Factors to Consider Before Undertaking a Career in Dentistry

Dentist Blog

Many school leavers interested in the medical field are torn on what career choices to pursue due to the numerous disciplines available in the sector. Dentistry provides a fulfilling and highly rewarding choice for individuals who choose to pursue this path. However, before taking the plunge into dentistry one should consider the following vital factors:

Flexibility: Like any other medical profession, dentistry requires one to be very flexible when it comes to working hours due to the sensitive nature of the job. Potential candidates for dental school should critically evaluate themselves to ascertain if they fit the bill for being dentist concerning working hours. As such, one should be ready to work long or odd hour's dependent on duty. If an individual is comfortable with the unpredictable schedule, then they are on the right path when it comes to a career in dentistry.

Creativity and Passion: Unlike a majority of medical disciplines, dentistry requires considerable creativity since the medical professional deals with a critical feature concerning personal looks. Being creative is a big plus for any aspiring dentist due to the unique challenges that they might come across during their work. Ideally, the dentist should be able to envision the final product, which requires artistic intuition. If a potential dentistry candidate has the following quality, then he or she is right on track. Notably, this is not taught in dental school, but has more to do with personality than training. Additionally, one needs a lot of passion for continued commitment.

Satisfaction: Even though money is a major factor for most individuals, it should not be the primary driver for a career in dentistry. Fortunately, monetary incentives in the profession are more than rewarding due to the technical nature of the job. Personal satisfaction should be the force behind the desire to be a dentist since most dental practitioners derives their contentment when they put a smile on the face of a patient.

Strenuousness: Many people are oblivious of the fact that dentistry is very demanding physically. Notably, dentists work on a small area for a long time coupled with an intense focus to avoid mistakes is bound to take a toll on the physical well being of a practitioner. Individuals interested in this particular field should be ready to endure physical stress in the course of their work. However, if one does not mind the exertions, then a career in dentistry will suit their profiles.

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19 August 2016

Dental Health: Not To Be Taken For Granted

As a retired dentist, I work with charities which visit developing countries and educate children about dental care. It gives me great satisfaction to revisit these communities and see how proud the children are of their efforts. I am acutely aware that good dental hygiene can help prevent a range of serious conditions when these children become older. I started this blog because it greatly distresses me that many people in Australia do not seem to care for their teeth as much as children in these poor communities. This is happening despite ready access to items like toothbrushes and toothpaste which are luxuries in the places I visit. It is my hope that this blog encourages you not to take dental health for granted. My greatest wish is that you can be as inspired as the children I see in my charity work. Please read on and enjoy.