Why?

[danqa]

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Hi I'm new here. I intend to be pre-med, but I am a bit curious about some of the other health professions as well. I started this thread to find out why the dentists on this board became dentists. I don't want to start any fighting, just generally curious. I know a lot of people who say "I always wanted to be a doctor...ever since I was five"- is it the same with any of you? Do you have a great passion for teeth? Well, if you could tell me what factors influenced your decision to choose dentistry, rather than medicine, optometry, veterinary, medical, chiropractic or podiatric schools I'd really appreciate it. You'll probably see me posing this question on the other boards.

-Danielle

 

[aphistis]

It's a great question, and it's been answered several times here in the dental forums. Run a search for "why" in the thread title and you'll come up with plenty.

As for myself, I'm in the same situation as you; I converted from pre-med my junior year of college. I'm a first-year dental student now, and I couldn't be happier with my decision. Dentistry's <em>really</em> on an upswing right now, and should be for years to come. We're fully trained doctors, we have the autonomy to run our practices with much less insurance hassle than most physicians, the income is excellent (outstripping, on average, internal meds, family practitioners, general pediatricians, and psychiatrists), and the hours are exceptionally forgiving (the average dentist works 35-40 hours a week, according to the ADA).

Vive le dentistry! 😀

 

[danqa]

Please answer, guys!

 

[dr_benj]

Similar to Bill, I too started out as premed, but changed to predent early in my undergrad. I chose denitstry over medicine for many reasons, the following being the biggest:
1- I hate the corporate insurance takeover happening in medicine
2- I will love being my own boss and owning a business
3- Equivalent if not better income than many doctors (non-specialists)
4- Residency optional
5- Excellent hours, want to have a family and be there for them (although listed as #5 this is probably top on my list)
6- Much more interested in physical treatment by using my hands than diagnosis and prescription of medication. Surgery based.
7- You see results right away and your patient walks away happy.
8- Don't have to deal with death or dying (usually)
9- You control how hard you work and how much money you make.
10- Dentists have the same suicide rate as any other profession in the country.

Hope this helps, and good luck in making your decision....I hope you don't feel pressured to pick medicine if you are going to be unhappy in it. I never felt better than when I finally decided to cross over. If you have any further questions feel free to PM me. Good luck in whatever you decide.

 

[init4damoney]

I'm kinda in between premed and predent. I'm leaning towards dentistry though, for a couple of reasons. I've always wanted to work in a hospital, which is why I like medicine. But Just having been in many dentist offices (ortho, oms, etc.) I like the atmosphere. The earning potential is just as good as anyone in medicine, and you'll probably work better hours. And if I still want to work in a hospital, I have that opportunity with oms.