Personally, I didn't choose dentistry because I feel that dentistry is a profession that requires too much dedication of time. I want to be involved in a field where I can help people and feel good about my job, but when I go home I don't want to have to worry about work. As a dentist, your livelihood is directly tied to how hard and effectively your work and run a business. And while I enjoy some of the aspects of business, I wouldn't want to base my sole source of income on that. My uncle is a dentist, and like most dentists, he is in private practice. Last summer, he went on vaction with my family and he told me that it was the first time in the 30 years that he's been a dentist that he has taken an entire week off of work. Now, that seems like a long time to go without a week off to me. Maybe I'm spoiled because as a tech I work a 7 on/7 off shift and I intend to do the same as a pharmacist. But when he does take days off from work his salary takes days off too. It's pretty simple, he has no paid vacation, if he doesn't work he doesn't get paid. However he also has to provide salaries, benefits, and vacations for his employees, pay for equipment, and a building to work in. He also has to arrange for his own health care and retirement plans. Maybe I'm not dedicated enough or maybe I just like to travel too much, but I don't think being a dentist is the profession for me.
P.S. This is just my opinion, no disrespect meant or implied to the field of dentistry, dentists, dental students, the American Dental Association, or anyone who has ever attended or even met a dentist. ( I think that covers all the bases) I have great respect for dentistry, my uncle, and my cousin who is currently in dental school. It's just not for me.
Does that explain why they like to stick sharp objects into their victims.... i mean... patients.. mouths without a care?
