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Medicine Vs. Dentistry

I'm currently studying my A levels in year 12 (Biology, chemistry, physics & history) at my high school and I am driven to go into medicine however I really don't know whether medicine or dentistry is better suited to me. Obviously it's a personal opinion and choice over what I'd find more rewarding and interesting however with the latest news coverage of junior doctors' pay cuts and extended hours slightly puts me off.
Was just wanting some general opinions, perhaps experienced opinions as to help me form a choice..
Thank you!

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What grades did you get in GCSE?
Reply 2
Dentistry all the way! (I'm biased though)
Original post by Kirsty_crawford
I'm currently studying my A levels in year 12 (Biology, chemistry, physics & history) at my high school and I am driven to go into medicine however I really don't know whether medicine or dentistry is better suited to me. Obviously it's a personal opinion and choice over what I'd find more rewarding and interesting however with the latest news coverage of junior doctors' pay cuts and extended hours slightly puts me off.
Was just wanting some general opinions, perhaps experienced opinions as to help me form a choice..
Thank you!


If your put off about hours and pay of medicine, definitely go for dentistry. You will live the high-life, get your title as a "Doctor" and work the hours you want. Don't do medicine for the money - you will get paid peanuts, be under appreciated and work stressful and long working hours. You will soon grow to hate it and want out, which is no good.

People do medicine because they have a passion for working with and around other people, and thrive off improving their patients' quality of life.

You sound like you need to have a good think about what you want from your working life, and do a bit more work experience to get a real idea of what you are passionate about.

PS What were your GCSEs?
Original post by Funky_Giraffe
If your put off about hours and pay of medicine, definitely go for dentistry. You will live the high-life, get your title as a "Doctor" and work the hours you want. Don't do medicine for the money - you will get paid peanuts, be under appreciated and work stressful and long working hours. You will soon grow to hate it and want out, which is no good.

People do medicine because they have a passion for working with and around other people, and thrive off improving their patients' quality of life.

You sound like you need to have a good think about what you want from your working life, and do a bit more work experience to get a real idea of what you are passionate about.

PS What were your GCSEs?


Thank you for your reply!

I think may have worded my question in a way in which didn't convey how much I desire to help and care for those in need. Vulnerability of patients and the intensity of the care they require highly motivates me to want to go into medicine. Medicine is my leading option as I have always wanted to provide that vital sort of care, in an environment of which holds a very high demand of doctors. I currently work in a hospice part time voluntarily just to experience some of the ins and outs of patient-carer interactions.
I have done a week's placement in a dentist of which I enjoyed as I was able to make great connections with the dentists and patients themselves, however I didn't feel particularly rewarded after each day as I wasn't exposed to that vital and intense care of which many doctors are exposed to in hospitals.
I am yet to do a placement in a hospital however I have organised it for the summer (end of June, after exams) of which I will be shadowing doctors (family friends) on various wards from surgery to obstetrics ad gynaecology.
Hopefully that will give me a real insight into which I felt more inspired and rewarded by.
I understand your point about money not being a driving force for junior doctors as they are treated poorly in comparison to the consultants (my sister is a junior doctor), I was just hoping for opinions and I'm very thankful for yours!

I received 2A*s and 9As at GCSE
Original post by adesola15
What grades did you get in GCSE?


2A*s and 9As
Original post by Manexopi
Dentistry all the way! (I'm biased though)


Thank you for your reply!

Could you possibly go into some detail as to why you'd chose dentistry so obviously?

I'm guessing you have a career/background in dentistry
Dentistry!!
Original post by fibartlett
Dentistry!!


Thank you for your reply,

What's your reasoning behind that choice?
Original post by Kirsty_crawford
Thank you for your reply,

What's your reasoning behind that choice?


Its the perfect blend of healthcare, diagnosis & treatment with good pay and flexible hours. Also have to opportunity to work both NHS and private easily. Comes down to personal choice though as both are super competitive so either way you go it won't be easy.
I'd say make sure you do work experiences in a couple of dental practices (private & NHS) as well as hospital experience to see which one you prefer and can see yourself in the most!
Original post by fibartlett
Its the perfect blend of healthcare, diagnosis & treatment with good pay and flexible hours. Also have to opportunity to work both NHS and private easily. Comes down to personal choice though as both are super competitive so either way you go it won't be easy.
I'd say make sure you do work experiences in a couple of dental practices (private & NHS) as well as hospital experience to see which one you prefer and can see yourself in the most!


