If you’re looking to get a career in the medical field with unique and lucrative work, you might be interested in the dentistry sector. Pursuing a career in dentistry is a fantastic option for many reasons. It pays well, you’re always on your feet, and there are many jobs to choose from. But just like every career, dentistry has its ups and downs. In this article, we’ll be covering what you need to know about becoming a dentist.
You’ll Need an Extensive Education
It should go without saying that in order to participate in the medical field, you need to have an extensive college education and dentistry is no exception. However, the average cost of a degree in dentistry can be a very expensive degree. On average, it can cost $150,000 in public school and up to $270,000 if you opt for private school. Either way, both are rather high in price, and you might not be able to afford it on your own. This is where Earnest student loans come in. Compared to a traditional loan, private student loans can be easier to work into a budget thanks to their lower interest rates. In fact, it’s ultimately the interest rates that causes student loans to be almost unmanageable at times.
The Work is Sometimes Unpredictable
Something we need to mention is that no job is perfect. Dentistry is a wonderful career to have, but it can also be one of the most challenging. This is for a variety of reasons. For one, the work itself can be unpredictable at times. From being randomly called in, to dealing with challenging patients, you might not know what to expect. That’s not to say it’s going to happen more than you think, but it’s something you need to come to terms with.
There Are Career Options
We mentioned before how you have a lot of options to choose from within the dental industry. There are multiple types of dentist practice and specialties. Here is a brief list of the jobs you can choose in the dental sector:
- Dental assistant
- Dental anesthesiologist
- Pediatric dentist
- Periodontist
- Dental hygienist
- Orthodontist
- Dental laboratory assistant
- Oral surgeon
- Maxillofacial surgeon
Keep in mind that some of these careers, like a dental anesthesiologist, will require additional studying. They’re difficult careers and are reserved only for people who are passionate about it. Don’t choose a career you find too difficult. Dental assistants and dental hygienists are two examples of some the easier careers you can get.
You Can Open Your Own Practice
One of the key trademarks of the dentistry career is your ability to branch off and start your practice. You basically get to be your own boss. However, finding small business success and starting your own dental practice is a process similar to opening any other business and you need to be emotionally prepared as well as physically and financially. You’ll need to choose a proper space, invest in the proper equipment and hire dental assistants. This is can be an expensive investment, so make sure you’re properly prepared for it.
