average more difficult. I looked through my friends updated MSAR and I was taken back by the large number of schools that had average acceptances of 3.7+ and MCAT scores 31+. I do not believe DDS admissions is at this level of academic standard, even though simular number of applicants may be applying to each program. In general though, I think getting into either program is very competitive.

For DO, I would say it's about the same. In general though - this is my opinion after studying for both MCAT and DAT materials - the MCAT is a more difficult exam to score well on. It's the difference in taking a hard class from a teacher that wants you to regurgitate info vs. one that expects you to know the same amount but apply it in novel situations.

OP, pick what one to do based on how much you think you'll enjoy the field. If you're not sure what you want to do other than health care; consider medical because you can go into so many different fields of medicine after you get your MD.

 

[NotPennysBoat]

Is it not safe to say that, if driven towards medicine, almost any dental student could be in medical school if he/she desired? And vice-versa. These types of threads always turn in to an argument as to whose smarter/better. I think we can all agree that most dentists could be MDs and most MDs could be dentists.

 

[476515678234896]

Getting an MD is easy compared to DDS/DMD if you want to go outside of the US. However, getting a US MD is more difficult than getting a DDS/DMD in America. The gap is narrowing however.

In regards to lifestyle, it's obviously something personal and something that you have to experience to understand. From my exposure to both fields, I would rather practice general/family dentistry than general/family medicine.

 

[Destiny11]

dentistry pros - you do not have to deal with oppressive health care regulations and insurance companies.

really?

 

[DocJL]

dentistry pros - you do not have to deal with oppressive health care regulations and insurance companies. no real risk of being sued for malpractice.


WRONG.

 

[JimiHendrix630]

Of all the doctors I know, most of them said that if they had to do it again they would go the dental path. My dad says that after med school and long working hours, most people suddenly don't care so much about saving the world, and more about having some free time and cash.

 

[dentalWorks]

Of all the doctors I know, most of them said that if they had to do it again they would go the dental path. My dad says that after med school and long working hours, most people suddenly don't care so much about saving the world, and more about having some free time and cash.

I've heard this before too... mostly from primary care physicians whom seem to be the most worked and least paid physicians.

But i've also heard the complete opposite from the bigger specialties (surgeons, ophthalmologist, cardiologist).

I don't believe there is a single person in this world that loves their job 100%... you will ALWAYS find something(s) that you hate in whatever you do, the ultimate question becomes, can you do it for the next 20-30 years until retirement?

 

[DocJL]

Of all the doctors I know, most of them said that if they had to do it again they would go the dental path. My dad says that after med school and long working hours, most people suddenly don't care so much about saving the world, and more about having some free time and cash.

Sounds about right. I'm a dentist with kids. I have several friends who are dentists, and several who are physicians. We often have this discussion over beers at parties and get togethers. by and large, the dentists would be happy with their children going into dentistry, and the physicians say they would not DIScourage their kids from medicine, but they would certainly not encourage it either.

 

[JimiHendrix630]

But i've also heard the complete opposite from the bigger specialties (surgeons, ophthalmologist, cardiologist).
?

My dad is an anesthesiologist (aka sit and press button, then get sued doc) and somehow finds a way to complain everyday lol!

 

[FutureDent020]

The achievement and competition level for getting into medical school (MD) is higher on average than it is for dental school. This is almost unarguable.

This is spurious. The average statistics for a medical school applicant (GPA) are significantly higher than for dental school in the US.

You don't need to pretend our branch of medicine (dentistry) is more competitive for it to be a valid career choice.

Agree completely.

 

[notin]

dentistry pros - you do not have to deal with oppressive health care regulations and insurance companies. no real risk of being sued for malpractice.

WRONG.

wow, so convincing. what specifically do you disagree with.

 

[jcole]

I do think you can "help others" being a nurse, or PA, or a business man who donates money. In my opinion, you should work in both settings and decide what your passion is. Anyone who says I want to get into health profession because I want to "help people" really upsets me because it is soooooo naive.

