What drew you into dentistry?

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Steins;Gate

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With the application cycle ending for many and starting for many more soon, it would be nice for future pre-dents to read why people chose dentistry. What else did you consider and how did dentistry win you over? 🙂
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The fact that you can make an immediate impact on patient's lives (you can't really do that in medicine). And of course flexible hours 🙂 I would probably do medicine if not dentistry since it's the next closest thing.
 
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A plastic surgeon makes immediate changes on a patient's life.
Also, dermatologist that do botox, fillers, and all that stuff with lasers these days.
what about ophthalmologist with lasik eye surgery?

Medical doctors are writing prescriptions to patients and that's changing their lives or else they would not keep coming every month for the next rx. what about the patients that would die without their insulin shot? that seem like an immediate impact on a patient's life.


I do agree that dentistry is sort of like a branch of medicine... as the dean of columbia dental school said, "...dentistry is the oral specialty of medicine..."


CJoxi said:
The fact that you can make an immediate impact on patient's lives (you can't really do that in medicine). And of course flexible hours 🙂 I would probably do medicine if not dentistry since it's the next closest thing.
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Queen Beach said:
A plastic surgeon makes immediate changes on a patient's life.
Also, dermatologist that do botox, fillers, and all that stuff with lasers these days.
what about ophthalmologist with lasik eye surgery?

Medical doctors are writing prescriptions to patients and that's changing their lives or else they would not keep coming every month for the next rx. what about the patients that would die without their insulin shot? that seem like an immediate impact on a patient's life.


I do agree that dentistry is sort of like a branch of medicine... as the dean of columbia dental school said, "...dentistry is the oral specialty of medicine..."
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During a mock interview, I brought up the fact that I had shadowed family doctors and said that medicine does not have the immediate impact that dentistry does and was told to not say that. Don't bash physicians or medicine in order to prove your passion for dentistry, because whether it's in your essay or interview, you never know who's reading your essay/interviewing you. What if your interviewer is a clinical researcher? Or OMFS? They have impacts on patient's lives too and saying medicine isn't as impactful doesn't do you any good.
 
I'm glad you learned!

aggietxdent said:
During a mock interview, I brought up the fact that I had shadowed family doctors and said that medicine does not have the immediate impact that dentistry does and was told to not say that. Don't bash physicians or medicine in order to prove your passion for dentistry, because whether it's in your essay or interview, you never know who's reading your essay/interviewing you. What if your interviewer is a clinical researcher? Or OMFS? They have impacts on patient's lives too and saying medicine isn't as impactful doesn't do you any good.
Click to expand...
 
aggietxdent said:
During a mock interview, I brought up the fact that I had shadowed family doctors and said that medicine does not have the immediate impact that dentistry does and was told to not say that. Don't bash physicians or medicine in order to prove your passion for dentistry, because whether it's in your essay or interview, you never know who's reading your essay/interviewing you. What if your interviewer is a clinical researcher? Or OMFS? They have impacts on patient's lives too and saying medicine isn't as impactful doesn't do you any good.
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For the record, we (premeds) are not allowed to do this either about dentistry or any other profession really.
 
It came down to dentistry vs medicine for me. I just didn't have the stomach for dental loans so I flaked, and went medicine. You guys taking out 400, 500k in loans are powerful people. Couldn't do it but I'm sure it will be worth it!
 
Dentistry has barely any immediate impact besides getting them out of pain. Gingival tissue takes several weeks to heal from a deep cleaning. Crowns and bridges takes a couple of appt before the permanent is cemented in place. Adjusting a patients bite (ortho) )or finishing an implant takes months.

But, when you do get to the end of finishing a patient's treatment plan there is tremendous pride in your work. The unbelievable joy from the patient because they were unaware how great they look and feel is an amazing feeling.
 
Kosori said:
Dentistry has barely any immediate impact besides getting them out of pain. Gingival tissue takes several weeks to heal from a deep cleaning. Crowns and bridges takes a couple of appt before the permanent is cemented in place. Adjusting a patients bite (ortho) )or finishing an implant takes months.

