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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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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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Ernesto’s Answer

How do you know if dentistry is for you?
When I was little I grew up around medicine, my dad and sister and physicians, and 1 uncle and 3 cousin are dentist.

I knew I wanted to be in medicine, but also hands-on. That is why dentistry was right for me. Is the perfect combination of both world.

How can you get ready for this path as a rising senior in high school?

Volunteering, and taking science AP classes, will help you in your college journey. You need to be focused and keep your goal in front of you. You can shadow dentist in their offices and see how is the field. Once graduated you can become dental assistant very quickly and get lot of experince in the field, even while you do your bachelor. That will help you with recomendation letters and shadowing hours, that some dental school love to ask about it.

What are the pros and cons of dentistry
Pro:
- A very rewarding career, helping the community
- Well-remunerated career, with plenty of job opportunities.
- You can be your boss, you can open your practice and give jobs to others in your office.
- If you like technology, Dentistry is very technological. Changing almost monthly.

Cons:
- It is a long career, it can take up to 8 years. Bachelor (4) + Dental School (4). If you do specialties it ranges between an extra 2 to 5 years.
- It is an expensive career in the US. But don't think about that, you will make enough to pay the loans, so don't let that worry you.
- If you are not focused, if can get a little frustrating while applying to dental school or specialties, that is how the field is. Just don't give up and keep pushing and you will always get your goal.

Ernesto recommends the following next steps:

Volunteer as much as you can in High School, shadow dentist in their offices
While doing the bachelor, think of the positibilty of getting a dental assistant license to get experience in the field
Make sure your grades in bachelor are pretty good, and pick sciences related majors.
Research dental school (They are all not the same) see which one is more alliged with your end goal.
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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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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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