Thank you, yes I've done a week in an NHS dental practise which also offers private care so I saw a bit of both being performed however I am searching to do more as I feel unsatisfied with only 1 week aha! I have 1 or 2 weeks of hospital placements organised too!
Yes I totally agree, thank you for all your points.
Are you wanting to go into dentistry or are you currently practising?
Reply 12
Original post by Kirsty_crawford
Thank you for your reply!

Could you possibly go into some detail as to why you'd chose dentistry so obviously?

I'm guessing you have a career/background in dentistry


I wouldn't say obviously, I had my fair share of indecisiveness but I always found myself coming back to the idea of dentistry.
I found work experience to be the most helpful. Whilst there are differences between dentistry and medicine, they are still very similar and so exposure to the different professions and keeping a work experience diary really helps. Honestly, I'm one of those weirdos that actually finds the mouth/teeth genuinely interesting and I like how hands on dentistry is from the start. You also get the benefit of treating patients. (and yes you can save lives and improve people's mental wellbeing as well) Some people argue that in dentistry you get to know patient's better which is true to an extent as you don't only see people when they're ill but GPs can also get to know their patients aswell. I also feel like people's attitudes towards their oral health isn't quite as good as it could be and as a dentist you can help educate and advise people on how to improve their oral health. Also, there's quite a few things you can do with a dental degree so you're not completely restricted and that sealed the deal for me (:

I'm a dental applicant haha.
(edited 8 years ago)
Original post by Kirsty_crawford
Thank you, yes I've done a week in an NHS dental practise which also offers private care so I saw a bit of both being performed however I am searching to do more as I feel unsatisfied with only 1 week aha! I have 1 or 2 weeks of hospital placements organised too!
Yes I totally agree, thank you for all your points.
Are you wanting to go into dentistry or are you currently practising?


I'm doing A2's atm, I had your exact dilemma a little earlier than this time last year, now I've just finished my last few interviews for dental school :smile:
Original post by Kirsty_crawford
Thank you for your reply!

I think may have worded my question in a way in which didn't convey how much I desire to help and care for those in need. Vulnerability of patients and the intensity of the care they require highly motivates me to want to go into medicine. Medicine is my leading option as I have always wanted to provide that vital sort of care, in an environment of which holds a very high demand of doctors. I currently work in a hospice part time voluntarily just to experience some of the ins and outs of patient-carer interactions.
I have done a week's placement in a dentist of which I enjoyed as I was able to make great connections with the dentists and patients themselves, however I didn't feel particularly rewarded after each day as I wasn't exposed to that vital and intense care of which many doctors are exposed to in hospitals.
I am yet to do a placement in a hospital however I have organised it for the summer (end of June, after exams) of which I will be shadowing doctors (family friends) on various wards from surgery to obstetrics ad gynaecology.
Hopefully that will give me a real insight into which I felt more inspired and rewarded by.
I understand your point about money not being a driving force for junior doctors as they are treated poorly in comparison to the consultants (my sister is a junior doctor), I was just hoping for opinions and I'm very thankful for yours!

I received 2A*s and 9As at GCSE


Ah ok. From what you've added above, I would definitely suggest medicine for you. I don't feel that dentistry would satisfy your motivation to be of active involvement in a person's life health. Dentistry after all is a focus on one particular speciality of medicine, and in that sense it is much more limited than the numerous possibilities you get from medicine. It sounds like from the work experience you have done that you have found this to be the case. Yes, both have their pros and cons. You will tend to find that the pros for dentistry tend to be more lifestyle related - better working hours, pay. For medicine they tend to be intrinsically fulfilling things - building and unique trustworthy relationships with your patients. Don't forget though that over 50% of medics become GPs - the lifestyle and pay (to a certain extent) is similar, although granted it may not be the most fulfilling, there is a reason why so many graduates end up looking towards general practice.

The only stumbling point would be that for both are extremely competitive and grades, whilst not standing for everything, mean a lot. You will need to achieve top AS grades (ideally at least AAAb) to stand a good chance against a lot of other outstanding applicants on paper.

