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How do you know if dentistry is for you? How can you get ready for this path as a rising senior in high school?

What are the pros and cons of dentistry( Like in education and day to day life)?

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Akeira’s Answer

Figuring out if dentistry is the right career for you means thinking about your interests and skills and taking steps to get ready, especially as you enter your senior year of high school. It's important to be good with your hands and really want to help people because dentistry requires precision and working closely with patients. To get some experience, try shadowing local dentists and volunteering at dental clinics or community health events. Joining science or pre-health clubs at school can also be helpful. Finally, talk to professionals in the field to get their insights and use online resources like the American Dental Association (ADA) website to learn more about dental careers and educational paths. By following these steps, you can better decide if dentistry is right for you and prepare for a successful future. Good luck!
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Michael’s Answer

Agree with Steven, dental specialties are available following dental school. However all dentists, whether they practice a specialty with non-clinical duties, must first pass the licensing examinations for a dental license including National Dental Boards Part 1 and 2, and in some states an extra year in a General Practice Residency or Advanced Education in General Dentistry is required. You will be required to have a dental license to engage in Dental Public Health (a recognized specialty) or in academics (at least one state license). As an attorney, if you wish to retain credibility, you should count on licensing as a dentist and maintaining dental licensure. The road is long, and as with medical school (allopathic or osteopathic) and dental school, the road is expensive. But remember there are multiple scholarships available from the Armed Forces, Public Health Service and many others. So don't let the expense hold you back. I now have two sons in the profession that are carrying debt but are doing well.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for taking the time to write this! Aarushi
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RACHEL’s Answer

I see that you are from Oregon. I found these links to volunteer sites where you may be able to be a general volunteer for their events. In California, I volunteer for an organization where I provide nursing services to a pop-up free dental & vision clinic that serves underserved/unhoused persons. During my time there I interact with the dentists, dental hygienists, and dental students getting their perspective on what they like about dentistry. This may be an avenue for you to learn more and to get mandatory/elective volunteer hours for high school credit.

https://www.oregondental.org/member-center/volunteer

https://www.bing.com/ck/a?!&&p=8a7f07be119a2715JmltdHM9MTcyMDEzNzYwMCZpZ3VpZD0xNDU3MTE2My1iMGU3LTYxZmUtMDM1Yi0wMjBmYjRlNzZmNzcmaW5zaWQ9NTI0NQ&ptn=3&ver=2&hsh=3&fclid=14571163-b0e7-61fe-035b-020fb4e76f77&psq=dental+volunteer+opportunities+in+oregon+state&u=a1aHR0cHM6Ly9hZGNmLm5ldC9jbGluaWMtc2NoZWR1bGUv&ntb=1

Good luck and keep smiling!!!
Thank you comment icon Thank you so much for the advice. Aarushi
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Steven’s Answer

Rachel's answer is a good one. In fact, the best way to know if dentistry is a good fit is to spend time around a dentist--maybe your own dentist. Some may be willing to have you shadow them in their office. It would also be good to find a job as a dental assistant for a while, which will give you an idea not only what clinical dentistry is like, but also the nuts and bolts of running a dental office, which is a small business.
Remember though that clinical dentistry is the most common career path (and with all the dental specialties) it is not the only one. Some dentists will spend their career in academia, some in public health. I even know of one orthodontist who went to law school and became a malpractice attorney specializing in dental cases.
So dentistry as a career is far more open than most people know. No one would expect you to know if you want to specialize beforehand--you will have time and opportunity to make that decision later, once you're in dental school.
It is a pretty long, arduous and expensive path for many (especially those who want to go into private practice). But if it engages your interest (and there are many things in dentistry that can be interesting) it can be a very rewarding career.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! This was helpful! Aarushi
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Dr’s Answer

Absolutely! I'm convinced that the most effective strategy is to first offer your services voluntarily, and then evaluate if it aligns well with your abilities. Dentistry, after all, is a beautiful blend of knowledge, technical prowess, healing abilities, and excellent communication skills!
Thank you comment icon Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action! Aarushi
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Noah’s Answer

I would say the best way to know if dentistry is for you, is to immerse yourself in the profession in various ways. Such ways could include shadowing your dentist or other dentists in your area to really grasp what being a dentist is all about. As far as preparing as a rising senior, if your school has a pre-health club or dentistry club definitely join. I also saw a response about developing hand skills like playing an instrument/ knitting/or tying fishing knots. I think that would be a good starting point!
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