Word to the Wise.....

[toothfairy14]

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Shhhhhh!!!! 😉

I’ve been lurking on the boards for awhile and I’ve noticed a lot of people posting in the other forums about the “Beauty of Dentistry” and have see how a lot of pre-meds, pre-pharm, pre-optometry, etc are starting to really consider dentistry and switching over. You’re only creating more competition for your self. And why would you want to do that?

As a former pre-med, recently crossed over to pre-dental, Thanks!

Ignorance is bliss!!!!

 

[Generallee]

Shhhhhh!!!! 😉

I’ve been lurking on the boards for awhile and I’ve noticed a lot of people posting in the other forums about the “Beauty of Dentistry” and have see how a lot of pre-meds, pre-pharm, pre-optometry, etc are starting to really consider dentistry and switching over. You’re only creating more competition for your self. And why would you want to do that?

As a former pre-med, recently crossed over to pre-dental, Thanks!

Ignorance is bliss!!!!

Yeah, you're right! Dentistry SUCKS! Get out before it's too late! 😛 🙂
All jokes aside, I wonder if a big reason the applicant pool in dentistry is increasing is due to other medical fields switching over? Are people really getting interested in Dentistry or are people finding negatives about Med, Pharm, Optometry, etc?

 

[toothfairy14]

as a former pre-med I was draw to the prestige of it all (as most are) but when reality set in about the amount of hours I'd have to work I started to re-evaluate my career goals. But seriously, on another post they mentioned an increase in applicants for D-school and I think its because students are really starting to analyze the quality of life associated with a lot of other careers.

 

[dat_student]

Shhhhhh!!!! 😉

I’ve been lurking on the boards for awhile and I’ve noticed a lot of people posting in the other forums about the “Beauty of Dentistry” and have see how a lot of pre-meds, pre-pharm, pre-optometry, etc are starting to really consider dentistry and switching over. You’re only creating more competition for your self. And why would you want to do that?

Competition is good. I love dentistry.

 

[Audio]

Competition is good. I love dentistry.

Yeah, bring it on biatches 😀

 

[toothfairy14]

Competition is good. I love dentistry.

Competition is good in theory. However, realistically, who really wants the added risk associated with a larger applicant pool and the same (small) number of dental schools?

 

[tom3]

it's all about perspective 😛

 

[toothfairy14]

Competition is good. I love dentistry.

Also, as future dentists you should really start thinking like businessmen & women. Dentistry is a business, if you forgot. And competition can take away from your business. 😱 think about it.

 

[oldboy]

wouldn't it suck if dentistry became the new medicine. For example, the pre dental club at my school (25000+ students) has about 10-12 members, and the premed club has between 100-150! 😱 😱 😱 😱 😱

 

[SuperC]

Shhhhhh!!!! 😉

I’ve been lurking on the boards for awhile and I’ve noticed a lot of people posting in the other forums about the “Beauty of Dentistry” and have see how a lot of pre-meds, pre-pharm, pre-optometry, etc are starting to really consider dentistry and switching over. You’re only creating more competition for your self. And why would you want to do that?

As a former pre-med, recently crossed over to pre-dental, Thanks!

Ignorance is bliss!!!!

This mentality really pisses me off. I have always wanted to go to dental school. I never even considered medical school. That being said, I think that it is great to introduce others to the world of dentistry. I have converted a few pre-med to dentistry, one in particular, has a 3.8 and a 22 DAT. I don't see her as a competitor, I see her as a friend and a future asset to the dental community.

People interested in dental and medical fields should have a deep desire to help people, not only in a patient-doctor relationship, but also in a human-human relationship.

I am always frustrated by this "Don't tell/help others" nonsense because it makes for competition. Competition is ALWAYS good. It forces students, dentists, doctors, businesses, to push themselves harder, provide better care and provide better products.

Anytime I can, I will go out of my way to help other students excel their pursuit of their goals. I tutor peers for free and I T.A. undergraduate courses.

Most of the students I know who want to be MDs want to because it is their dream, regardless of the "quality of life". Becoming a MD, requires a selfless person, just as dentistry does. That being said, I think that if you have chosen dentistry based on a lifestyle you should rethink your goals. Working 9 to 5 should not be a reason to become anything. If dentistry required 12 plus hours a day and paid half of what it does, I would still go to dental school because it is truly what I want to do. You should want to go to dental school because you have a PASSION, and DESIRE, to impact people in a deep and personal way.