I had the same issue as you did. However, after working in both settings I realized that since I am result-oriented, dentistry was a better fit for me since I could see results right away in my patients. ( good answer for an interview Q btw).

Good luck

 

[dentalWorks]

I do think you can "help others" being a nurse, or PA, or a business man who donates money. In my opinion, you should work in both settings and decide what your passion is. Anyone who says I want to get into health profession because I want to "help people" really upsets me because it is soooooo naive.

I had the same issue as you did. However, after working in both settings I realized that since I am result-oriented, dentistry was a better fit for me since I could see results right away in my patients. ( good answer for an interview Q btw).

Good luck

very nice answer 👍


This thread is getting a little ridiculous IMO... are you guys SERIOUSLY putting a value to how "competitive" MD schools are as opposed to DDS? Maybe one is a little harder to get into vs the other.... but its not like those who tried to get into USA MD schools (and failed) are going to simply have a walk in-the-park when they switch over to AADSAS.

 

[throcker]

I don't think you know what you want!! It ain't all fuzzy warm roses in this day and age. Spend some time with local DDS or MD's and get their prospectives. MD or DDS will require 20-30 years of being strapped to 3 or 4 operatories with a significant overhead (look that up please) and rarely going home at 5 pm. Quality of life is very very important, not just $$$. MD or DDS will incure significant debt thoughout training to the tune of 200,000 to 350,000 or more upon graduation, more if you do a residency. Getting a loan to start a practice is hard with that debt load so lots go to corporate medicine or dentistry to "get their feet on the ground" (dental or medical slave trade). Then there is always the armed services who will own your soul for yrs?

What I'm saying is if your in it for the $$, you will be miserable.

 

[loveoforganic]

I disagree that "wanting to help people" is a crappy reason for being interested in being a health professional. While it's true you can help people in essentially any career if that is your motivation, in the health professional field, it could be argued that the lack of desire to help people could actively detract from care. So I guess I'd make a necessary but not sufficient argument. It's a good starting place, and it's something to retain.

At any rate, regardless of which school is more competitive, the difference in competitiveness, in my opinion, isn't meaningful enough to restrict going for one over the other (if you're worried about getting in). If you're worried about the prestige due to the competitiveness... That's another story. And puke. As far as end of the road, if dentistry were a medical specialty following MD/DO, I think it would be fiercely competitive. People's priorities tend to change (not a dig at the motivation of pre-dents going into the field, just a virtue of my comment below this).

In general, I would say that dentistry seems to have more potential to be a lifestyle field, going off conversations with my girlfriend's dad (only dentist I have significant contact with).

Sounds like you're early in the game though. Shadow generalists and specialists in both fields, do some research.

 

[youknowthedrill]

To become a general medical doctor:
Medical school...HELL for 4 years. + 3 years of residency (more HELL) making about 40K/year while paying back loans.

To become a general dentist:
Dental school...HELL for 4 years and you're done...


I'm married to a physician and personally have no desire to go into medicine. The mouth is the only orifice where I'm willing to put my hands. I have chosen the dental path because 1) I like to work with my hands, 2) I want to own my own practice, 3) I want to work less than 60 hours a week.

If you can't decide, you can always choose oral surgery and earn and MD/DDS.

As far as a degree from an Ivy league school- save your money and go to the cheap state school. If you decide to specialize, apply for a residency at an Ivy league. You're wallet will thank you...

 

[dentalWorks]

To become a general medical doctor:
Medical school...HELL for 4 years. + 3 years of residency (more HELL) making about 40K/year while paying back loans.

To become a general dentist:
Dental school...HELL for 4 years and you're done...


I'm married to a physician and personally have no desire to go into medicine. The mouth is the only orifice where I'm willing to put my hands. I have chosen the dental path because 1) I like to work with my hands, 2) I want to own my own practice, 3) I want to work less than 60 hours a week.

