This is Quite Worrisome!

[immike1234]

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Hey guys, I noticed something today that totally alarmed me. While checking out threads posted by members that discuss debt and dentists' salaries (which I might add I try not to do), I could not help but notice that most of the negative responses (and probably the most realistic ones) were made by dental students, stating that they found the extent of their debt more and more outrageous and potentially not worth pursuing dentistry for. From the extent of their concerns, it sounded as though dentistry is not a guaranteed "work your ass off in dental school and be rewarded" career anymore.
Honestly, I normally would not be bothered by such remarks because I have seen these topics quite a few times before, but after looking at the number of dental students who had pessimistic views of the future of dentistry with mainly only the pre-dental students who advocated dentistry as a lucrative career, I find myself doubtful and very concerned.

Any serious comments would be greatly appreciated.
-Mike

 

[SeattleRDH]

It depends where you end up practicing... It depends on whether you become a PPO/HMO practice... It depends how much you refer out... It depends how long you stay as an associate...

It's not just the student loan debt that gets you, if you plan on purchasing a practice add that on to your bill.

You'll be upper middle class but paying off your debt for decades. Don't go into it for the money, you'll likely be waiting years before you feel like your career is lucrative.

 

[dentalWorks]

Hey guys, I noticed something today that totally alarmed me. While checking out threads posted by members that discuss debt and dentists' salaries (which I might add I try not to do), I could not help but notice that most of the negative responses (and probably the most realistic ones) were made by dental students, stating that they found the extent of their debt more and more outrageous and potentially not worth pursuing dentistry for. From the extent of their concerns, it sounded as though dentistry is not a guaranteed "work your ass off in dental school and be rewarded" career anymore.
Honestly, I normally would not be bothered by such remarks because I have seen these topics quite a few times before, but after looking at the number of dental students who had pessimistic views of the future of dentistry with mainly only the pre-dental students who advocated dentistry as a lucrative career, I find myself doubtful and very concerned.

Any serious comments would be greatly appreciated.
-Mike

Don't you find it odd that a person whos never worked as a dentist (yet) is making such remarks?

Yes the debt is astronomical, and yes the worst part about it is the raging 7% interest, but make no mistake about it, in many zip codes, dentistry is a 6-figure job. Maybe you'll never 300k or 250k, but it is a next-to-sure way of earning 100k.

There are dentists who own their own practice and can't even clear 150k (take-home), while others, in same position, are clearing over 300-400k... I am talking about regular dentists (not specialists) who are in the same city, even some in close proximity. Why are some making so much more than others? Is it better office location? better business management? better customer service? more procedures being done? I think its a combination of all.

The high earning dentists are mostly the guys who own their own practice and have good business sense. I don't believe dental school (or any school for that matter) will teach you such skills, this is hand-on learning, and for most of us, we won't know our business potential until we become dentists.

 

[woof44]

if you're that worried about the debt, look into military options. i am pursuing that route, but not because of the money (although it is quite nice). i want to get the additional experience/training in a group setting before going into practice, as well as serve the country. there are other options out there as well.

 

[immike1234]

Don't you find it odd that a person whos never worked as a dentist (yet) is making such remarks?

Yes the debt is astronomical, and yes the worst part about it is the raging 7% interest, but make no mistake about it, in many zip codes, dentistry is a 6-figure job. Maybe you'll never 300k or 250k, but it is a next-to-sure way of earning 100k.

There are dentists who own their own practice and can't even clear 150k (take-home), while others, in same position, are clearing over 300-400k... I am talking about regular dentists (not specialists) who are in the same city, even some in close proximity. Why are some making so much more than others? Is it better office location? better business management? better customer service? more procedures being done? I think its a combination of all.

The high earning dentists are mostly the guys who own their own practice and have good business sense. I don't believe dental school (or any school for that matter) will teach you such skills, this is hand-on learning, and for most of us, we won't know our business potential until we become dentists.

I do agree with your point that most people are making remarks without having actually graduated from the school they're attending and do not have real numbers to back up their claims. It does worry me though that a lot of the dental school students (who I tend to believe are more "experienced and knowledgeable" because of the amount of time they've been interested in the profession are posting such negative remarks whereas pre-dental students are the ones who are backing up dentistry as a good career choice.

However, I believe that you do make a good point about how one's ability to succeed in this career depends on their insight and choices

 

[sacapuntas]

I do agree with your point that most people are making remarks without having actually graduated from the school they're attending and do not have real numbers to back up their claims. It does worry me though that a lot of the dental school students (who I tend to believe are more "experienced and knowledgeable" because of the amount of time they've been interested in the profession are posting such negative remarks whereas pre-dental students are the ones who are backing up dentistry as a good career choice.

However, I believe that you do make a good point about how one's ability to succeed in this career depends on their insight and choices

If dental school students have 'seen the light' and have realized what a waste their degree will be, why would they bust ass to finish dental school anyways? If they truly believed what they complain about, they would get out of DS and into something they will be happier with.

I believe it just comes down to some people need something to complain/worry about or they won't be satisfied.

 

[promolion]

1 yr in or 2 and you are in big debt. u really want to not finish and start something else?

 

[Rubber Dam Man]

Don't you find it odd that a person whos never worked as a dentist (yet) is making such remarks?

Yes the debt is astronomical, and yes the worst part about it is the raging 7% interest, but make no mistake about it, in many zip codes, dentistry is a 6-figure job. Maybe you'll never 300k or 250k, but it is a next-to-sure way of earning 100k.

There are dentists who own their own practice and can't even clear 150k (take-home), while others, in same position, are clearing over 300-400k... I am talking about regular dentists (not specialists) who are in the same city, even some in close proximity. Why are some making so much more than others? Is it better office location? better business management? better customer service? more procedures being done? I think its a combination of all.

The high earning dentists are mostly the guys who own their own practice and have good business sense. I don't believe dental school (or any school for that matter) will teach you such skills, this is hand-on learning, and for most of us, we won't know our business potential until we become dentists.

exactly... the sky is the limit if you "know" how to run a business... dental school is designed to give you the tools and knowledge to practice dentistry, running a successful dental practice requires a great deal of business savvy!