I am always glad to share my thoughts with anyone who is interested. What if the dentist that you shadowed, told you dentistry sucks, just because he/she was worried that you would "competition" when you graduated from school?

I truly am disgusted by your comment.
-C

 

[aphistis]

Also, as future dentists you should really start thinking like businessmen & women. Dentistry is a business, if you forgot. And competition can take away from your business. 😱 think about it.

Dentists are retiring twice as fast as they're graduating. There's plenty of room in the sandbox for everyone. 😀

 

[dat_student]

Also, as future dentists you should really start thinking like businessmen & women. Dentistry is a business, if you forgot. And competition can take away from your business. 😱 think about it.

I am not a businessman and I am not applying to business schools. I probably can't become a good businessman. People, who can't compete, are afraid of competition. People, who view dentistry solely as a business, are also afraid of competition. Business people can't become good scientists. That's my $50. 😉

Everybody should apply. It's not too late. I love dentistry. 🙂

**********************
"Striving to better, oft we mar what's well"
Shakespeare - King Lear

INTERVIEWS: UCLA, UCSF, UPENN, Columbia, UCONN (University of Connecticut), University of Maryland, Boston University, University of Pittsburgh, Temple University, Indiana University, Case Western Reserve University, UMKC, UMDNJ, Nova, I don't recall the rest [I won't go to all interviews]

 

[JessicaSimpson]

SuperC, you're hot. 😉

 

[oldboy]

yo j.s. your sister is definitely mo hotter than you.

 

[toothfairy14]

You’re all delusional. None of you have actually practiced in the real world. Neither have I but go visit www.dentaltown.com and read some of the post of ACTUAL practicing dentist and then come back and try to feed me this BS of what you THINK dentistry really is. Sorry to break it to you but you going to have to learn how to be a good businessperson, real quick if you want to be successful.

Also, since when does “quality of life” not play a role in the profession you pursue????
That’s right I said profession. JOB. You work for money in case you forgot. Regardless if you have this “dying passion” for the field or not. Any intelligent person looks at all the factors involved in pursing a career. Some choose to work 70+ hours a week while others choose to have a balanced life.

If dentistry required 12 plus hours a day and paid half of what it does, I would still go to dental school because it is truly what I want to do.

With all this talk you better be accepting only Medicaid when you practice! Really, say this after you worked 12 hours for $70,000 with student loans to pay off, house and car payments, kids to feed, etc. REALITY IS A BITACH!!!! 😱

 

[JessicaSimpson]

yo j.s. your sister is definitely mo hotter than you.

 

[Gurl21]

REALITY IS A BITACH!!!! 😱

and so are you!! if you think the ppl in this forum are delusional, then get out

 

[SuperC]

You’re all delusional. None of you have actually practiced in the real world. Neither have I but go visit www.dentaltown.com and read some of the post of ACTUAL practicing dentist and then come back and try to feed me this BS of what you THINK dentistry really is. Sorry to break it to you but you going to have to learn how to be a good businessperson, real quick if you want to be successful.

Also, since when does “quality of life” not play a role in the profession you pursue????
That’s right I said profession. JOB. You work for money in case you forgot. Regardless if you have this “dying passion” for the field or not. Any intelligent person looks at all the factors involved in pursing a career. Some choose to work 70+ hours a week while others choose to have a balanced life.


With all this talk you better be accepting only Medicaid when you practice! Really, say this after you worked 12 hours for $70,000 with student loans to pay off, house and car payments, kids to feed, etc. REALITY IS A BITACH!!!! 😱

Wow... Your right, I have no idea what life as a dentist is like.

Let's see here... My father is a dentist, and now that you mention it, we never really talked about his work. As a matter of fact, he just told me yesterday that he was a dentist.

My mother, I can’t remember what she did…. Something like Hyg.. Hygenetics… Oh, yea.. Hygienist and wouldn’t you know it…. My stepmother is one too.
And who would have guessed it, my girlfriend, worked in my dad’s office for 5 years too… Oh and I think she told me last week that she is in Hygiene school, but because we are always too busy “doin the dirty” we never really talked about work/school either.

