Unsure about the future......

[johnnyt09]

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Hello all,
I am a sophmore taking the usual pre-health classes at my university. I've alway told myself that I want to go to dental school but I'm not entirely sure. I constantly think about what it's like to be a dentist and how good it's going to feel once you have your self established in your community. I don't know if i "love" working with my hands but I enjoy activities that require alot of manual dexterity (working on bicycles, making lures, sports, ect). I've got about 25 hours of shadowing in so far. I found it interesting but I often became bored after the first hour or two. I THINK I would like the style of work a dentist does but I won't know until I do it. I keep telling myself that I don't care about how much I make but I know it's still a big deal in the deciding of my future. I'm pretty sure I would enjoy the style of work a dentist does and I know I would like the lifestyle but for some reason I am still uncertain. Did/does anyone feel the same way? I don't know how some students can be so certain about what they want to do for the rest of their lives at such a young age. Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[104]

I know how you feel. When I was a sophomore I still wasn't 100% committed to dentistry. Is there any other careers out there that would could be interested? like science related? Medicine, pharmacy, etc. Explore your options.
Don't give up on dentistry so easily either, try shadowing other dentist or some specialist. I know from experience that every dentist has a different vibe and perspective about the field. I mean I once shadowed an oral surgeon that HATED his job and kept telling me to quit now while i can and go into business lol. If that oral surgeon would have been my first shadowing experience i sure probably would have have been a little demoralized. Fortunately for me a found an awesome dentist and mentor that really inspired and motivated me.

 

[johnnyt09]

I'm also interested in optometry. I would prefer dentistry over it because I like the fact that you can become your own boss one day. There are some things that is holding me back from dentistry like what if I injure my hands or my eyes? Should I be worrying about these details? Other than the fear of not being able to physically practice due to an injury I would love dentistry.

 

[Kentuckylover]

I'm also interested in optometry. I would prefer dentistry over it because I like the fact that you can become your own boss one day. There are some things that is holding me back from dentistry like what if I injure my hands or my eyes? Should I be worrying about these details? Other than the fear of not being able to physically practice due to an injury I would love dentistry.

I know where are you def. coming from. Although I will be going to dental school this fall, I actually wanted to be a singer/dancer. Then, I realized that people can't only do whatever they love to do.

My advice is that as long as you don't hate what you plan to do in your life, stick with it. Whatever you love or enjoy to do, make it as your hobby.

Hope this helps. Good luck with deciding.

 

[ataha]

I'm also interested in optometry. I would prefer dentistry over it because I like the fact that you can become your own boss one day. There are some things that is holding me back from dentistry like what if I injure my hands or my eyes? Should I be worrying about these details? Other than the fear of not being able to physically practice due to an injury I would love dentistry.

Isn't that true for any/most professions?