Questions about Dentistry Population....

[geronamo26]

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I have been thinking about starting rereqs for Optometry school and have done shadowing and have posted questions on the Optometry forum. However, it seems like there is a lot of negativity about where the profession is going. I was wondering if Dentists are currently having oversaturation problems like many ODs are facing. There are way more dentists than ODs, so why are ODs complaining? I feel as though tooth problems would seem more common than eye problems. No one knows what the future holds in medicine and I don't want to choose a specialty that has no need in the future. Thanks!

 

[Munchy]

Yes, there are areas where oversaturation of dentist is quite evident, but my understanding is that if you are willing to work outside of these megacities, you should have no problem finding a job. This doesn't mean you have to work in a farmland. You just won't have a theater and supermarket underneath your condo.

 

[newyorkblork]

I have been thinking about starting rereqs for Optometry school and have done shadowing and have posted questions on the Optometry forum. However, it seems like there is a lot of negativity about where the profession is going. I was wondering if Dentists are currently having oversaturation problems like many ODs are facing. There are way more dentists than ODs, so why are ODs complaining? I feel as though tooth problems would seem more common than eye problems. No one knows what the future holds in medicine and I don't want to choose a specialty that has no need in the future. Thanks!

You will get 3,000 different answers to this question, ranging from "Dentistry is doomed" to "This is a great time to be in the profession, but it will be different".

I think the "bottom line" from reading thousands of these threads is basically:

Dentistry used to be a lower investment for a higher return

Don't go to an expensive school and you will be fine - 400k in loans may not be worth it compared to what you're trading

The face of dentistry is changing, but isn't [ever] going to 'disappear'

Dentistry is no longer as much of an easy "do it for the money" profession, but if you are a smart hard worker, it will work, and work gloriously.

 

[Mackchops]

Dentistry is no longer as much of an easy "do it for the money" profession, but if you are a smart hard worker, it will work, and work gloriously.

Well said.