“Dentistry…a scientific arts” – That’s what I wrote in my personal statement. I have no regrets about choosing to study Dentistry, but it has been full of surprises.
These are the pros and cons of Dentistry.
Pros:
1. An ideal lifestyle.
You can work full-time but some dentists choose to only work a few days per week. They are not known for working long hours. If you are looking to have a family, or pursue other interests while working, this is the ideal job.
2. A highly respected profession.
Healthcare professionals are key members of the community. They interact often with you and look to you to offer guidance/advice and provide the best possible care.
3. Job stability
Oral healthcare is a vital service. Because the mouth is the gateway to the body’s rest, people will be more interested in aesthetics and you will never run out of people who can use your expertise. As I was applying for private dentist jobs, a friend told me once that as long as people have their teeth, they will have a job.
4. Exciting variety. No day will be the same.
This is a challenging career, and you’ll always learn something new. You will never be satisfied with what you see. There will always be something new to challenge you.
No matter if it’s someone who comes in to get a check-up but needs immediate root canal treatment, or someone who is unhappy with the appearance of their teeth,
5. Problem solving by using science, creativity, and logic.
It is your responsibility to manage multiple people and to work with them in the best possible solution. You also have a duty to act in the best interests of your patients.
You will often give them a range of possible treatment options. After a thorough exam, any tests, and coming up with a diagnosis, you will explain the benefits and risks to each option.
My own words, “Dentistry…is…a scientific arts” You can create natural-looking tooth anatomy by using a combination of instruments and dental materials.
6. People.
This may sound obvious but it is an important thing to think about before you go into any healthcare profession, not just Dentistry. Dentistry wouldn’t exist if it wasn’t for people. They exist because we exist. Many of my peers agree that Dentistry would be much easier if it was just about treating teeth. But, this is not the case because you have to deal with people.
People can be hard to please. It’s important that you remain professional at all times.
7. Self-employment/the option of starting your own business.
Dental School doesn’t teach you how you can grow a company. In a nutshell, it teaches you how to be competent as a Dentist. This means that you practice safely and act in the best interests for your patients, working with the entire Dental team. If you are interested in opening your own practice/business, there are many courses. This aspect makes it a flexible career.
Cons:
1. High responsibility.
There are many procedures you must perform every day. These include removing decay (decay), administering local pain relief, and irreversibly preparing your teeth. Patients should not be given advice on how to maintain their oral hygiene. We hear of patients complaining years later that they lost some teeth and are now requesting reimbursement.
2. Challenging patients.
While it’s great to enjoy the challenge of managing a patient with complex medical issues, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by them. While you’ll need to adjust your approach for each patient, it is important that you realize that no one size fits all. You will learn the most from these patients, and you will become more organized in your approach.
3. Unpredictability.
It’s true that you desire variety. But can you manage it well? Sometimes, you just won’t realize it until you’re there. It is an important skill that you can quickly learn.
4. Stress.
It is inevitable. At the end of it all, you provide healthcare services to patients. Some patients will be happy regardless of what you do (but please take responsibility) while others will be unhappy, no matter how much you strive to offer the highest quality Dentistry. It is important to be able to accept criticism, but also to reflect upon yourself. Learning to filter out negative feedback will help you improve as a professional.
5. Physical risks (e.g. Needless injuries and back problems are possible
A major reason dentists are retiring early is because of musculoskeletal conditions. Think about a job where most of your time is spent sitting down and crouching in front of a patient. ).
It’s important that you establish good habits early and maintain the correct posture.
6. Litigation
The profession is facing a growing problem. You can easily search Google for numerous stories about Dentists being sued. It can be overwhelming and seem impossible to avoid, but students are continually reminded that NOTES can be your saving grace.
It is essential that you keep detailed, honest notes about all conversations you have with patients. In this way, you will be able to prove that you did everything by the book in case you are ever put in a difficult situation.
7. The media and those who hate.
Some people will hate your work, but not you. However, many people hate the dentist. This could be due to a fear of the drills in their teeth or for other reasons. Sorry to bring you bad news.
The media can often portray Dentists as bad people, albeit justified or not. It can be difficult to find news about “good” Dentists.
Even with all the pros and cons, Dentistry is a very fulfilling career where you use your skills to solve daily problems in an ever-changing environment.
It’s about people. Practice, patience, commitment and compassion are all important.
You make the final decision. Nobody else can do your practical exams or study for your patients.