If you can't decide, you can always choose oral surgery and earn and MD/DDS.

As far as a degree from an Ivy league school- save your money and go to the cheap state school. If you decide to specialize, apply for a residency at an Ivy league. You're wallet will thank you...

While I agree with most of this post, but I've come to learn that oral surgery, especially the MD one, is not for everyone..... only the elites of dental graduates make it into there.

 

[Regmata]

While I agree with most of this post, but I've come to learn that oral surgery, especially the MD one, is not for everyone..... only the elites of dental graduates make it into there.

There are plenty of "elite" 4 year programs...and plenty of "elite" dental students choose them over the MD option every year.

 

[DocJL]

To become a general medical doctor:
Medical school...HELL for 4 years. + 3 years of residency (more HELL) making about 40K/year while paying back loans.

To become a general dentist:
Dental school...HELL for 4 years and you're done...

almost done..... if you go in the military, depending on if it suits you, there could be another 3-4 years of hell, and unless you have a wealthy family, or end up associating at a nice private office with a cool boss, you will probably work in a corporate mill for at least a couple of years to make a few bucks and develop your skills and speed, and that could be another 3-4 years of hell.....😱

I'm married to a physician (being married to a "rich doctor" lol! you might be in a better position financially, so perhaps you won't have to pay your dues on the corporate dental treadmill....

👍

 

[dentalWorks]

There are plenty of "elite" 4 year programs...and plenty of "elite" dental students choose them over the MD option every year.

I wasn't implying that the MD route is superior to the 4 year.... youknowthedrill suggested to go after dentistry and THEN continue on and pursue oral surgery (to earn MD)... I was making a point that not anyone can just do this and is probably not a good drive towards dentistry.

 

[UltimateHombre]

Someone once wrote on here:

"Paramedics tell you to be nurses, nurses tell you to be doctors, doctors tell you to be dentists, and dentists tell you to start working on your swing early."

Made sense to me.... but i am biased. As far as lifestyle is concerned... you will have much more free time as a DDS. But maybe you don't want to work for yourself or run a business.

 

[yappy]

Just wanted to throw this in their for balance - I've meet some docs that were very happy with their career field. You can tell they just thrived in it. Both were in the OR - one was orthopedic sugeon and the other anesthesia - like I said I could tell they LOVED their job (it was also alot of fun hanging out with them while they work). They mentioned they were also pleased with the financial side of things.

To me dentistry offers the most... but if I were being honest, I think ones outlook and personality dictates their satisfaction better than if they're working as a dentist or physician.

 

[Salmon1]

To become a general medical doctor:
Medical school...HELL for 4 years. + 3 years of residency (more HELL) making about 40K/year while paying back loans.

To become a general dentist:
Dental school...HELL for 4 years and you're done...




This isn't entirely accurate. To be a licensed physician all you need to do is complete 4 years of medical school and a 1 year intern year either in medicine or surgery. After this you are considered to be a general practitioner. The three year residency which you are referring to is the intern year plus the two year internal medicine or family medicine residency. Although you are still primary care, you are still a medical specialty defined by specialty board examinations.

Likewise, a lot of dental students choose to do a 1 year residency (GPR/AEGD) to become general dentists and therefore do the same amount of school as a physician. In some states (i.e. MD,NY) dental student are required to do a 1 year residency in order to practice, so it is the same time as a physician.

 

[armorshell]

To become a general medical doctor:
Medical school...HELL for 4 years. + 3 years of residency (more HELL) making about 40K/year while paying back loans.

To become a general dentist:
Dental school...HELL for 4 years and you're done...




This isn't entirely accurate. To be a licensed physician all you need to do is complete 4 years of medical school and a 1 year intern year either in medicine or surgery. After this you are considered to be a general practitioner. The three year residency which you are referring to is the intern year plus the two year internal medicine or family medicine residency. Although you are still primary care, you are still a medical specialty defined by specialty board examinations.

