Questions and stories from patients should be redirected to r/askdentists. There may be a chance that the dentist can offer a filling instead. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Whether you are practicing, are in dental school currently, or even if you're in the same position as I am; what made you pick this? I graduated with $450k in loans (yep you heard that right) largely because the two in-state schools in CA are difficult to get into and that other cheaper options were only 10k less. If you would like to learn more about a dentist in your neighborhood, click here to find one. The technical challenge is there with full mouth reconstructions and the like. Dentistry is the perfect blend of art and science in my opinion and I'm sure others would agree. Medicine: Almost went this route until Drs I was shadowing told me they wished they did dentistry instead; long hours, too much stress, too little spare time, not thrilled about the direction the field is heading, Finance: Thought about it, would rather do healthcare, Engineering: Father was an engineer, wanted to do something different, though I almost switched to this after freshman year of college... glad I didn't. The Healthcare field always interested me though; it's a little longer of a story, but essentially I shadowed a dentist and thought I could see myself doing this for a career. Practicing dentist-to-population ratios vary widely, but range from roughly 42 to 108 dentists per 100,000 people, according to the American Dental Association. Also I like healthcare and working with my hands. Amount of Schooling. If you are planning to become a dentist, you can join the BDA as soon as you have received your A' Level results and have confirmation of your place at dental school. I shadowed other dentists and decided it was worth pursuing. My dad is general surgeon, and while not all doctors have his lifestyle I knew growing up I didn't want to go to med school. I’ll admit when I was in dental school and signing loan documents for $30,000 or more at a time, it didn’t quite seem real. 1. Also, if I went to medical school and did poorly for some reason I might have been stuck in family medicine, which would've been completely miserable for me. Service to Others: Help people maintain and improve their oral health, quality of life and appearance. Why did you become a dentist? 2. However, there are also lots of reasons why you should not become a dentist. In case any of you are wondering, financial stability and being a leader are also some of the reasons why I want to become a dentist. These are listed below. I'm a second year undergrad with the goal of becoming a dentist. Why not other professions such as law, medicine, finance, engineering, etc.? Like most jobs, there is a steep learning curve to begin with. Expressing your concerns will help your dentist adapt the treatment to your needs. You know how much your father makes and you know once you take his practice over you will make that much. For fourth year dental students, graduation is just around the corner. As a ceramist, that's pretty much my reaction when people ask me if I'd ever consider going into dentistry! If you can make the most of that, you… If you’re nervous about an upcoming dental visit, try these ways to curb your anxiety: Share your fears. J. P. Morgan. The good reason provides an explanation to others, the real reason gets you out of … I love working with my hands and making people's teeth look and feel good gets me out of bed every morning. My own boss. If you are interested in a career in dentistry, make sure to do some soul searching before plunging head first into the application process. If they feel the crown is the best option, they will explain exactly why. My own terms. Richard Novak, MD is a Stanford physician board-certified in anesthesiology and internal medicine.Dr. Debt is real. That’s why we are dentists, because you are important. So you dont need money as motivation. The other day I was asked to explain why I chose to become a dentist, and if it has been a rewarding career. Being a dentist requires a huge commitment of time and money. Why did you decide to become a coach? Dentistry offers many opportunities, challenges, and rewards. Ten Great Reasons to Be a Dentist. Richard Novak, MD is a Stanford physician board-certified in anesthesiology and internal medicine.Dr. ‘Why Dentistry’ is one of the most challenging questions you will have to answer at your dental school interview. It is not a requirement at every dental school to have a Bachelor’s degree to enter dental school, but it is highly recommended and nowadays schools do not typically accept students without one. I am a fellowship-trained surgeon. Cuz my parents are Asian and I had to be a doctor. It is also a question that you will almost certainly be asked so no matter how frightened you are at the thought of the question, it’s time to get down to get down to business and figure out how you are going to answer it. Solid lifestyle and love the small business aspect, New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Here is why I didn't do the others. If so, you may be on track to become a great dentist. Dentistry including all of its common specialties, unless you go into oral pathology or orthodontics, is like 80%+ procedural. No two patients are really the same.... its awesome. Novak is an Adjunct Clinical Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine at Stanford University, the Medical Director at Waverley Surgery Center in Palo Alto, California, and a member of the Associated Anesthesiologists Medical Group in Palo Alto, California. In this video, I talk about my top 5 reasons for pursuing a career in dentistry. By using our Services or clicking I agree, you agree to our use of cookies. Press J to jump to the feed. You will be in school for three to four years to get an undergraduate bachelor’s degree. I enjoyed the interaction you get with patients and the hand skills you develop helping people get their health in order. Oh another one of these, must be Thursday! Worst case in dental school, assuming you manage to graduate and pass boards, is that you're a dentist...between the two, I'd much prefer drilling small holes in teeth than treating sore holes with prescriptions.