I can't be the only one to have had a change of heart about practicing dentistry. I think I'm a solid GP, and I have a pretty good set up at a public health clinic with good benefits, but I'm about 9 years in and this is just not for me. I don't enjoy dealing with the mess and non-compliant patients (let's be realistic) and working in such a small field is physically exhausting. I don't get excited about learning anything new; really, it's more of a paycheck. The sad reality is we have so much education, but it's so specialized that switching careers is not so easy - we're trained sculptors without the art connections. 🙂 I've sat and tried to brainstorm a "passion" to study, but nothing specific comes to mind. I just know I'd love more schedule flexibility and would like less interaction with those in high anxiety situations (pathologist, hello?!). Are there fields that come to mind that would provide an easier transition? I think I have another ~5 years in me before student loans are paid off, but I'd like to start planning a transition now.
Time for a Career Change?
- Thread starter maloos
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If you like working with your hands and want something a little less stressful, Podiatry might be something to look into. It is fairly easy to get into a school, and non surgical Pod work is relatively relaxing. Its almost like being a foot dentist, but without the back problems. Its got a good mix of every medical specialty.
Otherwise look into MD school, but thats a long and stressful road.
Otherwise look into MD school, but thats a long and stressful road.
D
deleted659902
How about start by switching part-time after your student loan's paid off? Use the freed up time to explore fairly easy to break-into fields including high school teaching (good public schools and private schools) or maybe even consulting jobs for insurance companies and the likes? Or maybe even try grad school and go for that PhD in some field; for example, it could be in oral bio or dental field so that you can leverage your DMD to become a clinician-researcher to quench your (intellectual) passion? NIDCR, the dental research arm of the NIH, has several training and career development opportunities. Whatever you choose to do, it's probably a good idea to keep your license active.
P.S. I think finance might be a viable option too like some sort of analyst although you may have to take some courses and do internships; there is an interent forum called wall street oasis which is like sdn for pre-investment banking students. they may be able to give you some advice if you are into finance. Other options include joining the military as a commissioned officer or joining the police academy, applying for the astronaut training program, or running for an elected position in local, state, or even national stage... lots of possibilities. Or getting an MPH and working for dental school, non-profit and the likes?
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Ever think about leaving the public health sector and opening your own practice? You would be more in control of your schedule, as well as the patient population you cater to (ie more compliant patients). Still stressful, but different types of stress and potentially ones that you could deal with.