Forgive me for being harsh but many medical schools look favourably upon stronger GCSEs (7+ A*s) so you may already feel up against it. However, if you apply strategically for either course I'm sure you will do well.

Hope this helps :smile:

PS Medical applicant here with connections to dentistry.
(edited 8 years ago)
Also, @Kirsty_crawford - make the most of your Junior Doc sister! She knows better than anyone what it's like working in the current NHS and she can help you with your concerns about the formalities as a junior doctor.
Original post by Funky_Giraffe
Ah ok. From what you've added above, I would definitely suggest medicine for you. I don't feel that dentistry would satisfy your motivation to be of active involvement in a person's life health. Dentistry after all is a focus on one particular speciality of medicine, and in that sense it is much more limited than the numerous possibilities you get from medicine. It sounds like from the work experience you have done that you have found this to be the case. Yes, both have their pros and cons. You will tend to find that the pros for dentistry tend to be more lifestyle related - better working hours, pay. For medicine they tend to be intrinsically fulfilling things - building and unique trustworthy relationships with your patients. Don't forget though that over 50% of medics become GPs - the lifestyle and pay (to a certain extent) is similar, although granted it may not be the most fulfilling, there is a reason why so many graduates end up looking towards general practice.

The only stumbling point would be that for both are extremely competitive and grades, whilst not standing for everything, mean a lot. You will need to achieve top AS grades (ideally at least AAAb) to stand a good chance against a lot of other outstanding applicants on paper.

Forgive me for being harsh but many medical schools look favourably upon stronger GCSEs (7+ A*s) so you may already feel up against it. However, if you apply strategically for either course I'm sure you will do well.

Hope this helps :smile:

PS Medical applicant here with connections to dentistry.


good advice! I feel dentistry got a bit slammed on the speciality thing tho seeing as in medicine lots of people move onto a speciality anyway and in dentistry there's also opportunity to further specialise!

What grades did you get if you don't mind me asking?x
Original post by fibartlett
good advice! I feel dentistry got a bit slammed on the speciality thing tho seeing as in medicine lots of people move onto a speciality anyway and in dentistry there's also opportunity to further specialise!

What grades did you get if you don't mind me asking?x


I totally agree with you. What I was trying to say was that dentistry itself is already a speciality so anything you decide to go into within dentistry (e.g. orthodontics) immediately becomes a sub-speciality whereas in medicine you are a bit freer with regards to specialising because the stuff you learn is general medicine & surgery.

GCSEs 10A*s
AS: AAAA
Predicted: A*A*A*
(edited 8 years ago)
Original post by Funky_Giraffe
I totally agree with you. What I was trying to say was that dentistry itself is already a speciality so anything you decide to go into within dentistry (e.g. orthodontics) immediately becomes a sub-speciality whereas in medicine you are a bit freer with regards to specialising because it's the stuff you learn to start of with is generalised.

GCSEs 10A*s
AS: AAAA
Predicted: A*A*A*


true true! I was *this* close to applying for medicine instead, I just know that deep down (/ not so deep) I'm a really impatient person so I thought with dentistry I could progress and actually do **** quicker hahaha oops

woii nice grades fam
I have 8A*'s 3A's GCSE&iGCSE
AAAA at AS
Predicted A*A*A

have you got any offers yet? :smile:
Original post by fibartlett
true true! I was *this* close to applying for medicine instead, I just know that deep down (/ not so deep) I'm a really impatient person so I thought with dentistry I could progress and actually do **** quicker hahaha oops

woii nice grades fam
I have 8A*'s 3A's GCSE&iGCSE
AAAA at AS
Predicted A*A*A

have you got any offers yet? :smile:


My brother does dentistry so I know all about how he went about deciding - he sounds like a similar person to what you describe lol!! But good for you - and dentistry is a fantastic degree.

Thanks! Although A-Levels are tough, no? We've got our work cut out to achieve all of these A*s we've been predicted.... :redface:

I've so far got offers from Birmingham and Cardiff. Waiting on the other 2 poat-interview although UCL although they told me I should here sometime this week so excited/nervous for that :s! UCL would be a fab uni to go to :biggrin:!!

And you?