There’s no denying dentistry is difficult at times. During the global pandemic, when dental practices were shut down and considered “non-essential” for months (only to reopen to a different patient flow and new expenses), many began to ask themselves one question: “Is it all still worth it?”
As with any other profession, dentistry also has its own sets of upsides and downsides. The field has been met with a good amount of controversy and consternation over the years. We often let the negatives of the profession overshadow the positives and due to this, the dental students have a very misconstrued notion of what being a dentist truly entails. It is an incredibly stable career with the lowest unemployment rates in the country. With the rise in cosmetic dentistry, the market for new dental recruits is open.
Dentistry is a closely-knit profession that is truly patient-oriented. You work with patients throughout your career, helping them achieve basic needs and making their lives better. While you may not be directly incorporated in a system of “saving lives”, you ensure patients’ lives are comfortable and enhanced.
Whether you place a filling for tooth decay, dentists are consistently involved in providing significant improvements to their patients lives. The opportunity to help your patients is one-on-one. Your efforts will directly impact their lives. There is a sense of achievement and reward when you restore your patient’s smile, self-confidence, and ability to perform their daily functions by doing what you regularly do.
You are also provided with a healthy income with a median salary of £31,000 for newly graduated dentists. As a dentist, you are able to dictate how much you make based on the treatments you provide. It also has higher-than-average flexibility which means that you can pursue a wide range of career paths by choosing dentistry. There is flexibility in terms of hours of the day you open.
Areas of specialisation in dentistry:
· Orthodontics
· Pedodontics
· Periodontics
· Endodontics
· Oral and maxillofacial surgery
· Prosthodontics
Dentistry provides a stimulating, challenging and scientifically advancing career with the opportunity to work with people, learn for life, and maintain a good work-life balance.