I only worked in his office, for, um, 5 years, but for some reason all of the assisting, talking with patients and sitting in on consults. I never really understood what was going on in the office, in fact, I thought it was a chocolate factory.

The other dentists I shadowed worked in shoe factories. I thought something was strange about that.

I don’t know what your experiences are with dentistry, but I can assure you I am very well acquainted with the ins and outs of a dental practice. Since I have been in college, I still spend weekends helping my Dad around the office. I helped design their website, develop new advertisement campaigns, replace light bulbs, landscaping and everything else in between. When I am in town over breaks I am the one who goes to the office on Christmas Eve, to assist on the patient whose crown needs to be re-cemented.

Unity is something that is very important in my family. Part of this unity is working together and helping each other out. A big part of my “helping out” is doing what ever I can for my father’s business, which happens to be dentistry.

You can’t assume that every pre-professional is ignorant to the world of in to which they are going.
-C

 

[toothfairy14]

To Gurl21: **** YOU. I’m staying right here!!!!!!!!

Here’s a little more advice: go to dentaltown.com and other forums where real dentists have posted and get their views. Heck visit other forums from different professions and you’ll soon realize that A LOT of people were delusional about their choosen career paths before they got into them. That’s why so many people change careers. All I was trying to do was point out the other side of the career, that it not this “rosy” profession you just go into and you automatically come out with a $175,000 income. You actually have to acquire other skills in order to succeed, one of them being business skills. If you honestly believe that you will not be competing with the person next to you in class or the dental practice down the street you were poorly misinformed.

 

[teefRcool]

Lets all calm the F$#k down people!

 

[food4thots]

i hope the reason u chose dentistry is not just about money. u can make more money in other professions. for those how chose healthcare, they should really have a passion for helping people.

 

[SuperC]

To Gurl21: **** YOU. I’m staying right here!!!!!!!!

You know four letter words? You must be real smart!

Great attitude!
-C

 

[toothfairy14]

Wow... Your right, I have no idea what life as a dentist is like.

Let's see here... My father is a dentist, and now that you mention it, we never really talked about his work. As a matter of fact, he just told me yesterday that he was a dentist.

My mother, I can’t remember what she did…. Something like Hyg.. Hygenetics… Oh, yea.. Hygienist and wouldn’t you know it…. My stepmother is one too.
And who would have guessed it, my girlfriend, worked in my dad’s office for 5 years too… Oh and I think she told me last week that she is in Hygiene school, but because we are always too busy “doin the dirty” we never really talked about work/school either.

I only worked in his office, for, um, 5 years, but for some reason all of the assisting, talking with patients and sitting in on consults. I never really understood what was going on in the office, in fact, I thought it was a chocolate factory.

The other dentists I shadowed worked in shoe factories. I thought something was strange about that.

I don’t know what your experiences are with dentistry, but I can assure you I am very well acquainted with the ins and outs of a dental practice. Since I have been in college, I still spend weekends helping my Dad around the office. I helped design their website, develop new advertisement campaigns, replace light bulbs, landscaping and everything else in between. When I am in town over breaks I am the one who goes to the office on Christmas Eve, to assist on the patient whose crown needs to be re-cemented.

Unity is something that is very important in my family. Part of this unity is working together and helping each other out. A big part of my “helping out” is doing what ever I can for my father’s business, which happens to be dentistry.

You can’t assume that every pre-professional is ignorant to the world of in to which they are going.
-C

Your post was…. umm…. a little pointless. I could care less what your family does.

MY POINT was you will need business skills and to think that you don’t is delusional. I also was trying to say being part of a successful business means that you understand competition; that competition from a business stand point is not good. Just ask Bill Gates.

 

[food4thots]

Wow... Your right, I have no idea what life as a dentist is like.

Let's see here... My father is a dentist, and now that you mention it, we never really talked about his work. As a matter of fact, he just told me yesterday that he was a dentist.

