The Student Room Group

Dentistry or medicine?

I've just started my A Levels, and I have the opportunity to apply to either a scheme which helps me get into medicine or one that helps me get into dentistry - but i have no idea what to pick.

My dad would love me to be a medic, and at heart - so would i, but i feel as if the course is too long and that i will be too focused in my studies my whole life will pass me by. I've heard from some medicine students that after the 5 years, you get paid to train for another 2 (altogether 7 years) - and then you need to specialise in something - which will take another x amount of years. I find it will be VERY rewarding and all my work will pay off and that ive actually made it, but im scared its too long and stressful. - basically i have bad doubts that are pulling me away from wanting to be a medic.
Dentistry is something I'm considering and willing to take on as i wont be studying most of my life, and its a 5 year course. I already have a sibling studying this subject, but i feel as if i should be doing something different that shows my full potential. (My mum is saying for me to do dentistry so i dont know what to do now) But being given a choice to pick a scheme, i have to choose ONE - and i really dont know which.
At GCSE I got 6 A*s and 6As - (2 of which have gone in for a remark)

Any advice will help me so much.
Thank you :smile:
(edited 9 years ago)
If your brother were to own a BMW, it wouldn't mean you couldn't own one. Talk to some doctors and dentists and get their viewpoints on it. Also talk to people that did dentistry and dropped and the same for medicine. You ultimately should do what interests you. There's still no harm in getting work experience done in either field too and then deciding a couple of months later what you want to do.
Original post by as421
I've just started my A Levels, and I have the opportunity to apply to either a scheme which helps me get into medicine or one that helps me get into dentistry - but i have no idea what to pick.

My dad would love me to be a medic, and at heart - so would i, but i feel as if the course is too long and that i will be too focused in my studies my whole life will pass me by. I've heard from some medicine students that after the 5 years, you get paid to train for another 2 (altogether 7 years) - and then you need to specialise in something - which will take another x amount of years. I find it will be VERY rewarding and all my work will pay off and that ive actually made it, but im scared its too long and stressful. - basically i have bad doubts that are pulling me away from wanting to be a medic.
Dentistry is something I'm considering and willing to take on as i wont be studying most of my life, and its a 5 year course. I already have a sibling studying this subject, but i feel as if i should be doing something different that shows my full potential. (My mum is saying for me to do dentistry so i dont know what to do now) But being given a choice to pick a scheme, i have to choose ONE - and i really dont know which.
At GCSE I got 6 A*s and 6As - (2 of which have gone in for a remark)

Any advice will help me so much.
Thank you :smile:


There's your answer
Original post by as421
I've just started my A Levels, and I have the opportunity to apply to either a scheme which helps me get into medicine or one that helps me get into dentistry - but i have no idea what to pick.

My dad would love me to be a medic, and at heart - so would i, but i feel as if the course is too long and that i will be too focused in my studies my whole life will pass me by. I've heard from some medicine students that after the 5 years, you get paid to train for another 2 (altogether 7 years) - and then you need to specialise in something - which will take another x amount of years. I find it will be VERY rewarding and all my work will pay off and that ive actually made it, but im scared its too long and stressful. - basically i have bad doubts that are pulling me away from wanting to be a medic.
Dentistry is something I'm considering and willing to take on as i wont be studying most of my life, and its a 5 year course. I already have a sibling studying this subject, but i feel as if i should be doing something different that shows my full potential. (My mum is saying for me to do dentistry so i dont know what to do now) But being given a choice to pick a scheme, i have to choose ONE - and i really dont know which.
At GCSE I got 6 A*s and 6As - (2 of which have gone in for a remark)

Any advice will help me so much.
Thank you :smile:


Medical school 5 years. F1 and F2 years (Training but well paid) then career begins. All careers require development and training. In no job do you go to UNI, get a degree, start work and learn nothing else. If you want to be a doctor go for it. Can I suggest you properly research both careers through the professional bodies web sites and careers advisors. Don't just chat to students and your mates. Once you know what's involved decide. Please don't take careers advice from your parents!

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