4 answers
Danell
Student
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
1
Question
Asked
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What are some jobs in the dental field that do not require an extreme amount of schooling?
I was looking into dental hygiene, but i’m afraid my parents are going to be disappointed because they want me to look for a job that earns more money. #dental-hygienist #dental #dentistry #dental-hygiene #dentist
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4 answers
Aransa Vazquez
Dentist
1
Answer
Metepec, State of Mexico, Mexico
Updated
Aransa’s Answer
Hi Danell
I am a Dentist from Mexico , and in my country there is also a technical career that Lasts about 2 years of studying. That career is as a dental laboratory technician , which is a member of the dental team who, upon prescription from a dental clinician, constructs custom-made restorative and dental appliances like crowns , Bridges, removable prosthesis , orthodontic appliances and mouthguards or Prosthesis over implants. I am sure there should be some schools at Canada where you can prepare to be a dental laboratory technician if you are looking for other options thah involve the dentistry World.
I am a Dentist from Mexico , and in my country there is also a technical career that Lasts about 2 years of studying. That career is as a dental laboratory technician , which is a member of the dental team who, upon prescription from a dental clinician, constructs custom-made restorative and dental appliances like crowns , Bridges, removable prosthesis , orthodontic appliances and mouthguards or Prosthesis over implants. I am sure there should be some schools at Canada where you can prepare to be a dental laboratory technician if you are looking for other options thah involve the dentistry World.
Wendy Sandoval
Aspiring Dentist
13
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Wendy’s Answer
Hello Danella,
Being a dental hygienist has potential of having high salaries, even though your salary will not be as high as a dentist there are other positive aspects and could be considered at the end having a "higher salary". Some aspect are school loans, dental schools are extremely expensive and when graduating dentist have about half a million in school loan which is a lot, on the other side dental hygiene school is shorter schooling and not as expensive. Also, in order for dentists to gain a high salary they are require to own their own practice and having their own practice leads to having more stress dealing with the business side of dentistry, while in dental hygiene you do not have to worry about owning your own practice and have a lower stress. Dental hygiene is a great career to look into and has great potential in providing a great income and the more experience you have in that career the higher the possibilities of getting a great income.
Also, keep in mind that your career choice should be something you see yourself enjoying and not about what other people what for you.
Being a dental hygienist has potential of having high salaries, even though your salary will not be as high as a dentist there are other positive aspects and could be considered at the end having a "higher salary". Some aspect are school loans, dental schools are extremely expensive and when graduating dentist have about half a million in school loan which is a lot, on the other side dental hygiene school is shorter schooling and not as expensive. Also, in order for dentists to gain a high salary they are require to own their own practice and having their own practice leads to having more stress dealing with the business side of dentistry, while in dental hygiene you do not have to worry about owning your own practice and have a lower stress. Dental hygiene is a great career to look into and has great potential in providing a great income and the more experience you have in that career the higher the possibilities of getting a great income.
Also, keep in mind that your career choice should be something you see yourself enjoying and not about what other people what for you.
That really motivated me to continue looking into the practice. I really appreciate it! Do you know what the difference in salary is between a dentist who has its own practice and one who does not ?
Danell
Shannon Kelley
various roles
49
Answers
Cranston, Rhode Island
Updated
Shannon’s Answer
you're very young. you don't have to make all of your career decisions now. you could go to DA or DH school, get a job for a couple years, and decide it's the right path for you. you're done with school, go live your life. OR maybe you hate it. so go to school for something else! a great way to finance this is to work at a college that has training for jobs you want to do, and jobs doing what you're trained to do. you can go to college there for free - but only because you work there. choose carefully! and consider that DA/DH's don't typically make a lot of money anywhere. do that job if it rocks your soul every day, but if not you can surely find a better job path. you could work your way up to dentist by working as a DA/DH faster than you could if you worked as a waitress or retail cashier. or maybe you just haven't found your thing yet. 18 is too young to make that kind of decision.
also consider the thousands of college grads sitting on wall st, bored, in debt up to their ears & unfulfilled out of their bloody spleens, not knowing how to escape. avoid that trap now by simply thinking about things you love to do. when you're brushing your teeth someday, your 'career thing' will pop out on a lightbulb over your head & you'll make your life out of it!
also consider the thousands of college grads sitting on wall st, bored, in debt up to their ears & unfulfilled out of their bloody spleens, not knowing how to escape. avoid that trap now by simply thinking about things you love to do. when you're brushing your teeth someday, your 'career thing' will pop out on a lightbulb over your head & you'll make your life out of it!
Claire Folkins
1
Answer
Updated
Claire’s Answer
Hi Danell,
Unfortunately in traditional fields like dentistry, higher salaried positions usually require more years of schooling or training. I would recommend spending time evaluating what you want most out of a career. Is a limited amount of time in school your priority? If so, I’d recommend researching dental assistant or dental hygienist training programs at a technical school. If making a lot of money is your priority, use that as motivation as you prepare for a longer educational journey.
In the end, you will be the one getting yourself to work every day, not your family, so it is important to prioritize your personal values when choosing a career path.
Unfortunately in traditional fields like dentistry, higher salaried positions usually require more years of schooling or training. I would recommend spending time evaluating what you want most out of a career. Is a limited amount of time in school your priority? If so, I’d recommend researching dental assistant or dental hygienist training programs at a technical school. If making a lot of money is your priority, use that as motivation as you prepare for a longer educational journey.
In the end, you will be the one getting yourself to work every day, not your family, so it is important to prioritize your personal values when choosing a career path.
I will definitely reflect on that. Thank you so much!
Danell