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25th May 2024
Dentistry can be a very rewarding, hands-on, patient-focused career. However, it also comes with its own challenges, such as dealing with workplace stress, communicating effectively with patients and managing treatment plans for complex cases. Studying Dentistry allows you to combine academic knowledge with developing manual dexterity skills.

1) Variety

Being a Dentist allows you to apply your knowledge practically to be able to help patients with a range of disorders. This can range from dealing with simple decay  to detecting oral cancer or treating abscesses. This gives Dentistry variety, and it is certainly not a career that is dull.

Each patient presents a unique set of circumstances and needs, making every day different and exciting. Additionally, advancements in dental technology continuously introduce new treatments and techniques, ensuring that the practice of dentistry is always evolving and never dull.

2) Flexibility and Career Options

Studying Dentistry gives you great flexibility over your work life. After graduating, you can choose to specialize in areas such as orthodontics, periodontics, or pediatric dentistry.

Alternatively, you can work as a general dental practitioner, providing comprehensive care to a broad patient base.

Managing your own practice offers the opportunity to be your own boss and create a work environment that aligns with your personal values and professional goals. For those interested in academia, opportunities in dental research and teaching can lead to influential positions in shaping the future of dental care.

3) Teamwork

As a dentist, you get to work as a team on a daily basis. You learn to form good working relationships with a range of professionals, such as dental nurses, consultants from different specialities, dental therapists and dental hygienists.

This collaborative environment ensures comprehensive patient care and allows you to draw on the expertise of others. Teamwork in dentistry also enhances the learning experience, as you can gain insights and knowledge from your colleagues, which contributes to better patient outcomes and professional development.

4) Life Long Learning

Dentistry allows you to develop a skill set throughout your working life.

However, your education does not stop there.

Throughout your career, through continual professional development (CPD) and additional certifications, you can further enhance your skills and stay updated with the latest advancements in dental science.

This commitment to lifelong learning ensures that you provide the best possible care to your patients and stay competitive in the field.

5) Surgical Opportunities

Those who are interested in surgery can go on to become a maxillofacial surgeon. This specialty requires further completion of a medical degree and additional training. Maxillofacial surgery is a fascinating field that deals with all surgical treatments of the head, neck, face, and jaws.

It combines elements of dentistry and surgery, offering a diverse and rewarding career. This specialization not only enhances your skill set but also allows you to handle complex cases that significantly impact patients’ lives.

6) Problem Solving Skills

Quite often dentistry involves applying your problem solving skills. Those who enjoy putting together the pieces of a puzzle will appreciate the complexity of Dentistry. While dentists primarily focus on treating teeth and gums, this often involves addressing broader issues such as improving a patient’s diet, oral hygiene, and lifestyle choices.

Each patient presents unique challenges, requiring a tailored approach to care. This aspect of dentistry ensures that the work is intellectually stimulating and rewarding as you help patients achieve optimal health outcomes.

7) Job Satisfaction

An article published in the British Dental Journal showed that job satisfaction is high amongst dentists. Being able to alleviate patients of pain, improve the aesthetics of their patients’ teeth or improve their oral health is extremely satisfying.

Moreover, dentists often enjoy a high degree of professional autonomy, allowing them to make clinical decisions and manage their practices in ways that align with their personal and professional values. The variety of cases and challenges they encounter daily keeps the job dynamic and intellectually stimulating.

Interpersonal interactions also play a crucial role in job satisfaction. Building long-term relationships with patients and witnessing the positive changes in their oral health over time can be incredibly rewarding. Dentists also have the opportunity to educate patients about preventive care, contributing to long-term health benefits and fostering a proactive approach to dental health.

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