Should one become a dentist if they have NO intention of opening a private practice?

[BrownEMS]

It seems like it is pretty standard that a dentist opens up their own practice. This is quite different from let's say an internal medicine physician who is expected to work for someone rather than opening their own practice.

So, if I have absolutely no interest in business, or having my own practice, should I stay away from dentistry.

Is it likely that a dentist can live a comfortable life whilst paying off student loans working for someone else as an associate? Are there enough jobs as a dental associate or are dentists being forced too open up their own practice?

Why do so many open up their own practice?

Let's say dentist X wants just to practice dentistry and doesn't want to run a business, X just wants to practice what dentistry. Is this a viable option. Please consider student loans, lifestyle, job availability, salary.. and everything else.

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[Advance]

You might find a better answer on the practicing dentists forums rather than the Pre-dental one.

I know dentists that work for corporate companies that live very comfortably even with loans and things.
I've also never heard a story of a dentist that was unable to find work. You can check for yourself. Just job search "associate dentist" you will be pleased with how many positions are available.

If you truly want to practice dentistry and that's where your passion is then that should be the main deciding factor.

 

[BobbyBeavis]

Don't know the answer to your specific questions, but I can answer your thread title.

Why would not opening a practice stop you?

I plan to do 20+ in the military and then go into Public Health clinics, so I may never go into private practice. Have you looked into the HPSP?

 

[Scumbag_Steve]

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[oralcare123]

People open their own practice, if they want the freedom to make their own decisions and not afraid of the responsibilities/headaches of running a business. A friend of mine said, that he would never have his own practice, he makes enough working for some corporate office

 

[Typical Average Student]

I don't plan on opening my own practice... Personally, I'm looking into academia, research, and forensics. There's more to dentistry than opening up a practice.

 

[BobbyBeavis]

I don't plan on opening my own practice... Personally, I'm looking into academia, research, and forensics. There's more to dentistry than opening up a practice.

Awesome, I'm interested in Forensics too!! That'll be way down the line for me, though

 

[darknightzzz]

OP,

you should definitely consider military HPSP if that is the lifestyle you want after dental school (+ service years to pay back).

Realistically with this debt load, dentist will slave away to pay it back.