Pre-dental question

[llee8820]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Pre-med here, but seriously considering going into pre-dental though. I have a quick question. After dental school, hows the competition between local dentists in a community? I just want to know if there is a lot of competition to get patients? I don't really know much of about the dental route and would like some insight.

 

[Chesnok]

There's always competition in our world . ......... so at first, you have to get into the d- or m-school and then you'll see but I think there's always people who need help in improving their health.

 

[DocVT]

Why are you considering a switch from pre-med to pre-dental? As far as competition goes, it will always be there, but many factors have to be considered when trying to find a location to practice. The number of practicing dentists in the area, the population, what you plan to specialize in, etc. are just some examples.

 

[llee8820]

Why are you considering a switch from pre-med to pre-dental? As far as competition goes, it will always be there, but many factors have to be considered when trying to find a location to practice. The number of practicing dentists in the area, the population, what you plan to specialize in, etc. are just some examples.

I've realized bureaucracy of a doctor in a hospital is bull****. With a dentist you can be your own boss. The salary is of a dentist these days are pretty much the same as a doctor. And that the DAT are easier than the MCAT.

But who knows, I may be wrong. Like I mentioned I've been pre-med all my life and know very little about pre-dental. Thats why Im doing my research and asking around here 😀

 

[DocVT]

Try shadowing a general dentist and a specialist as well and see if it's the right fit for you. Also, if you can, volunteer at a few dental clinics.

 

[AggieDDS]

Pre-med here, but seriously considering going into pre-dental though. I have a quick question. After dental school, hows the competition between local dentists in a community? I just want to know if there is a lot of competition to get patients? I don't really know much of about the dental route and would like some insight.

Well if the other dentists were med school rejects, there's a good chance they will commit suicide....so more patients for you? Just don't end up like them

 

[DROCKINDAHOUSE]

...

 

[DROCKINDAHOUSE]

. After dental school, hows the competition between local dentists in a community? .

Its crazy dude. Have you seen the fight scene from "Anchorman?" One dentist here stabbed another with a trident...

 

[dentaldentist]

It all depends on the community. Some places there is an oversaturation of dentists, but I think in most places the competition is not so rough, especially outside of any main city. Keep in mind right now there is a negative growth in the number of dentists - there are more dentists retiring now than graduating dental school, so factor this in with a growing population and I think you'll find there are many more areas with unfullfilled dental needs than locations with dentists struggling to find patients. Anyway, its a good field to be in right now. The first step is to get out there and do some shadowing to see if its really something you are interested in.

 

[bjhath]

And that the DAT are easier than the MCAT.

hmm.

 

[peterworn]

Hello,

Why are you considering a switch from pre-med to pre-dental?Well if the other dentists were med school rejects, there's a good chance they will commit suicide....so more patients for you?

 

[JeetKuneDo]

I've also been a pre-med thus far. However, lately after volunteering at the hospital, shadowing a physician, and observing the physician I research under, I'm beginning to see the hectic lifestyle that comes with being a physician. I'm curious about dentistry right now. What do dental schools look for in an applicant?

 

[vlct0ria]

I've also been a pre-med thus far. However, lately after volunteering at the hospital, shadowing a physician, and observing the physician I research under, I'm beginning to see the hectic lifestyle that comes with being a physician. I'm curious about dentistry right now. What do dental schools look for in an applicant?

If you've been preparing for med school already, you're pretty much nearly on track for dental school...a lot of it is the same stuff- similar pre-reqs, good GPA, good DAT (as opposed to MCAT) scores, well-rounded extra-curriculars (clubs, research, volunteering, sports, etc)...and of course experience in the dental field. Shadow a dentist or volunteer at a clinic and make sure it really is a better option than medicine for you.

 

[Mazmel]

also you are going to want to find a dexterous hobby, like using clay or playing piano. dental school like to see that you like working with your hands

 

[AggieDDS]

I've also been a pre-med thus far. However, lately after volunteering at the hospital, shadowing a physician, and observing the physician I research under, I'm beginning to see the hectic lifestyle that comes with being a physician. I'm curious about dentistry right now. What do dental schools look for in an applicant?

Go do your postbac and stick to medicine if you feel its your gpa thats holding you back.

A bad gpa will prevent you from getting into either profession, even if you want to switch.

 

[JeetKuneDo]

e

 

[AggieDDS]

e

Well I never knew your gpa when making that post. I just assumed you had a gpa on the lower side based on your thread about SMPs.

 

[visbimmer79]

Pre-med here, but seriously considering going into pre-dental though. I have a quick question. After dental school, hows the competition between local dentists in a community? I just want to know if there is a lot of competition to get patients? I don't really know much of about the dental route and would like some insight.

Average MD income > Average DDS/DMD income

a) GP (?) GP

b) 👎 Specialty (?) GP

c) 👍 Specialty (?) GP

*ONLY Average is concerned!

My answer a) < b) < c) >>>

Correct me, if I have wrong info!

 

[visbimmer79]

Sue case

MD >>>>>>> DDS/DMD


Dentistry differs from the rest of medicine in that dentists compete with each other on the basis of fees, while physicians do not.

---> MY interpretation; If you go to a place with solid fee structure, you may be in a win-win situation. (Implant, Crown, Bridge)

Don't blame on me.

The earning of fees for services rendered can be defended because they are provided in the public interest. The work of doctors contrinutes to public health.

 

[peterworn]

hi,

Some places there is an oversaturation of dentists, but I think in most places the competition is not so rough, especially outside of any main city. Keep in mind right now there is a negative growth in the number of dentists - there are more dentists retiring now than graduating dental school, so factor this in with a growing population and I think you'll find there are many more areas with unfullfilled dental needs than locations with dentists struggling to find patients.I've realized bureaucracy of a doctor in a hospital is bull****. With a dentist you can be your own boss. The salary is of a dentist these days are pretty much the same as a doctor.