[cgraham15]

(Original post by anthonyfl)
That's wrong, dental and medical degrees are both of equal difficulty. Intact I here first and second year of both are very similar.

Although I agree it would be more interesting

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ah okay, its just sometimes entry requirments are less but yeah if you're smart enough to do either of them then its medicine you definately want to go for (unless you're set on dentistry, but if not and you can't pick just go for medicine!).

[Soft Cat]

(Original post by anthonyfl)
There's no need for that. I intended to imply that money does not bother me, as both dentists and doctors can and do lead very comfortable lifestyles. Never did I suggest I would plan on working for free!


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Just a bit of humour. Take a chill pill.

[Vian]

Certainly the first two years are almost exactly the same, hence equal difficulty in terms of workload. But in addition to theory dentists also have to develop their manual dexterity, so I'm inclined to believe that the first two years are slightly more difficult for dentistry.

For the next three years theory definitely becomes tougher for medics as they have a larger volume of information to go through, but dentists have to practice using all manner of sharp, twisty instruments to such a degree that they don't end up wounding their patient once they qualify. So I personally think, in terms of overall difficulty, the two courses are more or less equal.

However, that is merely my opinion. I'd love to ask a MaxFax surgeon what they think though!

EDIT:

(Original post by cgraham15)
ah okay, its just sometimes entry requirments are less

What? The entry requirements are pretty much exactly the same, except that for dentistry you also need manual dexterity along with all the other qualities needed to get into medicine.

[AkDo]

(Original post by anthonyfl)
Hi everyone

I have a genuine like for teeth and have wanted to become a dentist for a while. I would love to give people great smiles, I especially like the cosmetic aspect.

However, I also have a strong interest in medicine. I have watched junior doctors on the BBC and a documentary on the sick kids in Great Ormond Street Hospital and I'd love to work in an environment like that.

I don't fancy being stuck in the same room with someone all week though, I prefer the hospital working environment. Managing my own practice for dentistry also appeals to me though.

I'm going for 10 months work experience, four hours a week at a private cosmetic dentist and one week in a hospital. Hopefully this will help me decide as I feel the time has come where I need to Persue one of these careers with 100% enthusiasm.

I'm not in it for the money either!

If you're not in it for the money then medicine all the way. Actually I'm really damn biased but medicine is genuinely amazing. I'm not allowed to post links so I won't but read my blog if you see fit for why I love medicine. Seriously, it's amazing... you won't regret it if you have determination and passion. Medicine and Dentistry are incomparable both of them have their own merits.

[UR4]

I have friends who are both dentists and doctors and ironically both are envious of the other. I think ultimately you have to be honest with yourself as to where you see yourself in ten years after graduation. Both careers can give you equal level of satisfaction and financial security assume you choice which is best for yourself.

Today doing a medical or dental degree leads to much more avenues then just a hospital or general practice.

Medicine and dentistry are equal in academic requirements. Dental students peek much earlier and graduate as more independent and competent clinicians. Consider they have to manage their patient load, carry out techniques and learn medical knowledge.

Whilst medical students are given less control over patient care and clinical practice, but the volume of information and connection of all the theory is more extensive. Every speciality is so different and allows for the lifestyle you what longtime so if you want 9-5 u could choice a outpatient speciality like Dermatolgy, whilst more intense long hours u can do surgery etc.

In terms of workload dentistry is really an outpatient clinic service which is on par with such a service in an hospital. So a SpR Dermatologist (for example) will have the same level of workload and lifestyle as a GDP.