Im an associate dentist who works for an NHS and Private practice and I just wanted to talk about dentistry. (using facts) I also wanted to talk about some of the things others have talked about on this website
I work 9-5 5 days a week and graduated 4 years ago.
- The course. Its incredibly difficult. Its pretty much like a full time job for 5 years and remember EVERYBODY on your course was a high achiever at school and most people find it difficult. Two of my friends would cry together the night before exams. When you start seeing patients the stress starts - you are handling people's lives.
However, as a dental student you get one of the best societies and there is no feeling like when your exams are over and you graduate
Cons
- The current NHS system is annoying to say the least and I agree with other posters on this topic. (Im of course talking about the UDA system which I am hoping I do not have to explain...) - fortunately the government are piloting new contracts which are more patient focussed and less about doing as much as you can in as little time as you can
- It is VERY stressful: Difficult patients, nurses and keeping track of appointment times are just a few of the difficulties you face(I could go into details). Not to mention constant threat of litigation
- Getting a full time job in a nice part of london is very difficult. There are often quite a number of practices in a small radius
- It is VERY physically demanding - the posture that you are in all day is a difficult one and it is common to have neck and lower back pains - it makes practising difficult and may hinder your work(it is why many retire early)
Im sure there are other cons that I cant think of right now as I am writing this post. - I will edit when I remember a few of the others (as I am sure there are)
Pros
- The government and the GDC actually care about you students and what happens to you when you leave university.
Recently a number of UK grads were not able to secure VT places. However now they have removed this problem by
1. Cutting the number of UK dental students by 10%
2. Giving UK grads priority over EU grads (the main issue)
http://teethgeek.com/dental-foundation-training-df1-for-all-uk-grads/You will never find this type of thing happening in other professions, only medicine maybe. Just look at pharmacy for example...
- The Job can be EXTREMELY rewarding. Ive done/seen some cosmetic work for patients and they have cried when they saw themselves after the procedures - there is no feeling like it in the world
When people who have dental phobia come in and trust you and feel comfortable with you it gives you a 'fuzzy' feeling. Im sorry - I cant describe it haha
- You are self employed and your hours are flexible. This means you do not get treated like a slave and you are your own boss (of course this has its downfalls to). Also there are a number of corporate dental chains at the moment to be wary of. (IDH)
- In terms of pay - I believe it is very good. Your average associate doing NHS and Private work earns 60-70k taxable income(so after expenses etc.) I personally earn closer to 70k. Most of my friends are between 60-70k also. You have to work hard for this though - its not 'easy' money as some seem to think.
Bear in mind im in my mid to late 20s and Im working 9-5, Im very grateful for my position.
- Dentists are highly respect professionals who have a high status. Although a lot of people think we are greedy and sadists - We are very respected in society(so ive found) it is a 'prestigious' career(as so many of you care) - It means nothing in the real world, however.
Again there may be some pros that I have missed out that I will post later If i remember.
Bearing in mind, I wanted to be a dentist since I was 5. Nobody in my family is a dentist or a doctor - It is and was a passion. I love my career.
I will stress, if you do not like practicing dentistry - the money/status will not be enough(im talking to you fellow asians
), you will be demotivated and you will wish you did something else - you will be doing this for the next 20/30 years.
If you are solely in it for the money - take your AAA and do another degree. Medicine and Dentistry is NOT going to get you rich.
TLDR; I love my job!