I am a current community college student who is almost done with my first year of college. I am trying to decide which field I want to major in and what profession I want to go into after graduating from college. I am considering either Orthodontics or Prosthodontics. I am also thinking about applying to law school as well. In that case I would major in history. If I go into Orthodontics or Prosthodontics. I would major in biology. I know by going into Prosthodontics or Orthodontics. I would be going into way more debt than if I were to go into law. I am also 26 and about to be 27 years old. My plan is to complete either an associate's of arts degree or associate's of science degree at the community college that I go to before transferring to the university that I want to transfer to. I know about the DAT or dental admissions test and that dental school is four years long. Also you have to go through a residency program for Prosthodontics or Orthodontics and they award you with a master's of science degree.
Thinking about Orthodontics or Prosthodontics:
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So... have you shadowed anyone? Are you currently pursuing something related to dentistry, like dental assistant or hygiene?
The challenge with prosthodontics is that there are not as many graduate programs compared to ortho.
The challenge with prosthodontics is that there are not as many graduate programs compared to ortho.
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Possibly $1 million+
That is a lot of debt. It really makes me question if dentistry is even worth it in that case.
I work as a nursing assistant in a hospital. I haven't shadowed a dentist at all.
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I think first you need to shadow a dentist to see if you'd like being a general practitioner. Most dental students that graduate don't specialize, ortho is a very competitive specialty as well. Both are different too, and I think you would be better off shadowing and keeping yourself open and not restricting yourself to certain specialties. Dental school is gauntlet in of itself and you gotta get through that first, and do it well, to be able to specialize.
You've got a road ahead of you. Shadow first, see what you like, and go from there.
You've got a road ahead of you. Shadow first, see what you like, and go from there.
Thanks for the reply. I will keep my options open in that case. I know that dental school is very hard. I also know that it is very expensive as well. The program that I would like to apply to in the future would cost around $283,000. If you add the Orthodontics program on top of that it would cost around $364,000.
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Yes, dentistry is an expensive career field. However generally specialists do well financially once they have a stable patient base and good referrals.
Keep in mind you also get matched into the residency programs, it's slightly different than applying to dental schools where you could get multiple offers. With residency, you will only get 1 offer depending on where you applied/interviewed and if your rank list aligns with the program's rank list if they participate in the Match. I would try to focus less on where/what residency you like until you first figure out if you like general dentistry to begin with. Then see if you can find a specialist who will let you shadow. If not, you will have options while in dental school.
Law school would probably be easier to get into than dental school since there are far more law schools than there are dental schools in the US. Again, shadow first before making the decision. You don't want to go spend all this time and money to get your degree and take the LSAT or DAT and realize you don't want to do it anymore, or worse get to dental/law school and really don't like it.
there's a dental school that only costs $283K?
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Maybe before interest, which would then balloon closer to 400k on graduation
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Can you work in an orthodontists' office as an assistant?
It's easier to go to law school than to become an orthodontist or prosthodontist.
It's easier to go to law school than to become an orthodontist or prosthodontist.
This is a school in the midwest.
The test results actually showed all three.
I already have a job that I am working right now. I am considering law school as more of an option than dental school at this point for many reasons. The biggest one being the cost of the education. That alone is pretty daunting.
That's a lot of debt.
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Don’t plan on going into either of these fields- plan on being a general dentist. IF you match into one of these specialties then great, but they’re highly competitive. You need to make sure you like general dentistry so if you don’t match you’ll still be ok with general.
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I'll echo what others have said. You need to narrow your focus. Law and dentistry are very different. Ortho and pros are also very different. Do more research. Do some shadowing. If dentistry is your focus ... Then start strategizing on how to find acceptance to a reasonably priced dental school. Once in .... Keep your options (specialization) open by maintaining a high rank. Low rank = fewer options.
Good luck.
Good luck.
