Are you looking to start a new career? If so, you might want to consider getting into the field of dentistry.
Dentists get to help people feel better about themselves every day they’re at work. From alleviating painful problems to giving someone’s teeth a whole new look, dentists work hard to ensure that the people they interact with leave the office feeling good.
If the sense of satisfaction that goes along with helping people isn’t enough, the salary might also interest you. As of this year, the median salary for a dentist is $170,277. Experienced professionals can make even more than that.
To help you better understand some of the other benefits that go along with a career in dentistry, we’ve put together this guide. By the time you finish reading it, you’ll know exactly what makes dentistry such a great field.
Read on to learn all about why a dentistry career might be in your best interests.
You Get to Work With People
If you’re someone who enjoys talking and interacting with people, a career in dentistry is a great choice for you. Dentists interact with people each time they go to work.
From meeting with patients to interacting with other dental faculty members, every day as a dentist will have you talking to new people.
Speaking of other faculty members, you can also become a dental nurse or a dental assistant. These jobs also have you in a dental office, interacting with all types of different people.
There’s more info here about what it’s like to be a dental assistant if you’re interested.
Dentists Transform People’s Lives
The role that dentists play in transforming people’s lives can’t be stated enough.
Take a moment to think about your own teeth. Like many people, there’s a good chance that there’s something about your teeth or mouth that you sometimes feel self-conscious about. Dentists work to resolve those sorts of issues every day.
From gluing on veneers to filling in cavities, sometimes the simplest procedures are the ones that have the biggest impact. Even if you don’t end up working as a cosmetic dentist, you’ll get the chance to improve the appearance of people’s smiles, and in turn, their self-esteem.
A High Salary and Plentiful Benefits
As mentioned, dentists enjoy a high salary—one of the highest in the working world, in fact. Many dentists end up working for themselves as contractors. That gives you the flexibility to set your own rates.
If you want to find a salaried job at a dental clinic, you can also do that. These jobs might pay a tiny bit less, but they typically offer greater benefits.
Depending on where you decide to work, benefits can range from healthcare to retirement plans. Do your research before committing to a place to work to ensure it’s compatible with your interests.
Job Stability
A career in dentistry provides you with high levels of job stability.
Dentists themselves require years’ worth of schooling to enter the workforce. Because of their specialized and advanced knowledge, most dentists land stable jobs right out of dental school.
Provided you had good grades and were a solid student, you won’t have to worry about maniacally searching for work.
If you don’t want to work as an actual dentist, the supporting roles also offer excellent stability. The world always needs more nurses, and dental nurses and assistants are no different. You should have no problem finding a place to hire you after finishing your schooling.
Career Independence
As mentioned, some dentists work as contractors while others work for clinics, offices, or hospitals. This sort of flexibility is another one of the biggest appeals of being a dentist.
If you want to start your own business as a dentist, you have the power to do that. If you prefer to work in a tiny clinic or a massive dental office, you can do that too.
Working as a dentist (or as a supporting role) gives you access to environments that suit the needs and desires of everyone. The path you take may look very different from that of someone you graduated from dental school with.
Access to the Latest Technologies
If you’re looking for a job that’s stagnant and doesn’t evolve with the times, dentistry might not be a good fit for you. Everyone who works in a dental office is constantly adapting to changing times.
From the latest technologies to new treatments and procedures, working as a dentist requires you to stay up to date with the latest advancements in medicine, science, and technology.
While that might sound intimidating, it keeps things fresh and exciting. It also helps you remember that you’re always providing the best possible care to the people you work with!
Enjoy All That a Career in Dentistry Offers
Whether you’re about to enter higher education or are already in the workforce, it’s never a bad idea to learn more about the jobs around you. One of the best careers that people of all backgrounds should consider is a career in dentistry.
As this guide explains, the field of dentistry offers people a plethora of benefits to enjoy. From a high salary to getting to help people feel better about themselves, look into entering the field today to enjoy all it has to offer.
Do you now have a better idea of why a dentistry career could be a great choice? If you do, make sure to check out the rest of our site. You’ll find many other helpful career-related guides and tips.