But, when you do get to the end of finishing a patient's treatment plan there is tremendous pride in your work. The unbelievable joy from the patient because they were unaware how great they look and feel is an amazing feeling.
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Thanks for the great post. Is the tremendous pride the reason why you chose dentistry or was it another reason?
 
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I got into it because as a teen I had extra teeth besides the 32 thats supposed to be there. I stayed because I genuinely love the profession. I have been an assistant, now a hygienist.

Besides the ridiculous debt we will be in something that is not talked about are other obstacles in dentistry. Patients automatically hate you before they step into the office. Women have told me they rather see their gyn then us. A daily battle to not let insurance dictate our tx. Convince pt theyre not putting money to buy the dr their next "yacht". After all that i still going to apply for the following cycle.

Sorry the post got depressing real quick.
 
Kosori said:
I got into it because as a teen I had extra teeth besides the 32 thats supposed to be there. I stayed because I genuinely love the profession. I have been an assistant, now a hygienist.

Besides the ridiculous debt we will be in something that is not talked about are other obstacles in dentistry. Patients automatically hate you before they step into the office. Women have told me they rather see their gyn then us. A daily battle to not let insurance dictate our tx. Convince pt theyre not putting money to buy the dr their next "yacht". After all that i still going to apply for the following cycle.

Sorry the post got depressing real quick.
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No worries. Well, then what makes you genuinely love dentistry? What makes it all worth it despite the negatives?
 
Patient education. All those negatives I mention can be changed into a positive. Dentistry is always a challenge that I can have fun taking on. There is textbook but when you work with actual patients you have to think outside the box to take care of them. I enjoy the critical thinking aspect of it too.
 
periopocket said:
money, power and respect
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Those are very misplaced reasons! I'm sure youz a trollin', but I'm also sure some people go into healthcare professions thinking this, which is ehh.
 
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Ability to talk to patients and form a relationship with them. Didn't see that in the experiences I had with medicine that wasn't primary care (though that might just have been my experiences!).
Enjoyed that I can diagnose, treat, and follow up all on my own.
I enjoy the idea of rural care so the fact that it's available and not as saturated was a plus for me.
 
Teeth are pretty neat. I like using my hands and helping people.

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Part of the reason I am so drawn towards a career in dentistry is largely due to the influence I have on future oral health in America. Coming from a low economic background myself, I understand that not all parents express the importance of oral hygiene to their offspring. As we know oral health is related to a person's overall health. It is our job as dentists not only to help their current situation but also to express the importance of proper oral hygiene in their future.
 
since I was a lad romping with my school chums in the fens and spinneys, when the twilight bathed the hedgerows like a lambent flame, I realize my calling was dentistry because I could help the people.
 
Money and chicks, duh
















Just kidding. Actually not really kidding about the second part. I've DEFINITELY noticed an uptick in interest from my female classmates/coworkers/acquaintances when they found out that I'll be attending dental school. Too bad I'll be moving to a different state.


I've got some very personal reasons for pursuing dentistry, but some of the more palatable reasons include being my own boss, escaping the BS of a 9-5 corporate job (not that dentistry is 100% BS-free) and knowing exactly what part of the body I'll be treating.
 
redhotchiligochu said:
Money and chicks, duh











Just kidding. Actually not really kidding about the second part. I've DEFINITELY noticed an uptick in interest from my female classmates/coworkers/acquaintances when they found out that I'll be attending dental school. Too bad I'll be moving to a different state.


I've got some very personal reasons for pursuing dentistry, but some of the more palatable reasons include being my own boss, escaping the BS of a 9-5 corporate job (not that dentistry is 100% BS-free) and knowing exactly what part of the body I'll be treating.
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Too bad it didn't work out with Taylor though.
 
I can't believe I missed this thread.

My entire family, including all of my first cousins, gave up their passion and dreams for a simple 9-5 corporate job in accounting or economics. I could have easily followed their footsteps and have all the connections I need to become a manager at any of the "Big Four" accounting firms in NYC. Not everyone has a dentist in their family or had a life-changing moment in a dental office.