Likewise, a lot of dental students choose to do a 1 year residency (GPR/AEGD) to become general dentists and therefore do the same amount of school as a physician. In some states (i.e. MD,NY) dental student are required to do a 1 year residency in order to practice, so it is the same time as a physician.

And why don't you tell us roughly what percentage of physicians are practicing after only 1 year of residency.

Let me help you, it'll be around 0%.

 

[youknowthedrill]

To become a general medical doctor:
Medical school...HELL for 4 years. + 3 years of residency (more HELL) making about 40K/year while paying back loans.

To become a general dentist:
Dental school...HELL for 4 years and you're done...

This isn't entirely accurate. To be a licensed physician all you need to do is complete 4 years of medical school and a 1 year intern year either in medicine or surgery. After this you are considered to be a general practitioner. The three year residency which you are referring to is the intern year plus the two year internal medicine or family medicine residency. Although you are still primary care, you are still a medical specialty defined by specialty board examinations.

Likewise, a lot of dental students choose to do a 1 year residency (GPR/AEGD) to become general dentists and therefore do the same amount of school as a physician. In some states (i.e. MD,NY) dental student are required to do a 1 year residency in order to practice, so it is the same time as a physician.

Technically true. You can legally practice medicine after one year of residency. It could be done in the past, but in the current medical environment:
1) You're not going to be able to purchase liability insurance if you're not board eligible or certified.
2) Good luck gaining hospital privileges without completing a residency.
3) When you are sued, the plaintiff's lawyer will own you if you didn't complete a residency.
4) Good luck getting a job or joining a practice (very few doc's are solo in this environment).

Completing a 1 year residency is not required in most states to practice dentistry.

To the OP:
Which field is more exciting for you? My husband loves being a physician, and I have never had a desire to pursue medicine. He wouldn't want to work with teeth, and I love it. Asking questions on SDN is a great start, but you really need to shadow several dentists and talk to some doctors to get a better feel for each field. I suggest volunteering at a community dental clinic to see how you like dentistry. I know doctors that worked in hospitals during college to make sure medicine was the right choice for them (patient transportation, phlebotomy).

 

[youknowthedrill]

While I agree with most of this post, but I've come to learn that oral surgery, especially the MD one, is not for everyone..... only the elites of dental graduates make it into there.

When I said, "If you can't decide, you can always choose oral surgery and earn and MD/DDS.", it was intended to be a sarcastic comment.

 

[youknowthedrill]

Oops, I submitted the same post twice, so I just deleted the duplicate.

 

[dentalWorks]

This isn't entirely accurate. To be a licensed physician all you need to do is complete 4 years of medical school and a 1 year intern year either in medicine or surgery. After this you are considered to be a general practitioner. The three year residency which you are referring to is the intern year plus the two year internal medicine or family medicine residency. Although you are still primary care, you are still a medical specialty defined by specialty board examinations.

Likewise, a lot of dental students choose to do a 1 year residency (GPR/AEGD) to become general dentists and therefore do the same amount of school as a physician. In some states (i.e. MD,NY) dental student are required to do a 1 year residency in order to practice, so it is the same time as a physician.

ehh... no?

The shortest residency in the USA is something like primary care (Internal medicine for example) and thats 3 years long.

 

[Salmon1]

And why don't you tell us roughly what percentage of physicians are practicing after only 1 year of residency.

Let me help you, it'll be around 0%.

I agree with you in that the vast majority (99%) of medical students do residencies, but I was just stating the licensing rules. Back in the day, the GP's would do everything, but now medicine has changed. Also some of the physicians at corporate urgent care clinics such as MedExpress and MDnow are GP's that only did a 1 year internship.

 

[Salmon1]

ehh... no?

The shortest residency in the USA is something like primary care (Internal medicine for example) and thats 3 years long.

I'm not talking about a residency, I'm talking about an intern year. Also called preliminary medicine or surgery year. To legally be able to practice medicine, you must complete this year.