My mother, I can’t remember what she did…. Something like Hyg.. Hygenetics… Oh, yea.. Hygienist and wouldn’t you know it…. My stepmother is one too.
And who would have guessed it, my girlfriend, worked in my dad’s office for 5 years too… Oh and I think she told me last week that she is in Hygiene school, but because we are always too busy “doin the dirty” we never really talked about work/school either.

I only worked in his office, for, um, 5 years, but for some reason all of the assisting, talking with patients and sitting in on consults. I never really understood what was going on in the office, in fact, I thought it was a chocolate factory.

The other dentists I shadowed worked in shoe factories. I thought something was strange about that.

I don’t know what your experiences are with dentistry, but I can assure you I am very well acquainted with the ins and outs of a dental practice. Since I have been in college, I still spend weekends helping my Dad around the office. I helped design their website, develop new advertisement campaigns, replace light bulbs, landscaping and everything else in between. When I am in town over breaks I am the one who goes to the office on Christmas Eve, to assist on the patient whose crown needs to be re-cemented.

Unity is something that is very important in my family. Part of this unity is working together and helping each other out. A big part of my “helping out” is doing what ever I can for my father’s business, which happens to be dentistry.

You can’t assume that every pre-professional is ignorant to the world of in to which they are going.
-C

wow, superC is genetically predisposed to dentistry..

 

[food4thots]

there are some specialties of dentistry that does not require business skills such as research or teaching. not everyone goes out of dental school with their own practice.

 

[toothfairy14]

i hope the reason u chose dentistry is not just about money. u can make more money in other professions. for those how chose healthcare, they should really have a passion for helping people.

Enlighten me! What other careers can you work under 40 per week and make around $175,000????? I'm curious.

 

[food4thots]

people that own business, that own real estate, they make a lot more money than that.

plus most dentist that graduate don't make that much money.. nor do they open their practices immediately..

 

[toothfairy14]

people that own business, that own real estate, they make a lot more money than that.

plus most dentist that graduate don't make that much money.. nor do they open their practices immediately..

Ummm........dentist ARE business owners!!!!!! I mean according to all the surveys that say that 90% of dentist are sole practicioners. And the smart one know that the $175,000 average is what they only put on their income taxes cause most actually make more. ALL THE MORE REASON TO BECOME A DENTIST.

 

[food4thots]

those are reasons to be a SHADY dentist.

 

[TKD]

there are some specialties of dentistry that does not require business skills such as research or teaching. not everyone goes out of dental school with their own practice.

toothfairy, your point seems to be changing. first it started off as ignorance is bliss,...now it's be a good businessman. secondly, calm down with the internet rage. Thirdly, as a dental resident, i say bring in the best and brightest quality applicants. that is best for the profession and our patients. you're "let's keep it a secret" approach seems a little disturbing. Perhaps you have some confidence issues.

 

[1992Corolla]

Like dentistry is that hard...when you graduate just buy a practice that is netting 500 K and you're set...c'mon guys it's that easy!

 

[Sprgrover]

You'll make a comfortable living in dentistry, that's for sure. But unless you are really entrepreneurial and invent something huge, like OralB, you won't be rich. Go to Wharton and climb that corporate ladder or pick up a copy of the Robb Report to find out what wealth really is.

In regards to the increase in applicants I do believe that a lot of it does have to do with students in other healthcare fields, such as pre-med and so on, looking down the road of their options and realizing that what they really want out of their professional careers and personal lives will take a very long time to come to fruition and that dentistry is very conducive for their goals (e.g. having a nice nest egg, being able to spend time with family, greater freedom from the sordid politics of medicine, and so on). I think I might have converted a pretty hardcore pre-med student here at UPenn the other day. She is brilliant and has the very high grades and MCAT scores to get in to some stellar programs but she is starting to question that path after working with current med students and doctors. After explaining my motivations for going into dentistry and some of the perks of the profession she really became interested and we talked for a good long while about it. I doubt she is the only one out there coming from a similar place, and it is primarily this reason that I believe the number of applicants and their stats has been steadily rising every year and will probably do so for quite a while. All aboard the fluoridated gravy train!

 

[toothfairy14]

those are reasons to be a SHADY dentist.

So wanting to be compensated directly relates to "shady" dentist? Are you saying that my skills a dentist decrease as money increases? Have you ever thought that It MIGHT be possible that one could be an excellent dentist clinically AND an excellent businessman???? What a paradox!!

