If you are considering a career in dentistry, learning more about dentistry can be a significant first step. 

The good news is that dentists have many professional and educational options, making dentistry a great profession.

One of the easiest methods to find out more about a dentist's daily work is to ask them. To see what a dentist does all day, you could spend a day in their position. When you next see the dentist, do not hesitate to ask any questions you may have. They will openly address your worries, and they will be able to calm your mind.

To help you in your investigation into the field of dentistry, we have put together this guide on the benefits and drawbacks of being a dentist. 

Let's get started . . . 

PROS of Being a Dentist 

The following is a list of pros when considering a career in dentistry: 

1. Sociable

Everyone eventually requires a dentist or dental professional to treat a dental issue. A dentist is someone who provides patients with the dental care they need. They will have clients who see them frequently and ask for assistance in getting rid of their severe pain. Because they know they are in good hands, patients often appreciate what dentists have done for them and regularly return. Patients will be from all walks of life, and dentists will have fascinating conversations over their careers. The best part has the opportunity to build very strong relationships with their patients over time.

2. Great Pay

One of the clearest pros to pursuing a dentistry career is that most dentists earn high salaries. Dentists currently earn an average yearly compensation of $236,787 in the United States, a highly competitive wage. In addition to their wages, dentists usually receive extra benefits, including health insurance, 401(k), and health insurance.

3. Job Stability

As there is often a significant demand for positions in the dental industry, career stability is another benefit of being a dentist. This is because having a dentist can benefit practically any community because anyone can face medical concerns concerning their oral health. Since dentists are always needed, aspiring dentists may obtain employment immediately after finishing their education and training and keep their jobs for long periods.

4. Dentists Can Run Their Practice

Many dentists can open their practices. This may be especially appealing if you want to be your boss at work because having your practice gives you the freedom to remain in charge. Being a dental office owner can also provide you the opportunity to set your hours, select employees you prefer engaging with, and develop and enforce policies that you strongly believe in.

5. A Healthy Work-life Balance

Dentists can choose how much time they want to spend working and with their families if they own a dental practice. They are adaptable in terms of working hours. They can also take vacation days or work during the holidays.

6. Dentists Improve the Quality of Life of Many People

As a dentist, you can relieve people from pain and improve the quality of life of your patients in general. People sometimes experience aesthetic problems with their teeth. By addressing these problems, people will look better. As a result, those individuals will also have more significant opportunities in different facets of life, and you often leave your dental office with the sense of having helped others.

7. You Get to Be Creative in Your Daily Work

People may need to understand that being a dentist requires excellent creativity. It is very pragmatic and scientific on some levels, but the actual work is similar to carving or sculpting. It is an art form. You will also have numerous opportunities to apply your creativity to problem-solving. It is gratifying to provide people with beautiful and functional smiles. Dentists have an arsenal of techniques to restore their patients' smiles, ranging from simple teeth whitening to dental implants and other tooth replacement options.

CONS of Being a Dentist 

The following is a list of cons when considering a career in dentistry: 

  1. Costly Education

Another element of pursuing a dentistry career that can be a con is the cost of attending dental school. Most dental school programs charge high tuition because they require highly specialized education and training. This could lead to dentistry school graduates starting their professions with a significant debt they would need to repay over time.

2. Stress

Great stress also goes hand in hand with high responsibility. Not only is someone's health in your hands, but this is a customer service industry. You have to keep the customer happy. If you do the right thing, this will generally work itself out, but sometimes some customers can never be pleased no matter what you do. There is pressure to produce your finest work in a short amount of time, serve the client, and run your business.

3. Difficult Patients

Many people, particularly children, are apprehensive about visiting the dentist. Dentists sometimes have to deal with uncooperative patients who need constant reassurance during dental procedures. During these often difficult times, they must remain calm and professional.

4. Dental Coverage

Even though dentistry is not the same as medicine, it is still. Even though dentistry is not the same as medicine, it remains a driving force in practice. Insurance coverage is often insufficient, which frustrates both dentists and patients. Dentists, at times, may need to follow up with patients about paying for procedures. Patients may find t hard to keep up with their oral health when insurance does not cover recommended treatments. 

5. Physical Demand

Working as a dentist requires continuously performing manual tasks that can be very precise and sometimes repetitive, which can result in feelings of strain in the wrists, hands, neck, and shoulders. Additionally, dentists typically stand for the most workday, which might wear them out. Take regular breaks and spend some of your leisure time stretching to lessen the impacts of physical demand in your dentistry career. 


Chris Lewandowski

Published November 02, 2022

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