Decide If Dental School Is Right for You
So you are considering entering the ranks of dentistry. Inflicting pain and poking people with needles? Really? Actually dentistry can be quite a fun and rewarding profession. You work with your hands, build a rapport with your patients, and see tangible results of your work. However there are some things to consider before taking the plunge into dental school. Here are some steps to figure out if dentistry will be right for you.
Instructions
1. Shadow a dentist. Actually shadow many dentists. Each person in different, and will run their practices differently. Ask them question about dentistry and how it fits in with their lives.
2. Take science classes in college. The first 2 years of dental school are mostly hard science classes like pathology, physiology, and anatomy. If you can handle science classes in undergrad you will have a more successful time in dental school. If you hate your science classes, you will definitely hate dental school years 1 and 2.
3. Think about why you want to be a dentist. Is it for the money? Although the stability and nice lifestyle draws many to consider dentistry, if that is your only reason for doing it, you will be miserable. Dentists will see many patients a day, it can be hard on your body, and you will need to deal with grumpy people.
4. Review your finances. Applying to dental school is expensive. Dental school itself is expensive. Especially if you go to a private school. Their tuition is 35-50k, and that's not considering living expenses or licensing exams. How will you pay for school, if you don't have savings or family help? Are you ok with a mountain of student loans and the sacrifice that comes with it? Again if you are doing dentistry for the money, there are other fields you can make money easier than becoming a dentist.
5. Think about where you would like to be in 10 years. Dental school is 4 years. Where would you like to be in your personal life? If you have a family, are they willing to make the sacrifices for your dental education? It is doable to have a life outside of school. But your loved ones will need to know what the process entails.
6. Make your decision. After you have thought about the professional, educational, personal, and financial angles of going to dental school, know you have a pretty good idea of what you are getting into.
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