Dentistry: A great career path
This piece was contributed by Mariah Johnson, DDS ’24
What do you want to be when you grow up? It is a big question that we have all encountered countless times throughout our childhood and adolescence. Some seem to have an answer to this question right away. For many others, answering this question is a daunting and impossible task. There is so much weight in this decision. However, it is important to remember that each individual’s path is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to finding the perfect career. Your path may be winding and unconventional, but each experience along the way will help you uncover hidden talents, develop invaluable skills and gain the wisdom to answer that initial question.
I was one of the fortunate people to know at a young age what I wanted to be when I grew up: a dentist. I decided this in 8th grade. Our end of the year assignment was to complete a presentation on a potential future career. When flipping through a book titled, “The A-Z of Careers and Jobs,” I came across a dentist. It checked a lot of boxes. Science was one of my favorite classes, I liked working with my hands and I could help people. From here on, I had this in the back of my head. I started shadowing my own dentist later in high school. This helped me understand what a career in dentistry would be like. In college, I volunteered at a nonprofit dental clinic to get more experience and, fast forward eight years, I am in my last year of dental school. While I had a clear idea of what I wanted to be at a young age, my journey still had its ups and downs. There were moments of anxiety and uncertainty in my decision; this is normal. The biggest thing I learned is to embrace the journey and stay open to change. Seek out shadowing opportunities, mentorship and any experience that will give you more exposure to what is out there.
If you are in the latter group of people who are still figuring it out, dentistry may be for you. Dentistry is a rewarding and challenging career that is a unique blend of science, artistry and patient care. Each day you have the opportunity to help people and make the community healthier. Several characteristics contribute to making a good dentist. Empathy and compassion are critical. A good dentist understands the fears and concerns of their patients and empathizes with their experiences. Having good communication skills is important to help explain complex topics and to build trust with the patient. Attention to detail and the ability to work with your hands is also important. Dentists must be able to problem solve to diagnose conditions accurately and develop appropriate treatment plans. Each patient is different so you must be creative and adaptable. A lot of trust is placed in you, so you must have integrity and high ethical standards. Lastly, teamwork is important because dentists often work in collaborative environments alongside dental hygienists, assistants and other healthcare professionals. Overall, dentistry offers a fulfilling career path. It blends clinical expertise with the opportunity to positively impact patient lives while providing stability, a work-life balance and a comfortable lifestyle.
The road to becoming a dentist can be challenging. There are many things on the checklist. It requires about eight years of school–four years of undergraduate education followed by four years of dental school. The first step is to complete a bachelor’s degree and the prerequisite courses for dental school
including biology, chemistry and physics. Most people major in the sciences. However, any major is acceptable as long as the prerequisite courses are completed. The Dental Admissions Test (DAT) is a standardized test that assesses knowledge in natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension and quantitative reasoning. This test score, in addition to shadowing hours, volunteering hours, letters of recommendation and a personal statement, are needed for the dental school application. Research experience is not necessary, but can help you stand out. An interview is the last step before admittance into a dental school.
The four years of dental school are tough. However, you meet a lot of great people along the way. I have loved my four years at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. The faculty are supportive and invested in your education. They go above and beyond to help you. There is also a sense of camaraderie among students. Even though the journey to become a dentist is long and hard, I would do it again. If you are still trying to find the answer to “What do you want to be when you grow up?,” maybe a dentist is the answer. If not, that is ok. My biggest recommendation is to put yourself out there to learn new things and experience different options. You will find your way!