Not Another "Should I Become A Dentist" Thread

[Dr. Noob]

Hello all,

I'm 25 and considering going back to school to become a dentist. I have a BA in Film, but did not enjoy working in that industry due to lonnnnng hours, low pay, and a lack of passion. I know I want to change careers, but I'm having trouble finding something that would be a good fit for me. I don't have any "passions" besides acting (and video games, but I can't play Skyrim for a living apparently according to my girlfriend), and while I enjoy that, I don't want to make a career out of it due to the sucky lifestyle. I'd like to raise a family someday and would really rather not do that on an actor's salary. So right now, I'm literally going down U.S. News' list of the top 100 jobs of 2014, attempting to find one that I'd enjoy. Dentist is number 3, after Software Developer and Computer Systems Analyst, neither of which I am interested in. Here are my reasons I'm interested in dentistry:

- Good money
- Good lifestyle
- Health care careers appeal to me (I enjoy helping others)

I should note that I have zero passion for teeth or science or anything like that. Also, I already have debt from my film degree. Also also, I was a 3.0 student in college, but part of that was because I (stupidly) didn't take college very seriously back then. Now that I'm an old, wise man I will be serious with my studies this time, whatever the degree I decide to get.

So now that you know this information about me, would you say dentistry is a good fit for me or should I look elsewhere?

Thanks for any help. I'll leave you with a quick RECYCLING TIP:

I use the same piece of paper as a coffee filter, origami, AND to wipe my ass.

There are MANY uses for a film degree.

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[nomad12]

No, I don't think dentistry is a good fit for you and going off the US News list isn't exactly a wise thing to do. Getting into dental school requires a lot of work, scoring well in sciences (which you said you have zero passion for), and doing well on the DAT. I recommend you look at Physician Assistant (PA) which has easier requirements, and is only 2 years long. If you become a critical care PA or a mental health PA, you can make a steady $120-$150k per year with benefits, insurance, etc. In order to make the money in dentistry you have to be a specialist or have your own practice which are going to require "lonnnng hours". Going to dental school is expensive (it is more expensive than med schools) and PA school would be cheaper, thus minimizing your already present debt load from your film degree.

 

[Daneosaurus]

Shadow a dentist first and see if you can get interested. Unlike many others who post here, I think financial security is a perfectly legitimate reason to choose a career, and dentistry is a great career that does offer financial security. However, becoming a healthcare professional (especially one who answers to "Dr. [Last name]") is a very long, tedious, and certainly competitive process. I would encourage you to find other reasons you want to become dentist than $. If you can't, dentistry is not for you.

 

[tendram]

Shadowing is definitely the first thing you should do. No one here can tell you for certain that dentistry is for you, only you can make that decision. Shadowing and getting to see what it's all about firsthand is the best way to decide for yourself. Also, keep in mind that the road to becoming a dentist will not be easy. I wouldn't say that you need a passion for science or teeth to make it into and through dental school however you need some form of motivation to get through. And your film degree isn't entirely useless. If you decide that you really want to pursue dentistry all you will really have to do is complete the prerequisite courses and go from there. Good luck

 

[blcopp]

Not Another "Should I Become A Dentist" Thread
would you say dentistry is a good fit for me or should I look elsewhere?


I'm 25
Now that I'm an old, wise man


did not enjoy working in that industry due to lonnnnng hours, low pay, and a lack of passion
I have zero passion for teeth or science or anything like that

The reason you are picking dentistry is not very good but you may end up really liking it. All you can do is go job shadow. If you like that, start taking science classes. If you hate them, don't pursue it.

 

[doc toothache]

Picking a profession from a line up is about as good as using a dart board.

 

[AllHasOne]

I think you can do it, but your reasons to why you want to don't look appealing

 

[Dr. Noob]

Picking a profession from a line up is about as good as using a dart board.

I hear you on that, but you have to understand that I am lacking direction right now. I've already decided that I don't love my one true passion (acting) enough to pursue it as a career, so I don't see the harm in job shadowing various careers that I am slightly interested in until I find one that truly appeals to me.

Thanks for the advice thus far, everybody!