I went to a specialized high school in New York City where science and math careers were highly encouraged and reinforced. I always had hobbies that involved manual dexterity and I found myself somewhat artistic in drawing and painting. Thanks to my high school's support system with specialized programs, I explored many pre-health careers such as nursing, physician assistant, pharmacy, medical physician, lab technician and etc. To be frank, I was going down the list and crossing out career paths as I went. At the end of my senior year in high school, I was 100% confident that I would become a general surgeon after watching Dr. John Maa's inspirational video.

For those interested in the video:

The breaking point was when I decided to take sports more seriously in my undergraduate. Due to the lack of knowing my limitations, I always injured my legs especially my ankles. I tore every ligament and my Achilles tendon over 10 times in both feet. After visiting multiple physical therapists and podiatrists, I realized I would never be the same ever again. I wouldn't be able to play sports competitively, run marathons, and becoming a general surgeon. In the end, I wasn't able to stand comfortably still for more than three hours. I gave dentistry a shot in my freshmen year and I genuinely enjoyed the aspect of still using my manual dexterity for surgery while having the option to sit down. In addition, growing up with a strong background with math and a keen sense of business will help me become a successful dentist in the future.
 
Brother spent 13 years of his life toward urology, and still worked over 80 hrs a week his last years in residency. Met a dentist who said I just finished in 4 years I just made $2500 on a procedure the other day and I have half days Fridays and I go home to eat lunch with my family. Instantly sold. No shadowing needed.

Ive only wanted to make enough money to support my family, have a rewarding respected career and at 31 I deep down didn't want to enter the rat race that was medicine. Everything after that decision has confirmed my choice. It was easy bc I never saw dentistry as anything different from just a medical specialty like gastro or optho derm...etc.
 
Love the joyful dental/ortho atmosphere. It's so life-like. Patients and dentists/orthodontists are all happy alike.

I love working with my hands. The idea of sitting still while playing around with someone's mouth seems soothing. Requires critical thinking, pays well, flexibility.


P.s: "I want to make people more confident about their smiles" is the why I want to be a doctor equivalent to "I want to help people." Bull****.
 
placebooooo said:
Love the joyful dental/ortho atmosphere. It's so life-like. Patients and dentists/orthodontists are all happy alike.

I love working with my hands. The idea of sitting still while playing around with someone's mouth seems soothing. Requires critical thinking, pays well, flexibility.


P.s: "I want to make people more confident about their smiles" is the why I want to be a doctor equivalent to "I want to help people." Bull****.
Click to expand...
Same with "working with hands" cliche. You can be a car mechanic or a masseuse, they work with their hands....
 
Steins;Gate said:
With the application cycle ending for many and starting for many more soon, it would be nice for future pre-dents to read why people chose dentistry. What else did you consider and how did dentistry win you over? 🙂
Click to expand...
I chose dentistry because I was born with cleft palate and lip. I have gone through various oral surgeries and dental works. Through this journey I've witnessed the tremendous impacts and changes that dentistry can bring to one's life. I would like to take an advantage of the unique journey that I've had and use it to become a dentist, hopefully an oral surgeon if God allows, and work along with the doctors in Smile Train team to serve for the underprivileged children who were born with cleft palate and lip.
 
My dentist has gameboy colors (while we wait in the chair) and n64 in the lobby with Mario kart and star fox. I'd go an hour early just to play and I was like 15-20 so it's a little weird going to a pediatric dentist.

I wish I could say that was it haha.

My dentist was the coolest and most fun dentist. He was a pediatric and ortho specialist. Amazing with patients. The man just made me want to be him when I grow up. Like his office was a fun place to be for patients and staff.
 
WheatLom said:
My dentist has gameboy colors (while we wait in the chair) and n64 in the lobby with Mario kart and star fox. I'd go an hour early just to play and I was like 15-20 so it's a little weird going to a pediatric dentist.

I wish I could say that was it haha.

My dentist was the coolest and most fun dentist. He was a pediatric and ortho specialist. Amazing with patients. The man just made me want to be him when I grow up. Like his office was a fun place to be for patients and staff.
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Office goals. :laugh:
 
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