Specializing worth it?

[DDS_Surgeon]

I'm interested in pursuing cosmetic dentistry with a focus on certain procedures of each different speciality (Such as implants, gum surgery, bonding, dentures, crowns, porcelain veneers and etc.). When I get out of school, I plan on working as an associate for 1-2 years while taking CE and certification courses to further my skills and tailor it to how I want to deliver dental care. The question is whether with these focuses, should I instead just go into specializing after school? Like Perio.? OMFS? Both specialities cover aspects of dentistry that I'm interested in and they also cover aspects of dentistry that I don't plan on performing those specific procedures. I was wondering in your opinion, should I go into specialising or go into general dentistry for a couple of years then narrow down my practice?
Thanks in advance

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[I-hate-alginate]

Cosmetic dentistry... that's prosthodontics. You can be a general dentist or a specialist... you will have a decent, comfortable life if you know how to manage your debt wisely.

 

[PreDentTechySon]

I think it really depends on what you want to do. Huge difference in time commitment between a prosth residency and an OMFS residency. If you want to do general dentistry with more of an emphasis on detailed cosmetic dentistry, you can learn a lot through CE courses.

 

[distressstudent]

Cosmetic dentistry... that's prosthodontics.

watchu talking about

that's one hard way of doing "cosmetic" dentistry

 

[I-hate-alginate]

Doesn't he want to do implants and rpds all his life lol

 

[FanOfCostco]

why cant you just be a general dentist that doesn't do the things you dont want to do? I know a good amount of general dentists who limit their practice.
and if you're interested in cosmetic dentistry you should not go into perio or omfs. just because you place the implants doesnt mean you get to restore them. if you do, good luck getting referrals.

 

[allantois]

why cant you just be a general dentist that doesn't do the things you dont want to do? I know a good amount of general dentists who limit their practice.
and if you're interested in cosmetic dentistry you should not go into perio or omfs. just because you place the implants doesnt mean you get to restore them. if you do, good luck getting referrals.

I think all general dentists have to at least do fillings and crowns, otherwise who would go to you.

 

[FanOfCostco]

I think all general dentists have to at least do fillings and crowns, otherwise who would go to you.

I guess I should have narrowed it down. I know some general dentist that don't do endo or dentures. Only crown/bridge and fillings.

 

[DDS_Surgeon]

Cosmetic dentistry... that's prosthodontics. You can be a general dentist or a specialist... you will have a decent, comfortable life if you know how to manage your debt wisely.

I was thinking of actually pursuing a Prosthodontics program, my initial idea was to come out school and do 2 years of GPR and an aesthetic course but then I realized if I'm going to spend an additional 2 years learning about cosmetics and restorative dentistry, might as well do a specialty to for an additional year since I feel like the accreditation would be worth it, correct me if im wrong. In your opinion would you think doing a prosthodontic residency would be more beneficial in the long run?

 

[Kibe3143]

I was thinking of actually pursuing a Prosthodontics program, my initial idea was to come out school and do 2 years of GPR and an aesthetic course but then I realized if I'm going to spend an additional 2 years learning about cosmetics and restorative dentistry, might as well do a specialty to for an additional year since I feel like the accreditation would be worth it, correct me if im wrong. In your opinion would you think doing a prosthodontic residency would be more beneficial in the long run?

I understand your long term career goals. They are congruent with mine. I am an incoming D1 too.

If you wanna do these complex procedures you do not have to specialize. You may limit yourself doing that. I was thinking of a 1 year AEGD course that focuses on implants, 3rd molar extractions, etc etc. then after the program is completed I would be comfortable and speedy enough to handle just about anything that comes into my future practice.

I think between the GPR and CE courses you'll be fine.