I personally would never act unethical as a professional to get an extra buck. Nor should that ridiculous assumption be made about individuals in any high paying profession.

 

[1992Corolla]

those are reasons to be a SHADY dentist.

Why would writing off a $145,000.00 AMG SL500 be considered SHADY? 😎

If the government is going to rape you for 50% of your income, then I am writing off as many things as I legally can, and according to most dental accountants the car that gets you to work and back (even the condo you use for business meetings 😉 ) can be used LEGALLY as a tax write off.

 

[SMC2UCLA2_]

people that own business, that own real estate, they make a lot more money than that.

plus most dentist that graduate don't make that much money.. nor do they open their practices immediately..

Those people also work alot more hours. My uncle for example works 25-30 hours a week and lives very comfortably. He takes his son to school in the morning and goes to every baseball game. Some of you need to quit being so damn narrow minded and realize there are several aspects to choosing a career and financial stability and work hours are definately important considerations for people like myself. Choosing dentistry as a career that will make you "comfortable" in the future is a perfectly valid reason. Some people will be absolutely happy making a dentist salary and doing a dentist job because it meets their personal goals. I want to spend time with my kids and enjoy my life.

SuperC you are way to hard on toothfairy for stating his opinion. Im glad you would be a dentist if the pay was beans and the hours were 80+ (No sarcasim...seriously). I personally would not even consider dentistry if I had to work 12 hour days- theres more to life than your career- sorry buddy. Other people, myself namely, want to live a healthy comfortable life and dentistry can provide this. Of course Im not going into dentistry just for this reason. I also like the social atmosphere of a dental practice, the flexibility of the career, the stable job opportunities, the numerous specialties, and owning your own business to name a few. While I think the work may become repetitive, I would never get tired of my patients. My uncle for example, gets invited to his patients weddings and parties. He has many of his patients over when he throws a party and he has had patients/friends that he has known for 12 years now (since he started). Anyway, you need to stop being so critical and jumping on everyones throat for joining dentistry for a reason besides yours. Learn to deal with it.

 

[food4thots]

And the smart one know that the $175,000 average is what they only put on their income taxes cause most actually make more. ALL THE MORE REASON TO BECOME A DENTIST.

it's the latter of your statement that promotes shady practices..

 

[1992Corolla]

You'll make a comfortable living in dentistry, that's for sure. But unless you are really entrepreneurial and invent something huge, like OralB, you won't be rich. Go to Wharton and climb that corporate ladder or pick up a copy of the Robb Report to find out what wealth really is.

In regards to the increase in applicants I do believe that a lot of it does have to do with students in other healthcare fields, such as pre-med and so on, looking down the road of their options and realizing that what they really want out of their professional careers and personal lives will take a very long time to come to fruition and that dentistry is very conducive for their goals (e.g. having a nice nest egg, being able to spend time with family, greater freedom from the sordid politics of medicine, and so on). I think I might have converted a pretty hardcore pre-med student here at UPenn the other day. She is brilliant and has the very high grades and MCAT scores to get in to some stellar programs but she is starting to question that path after working with current med students and doctors. After explaining my motivations for going into dentistry and some of the perks of the profession she really became interested and we talked for a good long while about it. I doubt she is the only one out there coming from a similar place, and it is primarily this reason that I believe the number of applicants and their stats has been steadily rising every year and will probably do so for quite a while. All aboard the fluoridated gravy train!

I read a magazine entitled "BILLIONAIRE" once...wow, those guys have bucks! But I would be perfectly happy with 150K take home. Granted I know these #'s are not attainable right out of dental school, but I also know of plenty of dentists who take home 2-3x's that much. There are many factors that go into income. Business savvy is a must. Location is probably the # one aspect. The list goes on. I don't think anything is wrong with money being a motivation, but there are also plenty of other +'s about dentistry. The hours are sweet (when you hit your stride), the money is awesome...oh, I said that one! 👍
My friend is an oral surgeon and he always tells me, "I am wealthy, but I am no where near rich." All his debt is paid and he is free and clear and makes a very pretty penny.

The real money is in corporate/commercial real estate. Donnie Trump!

