Satisfaction with dentistry

[MsPurtell]

I was talking with my family dentist recently and he seemed to indicate that dentists either love or hate their work. Right now I feel very strongly that I want to become a dentist and it's hard for me to imagine someday regretting the decision to go to dental school. He, himself, seemed very happy.

In making my decision I've tried to assess my own attributes and I think they will suit a dental career. I have a need also for finanial security and great independence. I cannot inagine this whole thing just not working out someday, let alone making me unhappy.

I should've delved into the quesiton further with him, but we began discussing other things. Can anyone tell me what about dentistry might make one miserable?

Thanks (and sorry so long)

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[Popoy]

This is one thing.... the limitations of the area of care.... something similar to what a podiatrist told me once.... He felt that he was limited in the area of which he can do anything about.... Just a thought.

 

[MsPurtell]

That's a thought. I wonder though, how different is this from being an MD that is highly specialized. He/she is limited to a specific area of practice as well. Is this pretty much the same or different (i.e., is the dentist much more limited, perhaps)?

 

[gower]

MsPurtell, you are absolutely right!

If dentistry appeals to you become a dentist.

If you are really a Ms: for women who have family obligations, or expect to have, and want time for that, dentistry (and podiatry and optometry) can be, not necessarily are, less demanding or more flexible on working hours than medicine. Try to speak with women (NOT male) dentists; ask about their experiences and their recommendations for you.

While many physicians and premedical students deprecate dentistry, podiatry and optometry, all three of these professions are in fact as much specialty areas of medicine as are the generally recognized medical specialities. Historically, they developed independently of medicine and have retained that independence.

It is sad to see others put down these health professions. People who do that need to in order to bolster their own self-esteem.
If you are comfortable with who you are, as a person, pity the belittlers.

I know whereof I speak: I am addicted to all the judge shows on TV, especially Judge Judy.
I have no illusions why I watch them: most of the people appearing on them are such pitiful, uneducated specimens with no sense of duty or obligation who learn nothing even after their court appearance. It makes me feel good about myself.

 

[groundhog]

Gower,
I love Judge Judy too. My wife detests her. She thinks Judge Judy is arrogant and unfair. Maybe so, but it is so refreshing to watch someone who is willing to forgo all the psycho-babble and call the stupid stupid.

P.S. Good call on the whole health care provider "status" issue.

 

[MsPurtell]

Hi Gower and Groundhog,

I love Judge Judy, too!

I agree Gower that I should talk to women dentists (yes, I'm female - a Mrs., in fact) and hopefully when I start volunteering I'll encounter a few. Reasonable work hours are very important to me as I do want a famiily someday. That's just one of the reasons dentistry is so appealing to me!

 

[monster2]

Mrs. Purtel, I see that you have lingering doubts about dentistry. That is natural, as many others share the same sentiment. If independence and financial security are the major motivations that lured you to dentistry, then you are no different than any pre-med. Furthermore, I can infer that this statement is made to subtly conclude that you wouldn't have the same incentives if you go with a medical career. "Career cowardice" aside, will you be truly happy being a dentist? After all dentistry is a very monotonous, if not the most monotonous job ever created. You also may suffer neck problems when you peer into people's mouths. Specialization (especially in the case of dentistry) is just a euphemism for career ennuity.

And I will have to disagree with gower, people do not depreciate dentistry, rather dentistry today has put itself in a position beneath medicine. Go ahead, volunteeer in a dental clinic, then do the same in the E.R. You tell me which of them is more challenging and exciting.

I don't know why you other folks watch judge shows... don't you have other more important things to do? In fact, all these judges are crap, because what appeals to the audience is the way how judges exercise their power... power vested in them to call people names and address their superiority. This is a lot of b.s. because in the end, the decision adheres to the actual law... so while you may enjoy an hour or so of petty namecalling and fingerpointing, the intelligent, more mature viewer can easily arrive at the same decision without the need to call people ignorant.

 

[groundhog]

Monster 2,
Judge Judy is easy for me to watch because I am just a common guy. I love how Judge Judy dispenses with all the pompous legal smoke and mirrors. She gets right to the heart of the matter. I love what she and other judges not on television are doing. I like judges who order deadbeat dads to wear signs that inform the public of their irresponsible behavior. I like the sheriff who parcels out pink jump suits to all the inmates in his jail (I think he should add a hood, big ears, and a cotton tail to the jump suits).

 

[mojo]

Originally posted by monster2:
•just a euphemism for career ennuity. •

No such word as 'ennuity'. I believe you mean ennui or ennuis. Either way, I disagree.

Whatever gripes you so, about dentistry, must be so strong that you seem to have an inveterate tendancy to debase this profession.

 

[bad_hombre]

Originally posted by gower:
• I am addicted to all the judge shows on TV, especially Judge Judy.
I have no illusions why I watch them: most of the people appearing on them are such pitiful, uneducated specimens with no sense of duty or obligation who learn nothing even after their court appearance. It makes me feel good about myself.•

Gower,

Usually i find myself at odds w/ monster2, but i have to agree with him on this one. Seriously, what is more pitiful? The people that are on Judge Judy or the audience who takes pleasure in watching their meaningless squabbles?
You refer to those on the show as "specimens". Who do you think you are? You are no better than them.

 

[bad_hombre]

Gower,
I didn't mean to sound like an a-hole on the post above. You have my sincerest apologies.
I just think one should concern oneself with more important things in life. 😛

Soooo.... applying to dentistry..... how's that going? Does anyone know about a proper way to approach a dentist in order to shadow him/her? There are no public clinics where I live.

 

[mojo]

I like those shows like Judge Judy and The People's Court, Judge Mills Lane, et al. It's good to see some swift, 'instant justice' every once in a while. 😀