The Student Room Group

My view on being a dentist

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:wink:

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:tongue:), 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!

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Reply 1
Original post by andbegin
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:wink:

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:tongue:), 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!


Good to hear as a prospective dental student. Do you know anyone who regrets doing dentistry? Or anybody who wishes they did medicine instead?
Reply 2
Original post by teen1234
Good to hear as a prospective dental student. Do you know anyone who regrets doing dentistry? Or anybody who wishes they did medicine instead?


Good luck!
And yes, there are people who regret doing dentistry although none of them wish they did medicine instead - the reasons they do not like dentistry are interchangeable with medicine.
Although, a lot of my medic friends wish they studied dentistry. Common themes being - long hours, tedious paper work, treated awfully by doctors and nurses(bullying is actually a BIG problem), lack of pay. I would say most of them are people who went into medicine for the wrong reasons, however.
Reply 3
Original post by andbegin
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:wink:

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:tongue:), 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!


Thanks for a great insight of how it is to be a dentist
however, if i may ask,
how can one have a passion to become a dentist?
i cant imagine you dreaming
' i want to fix peoples teeth for the rest of my life'
Reply 4
Original post by Famokhan
Thanks for a great insight of how it is to be a dentist
however, if i may ask,
how can one have a passion to become a dentist?
i cant imagine you dreaming
' i want to fix peoples teeth for the rest of my life'


What do you think about proctologists? lol
I dont think many dentists have a passion about teeth specifically however they love the surgical practical aspect of dentistry, the cosmetic and artistic side of dentistry (E.g. a set of veneers can make one person look awful and another incredible) The ability to be self employed, a primary care figure who very rarely has to refer their patients to a sepcialist. A challenging problem solving career that requires strong academic ability.
As well as this it is financially secure and you have a very high status in society.
Good post. What is your knowledge/experience of the hospital side of dentistry? I'm not sure if working in a practice with a very small number of people is really for me
Reply 6
Original post by bertstare
Good post. What is your knowledge/experience of the hospital side of dentistry? I'm not sure if working in a practice with a very small number of people is really for me


There is a documentary starting on monday at 9pm on ITV called the dentists based in a dental hospital which would be perfect for you to watch.
Its very similar to working like a doctor. A lot of the patients are referred to the hospital and there are a lot of consultants, your hours can be similar to doctors and you can be on call too.
When you do your VT year you can do a second VT year which is in a hospital and then you can go into specialist training or go into a GDP.
OMFS is incredible and you'll see a fair amount of that in a hospital.
All dentists are in it for the money and everyone knows it, I wouldn't say they were too highly respected


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Reply 8
Original post by studos
unfortunately for you, I am a medical student, which proves I am far more able than becoming a dentist who is a failed doctor :wink:


You do realise I can see your past posts? You're not a medical student, you're a complete and utter lemon.
Any real medical student knows that nobody studying dentistry wanted to study medicine. The entry requirements are the same.
Reply 9
Original post by SerLorasTyrell
All dentists are in it for the money and everyone knows it, I wouldn't say they were too highly respected


Posted from TSR Mobile


If dentists only wanted money why would they not go into finance? Most of them have the academics to get in and the courses are shorter.
They're highly respected careers in the same way a barrister, bankers etc are but maybe not in the same way firefighters, nurses are.
Reply 10
Original post by andbegin
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:wink:

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:tongue:), 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!

So, I think this a very good balanced post. It must be great to get through such an academically demanding course which is clearly just as tough as medicine to get in to and I do think dentists command a fair degree of respect. One thing I would point out is that most every well paid (graduate) job has some intense stresses to deal with. There are few easy ways to earn a good living. Its not just health care which is demanding - try IT, manufacturing, engineering.. So great if you enjoy it. I would say that the claustrophobic and routine nature of dentistry, despite the prestige, would not work for me.
Reply 11
Original post by SerLorasTyrell
Because not everyone who studies finance ends up on 50-70k, dentistry is more guaranteed and they probably weren't good at maths


Posted from TSR Mobile


Possibly true, I still disagree people are in it for the money. I agree a lot of people apply for the status/money but a lot of them get weeded out after Personal statement reading and mostly at interview.
I disagree with the point about maths though - everyone at my college who wanted to study med/dent did maths and I personally feel its an easier a level than chemistry/biology (which it shouldn't be).
Original post by teen1234
Possibly true, I still disagree people are in it for the money. I agree a lot of people apply for the status/money but a lot of them get weeded out after Personal statement reading and mostly at interview.
I disagree with the point about maths though - everyone at my college who wanted to study med/dent did maths and I personally feel its an easier a level than chemistry/biology (which it shouldn't be).


I honestly don't care what your opinion is, you're biased - you're a dental student, I'm just saying they aren't respected all too much and why


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Reply 13
Original post by SerLorasTyrell
All dentists are in it for the money and everyone knows it, I wouldn't say they were too highly respected


Posted from TSR Mobile


http://www.angusreidglobal.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/2012.10.02_Professions.pdf

A flatmate of mine was studying psychology and was particularly interested in this topic. Some of the stats are very interesting(go to the last page).
He also found that in the East, vets and farmers were not respected highly at all whilst religious figures were respected as highly as dentists and doctors.
(Also interesting how psychiatry is not as respected as 'doctors')
Original post by andbegin
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:wink:

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:tongue:), 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!

Why don't they make you rich? What other degree would you do?
Reply 15
Original post by SerLorasTyrell
I honestly don't care what your opinion is, you're biased - you're a dental student, I'm just saying they aren't respected all too much and why


Posted from TSR Mobile


No, you just have something against dentists and dental students. You say they're probably not good at maths with absolutely no evidence and when I argue your point you have no response.
Original post by teen1234
No, you just have something against dentists and dental students. You say they're probably not good at maths with absolutely no evidence and when I argue your point you have no response.


You have just as much evidence as I do so please just stop, you're the worst troll I've ever come across.


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Reply 17
Original post by SerLorasTyrell
You have just as much evidence as I do so please just stop, you're the worst troll I've ever come across.


Posted from TSR Mobile


Troll? How is anything I am saying troll? You assume dental students are 'probably' not good at maths
you assume all dental students are in it for the money
And you have absolutely no evidence to back your ludicrous claims up.
The maths one is my personal favourite
Original post by teen1234
Troll? How is anything I am saying troll? You assume dental students are 'probably' not good at maths
you assume all dental students are in it for the money
And you have absolutely no evidence to back your ludicrous claims up.
The maths one is my personal favourite


Because you're saying that people would want to be a dentist for reasons other than money


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Reply 19
Original post by SerLorasTyrell
Because you're saying that people would want to be a dentist for reasons other than money


Posted from TSR Mobile


Im doing dentistry for other reasons than money, I'd work for my father if I wanted money.
Its a highly academic degree and its highly practical. Surgical procedures are A LOT of fun, you work with people and you can alleviate pain and you have the ability to completely change the way somebody looks.
Im not going to lie to you and say Id still do dentistry if they were paid peanuts and treated like **** but my main reason is definitely not money.

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