 

[food4thots]

yeah.. money is a good reason, but i just hope it's not the only reason..

 

[1992Corolla]

"Money is the most important thing in the WORLD"

 

[toothfairy14]

yeah.. money is a good reason, but i just hope it's not the only reason..

Nope.

Autonomy, under 40hours work week, Being your own boss, Helping others, Prestiage. The list goes on, but I wouldn't want to let those Pre-med guys know now would I. (joke...don't flame me)

 

[dinesh]

To succeed in a private practice you are going to need alot of business sence, you can't just be a good clinician and expect everything to work out fine.

Advantages of dentistry?
1) hot assistants
2) getting home before it gets dark and getting reasonable hours sleep
3) getting home intime to have fun with the wifee
4) getting home intime to have some fun with the kiddies
5) Money
6) Being one of the most feared people in the world 😉

 

[Gurl21]

Toothfairy, clearly you just decided to pursue dentistry after MCAT scores came out last week

 

[Audio]

Toothfairy, clearly you just decided to pursue dentistry after MCAT scores came out last week

ouch 😀

Come on toothfairy, dis her back. This is GOLD 😛 Ok, I'll help you out. Gurl21 has thunder thighs 😀

 

[CayleStanley]

This guy I know had a 38 mcat and was accepted to harvard med school, i took part in talking him out of it. now he is leaning towards dentistry, although the way i talked him out of it made him want to pursue carpentry more. who really cares, if your reasons for dentistry are for money you'll become another one of the statistics we hear so much about.
X X
-----

 

[toothfairy14]

Toothfairy, clearly you just decided to pursue dentistry after MCAT scores came out last week

I just started my sophomore year so...... didn't even take the MCAT.....but keep spitting BS out of your mouth. BITACH!!!!

 

[SMC2UCLA2_]

Ain't it Feel good to be a gangsta? This is my dentist.

 

[organichemistry]

people that own business, that own real estate, they make a lot more money than that.

plus most dentist that graduate don't make that much money.. nor do they open their practices immediately..

dentists do own businesses 🙂 and people in real estate don't have the sort of "guarantee" that dentists do of making 6 figures. a lot make it that big, a lot don't. in dentristry, almost everyone does

furthermore, it is easy to get involved in real estate by age 40 if you are making >100k per year when you are 28.

 

[iambatman]

A MESSSAGE TO EVERYONE:

THERE IS TRUTH TO ALL POSTS IN THIS THREAD!

Yes, you are correct, dentistry IS a business. But it is also a service oriented one, in which patient-doctor relations are key.

Let's be a little open minded. Obtuse thinking results in ignorance.

As dentists, we must 'learn' to listen! Learn to think differently. Learn to appreciate input from others!

BE HOLISTIC!

I conclude this post with a: I HAVE AN INTERVIEW NEXT WEEK, AND I'M SO FCUKING NERVOUS ---------- HELP ME PLEASE!

 

[Rezdawg]

I think that if you have chosen dentistry based on a lifestyle you should rethink your goals. Working 9 to 5 should not be a reason to become anything. If dentistry required 12 plus hours a day and paid half of what it does, I would still go to dental school because it is truly what I want to do. You should want to go to dental school because you have a PASSION, and DESIRE, to impact people in a deep and personal way.

Why shouldnt working 9 to 5 not be a reason? This has nothing to do with not having "passion" or "desire" to "impact people in a deep and personal way".

If you are fine working 12 hours a day for half the income, by all means, do it. However, most people like to have a life, and dentistry provides them with an amazing professional life and a great personal life.

So, yes, working 9 to 5 could very well be a reason to become a dentist, over another healthcare field, like medicine.

 

[beastly115]

Shhhhhh!!!! 😉

I’ve been lurking on the boards for awhile and I’ve noticed a lot of people posting in the other forums about the “Beauty of Dentistry” and have see how a lot of pre-meds, pre-pharm, pre-optometry, etc are starting to really consider dentistry and switching over. You’re only creating more competition for your self. And why would you want to do that?

As a former pre-med, recently crossed over to pre-dental, Thanks!

Ignorance is bliss!!!!

And then there's those applicants like myself who could switch to pre-med and make the competition more stiff for them too