For some people becoming a dentist is their biggest dream, which takes a lot of work and dedication. But what happens when they finally earn their license and can start practicing dentistry? They quickly find out there is more to the dental profession than simply taking care of teeth. Before they know it, their biggest dream for their professional career has changed.
What Does Take to Become a Dentist?
People who want to be dentists must first graduate from high school with good grades and preferably pass applicable courses like math, chemistry and biology. Then they spend three or four years earning their undergraduate degree, taking some prerequisites for dental school and getting good grades. Next up is the application process to dental school where they take an admissions test and submit their request. Dental school usually takes about four more years of rigorous coursework, training and professional experience. But graduation from dental school does not guarantee them a job.
On top of schooling and graduation, dentists must study and prepare for licensing exams, apply for positions in clinics or as assistants in other practices and earn any necessary certifications. Additionally, there are certain skills a dentist must have to be successful. Some are inherent while dentists must work to cultivate others if they hope to find success. Dentists should be well-versed in their field, exhibit strong communication and leadership, and generally care about people. It is a lot to accomplish, but the biggest dream doesn’t end there.
Pursuing the Dream
The biggest dream for a dentist’s professional career is unique to each practitioner but usually encompasses a combination of four main objectives. Many dentists dream of running their own practice, specializing and becoming the best in their chosen field, being seen an authority in that modality and, most importantly, working to just make people’s lives better through dental care. How do they accomplish all this? The best dentists never stop pursuing the dream. They keep working, learning and practicing.
The Dream of Running Their Own Practice
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, three quarters of all dentists are independent practitioners. However, it isn’t an easy task, to set up your own office. A practice is in essence a small corporation, and to be successful, dentists must have clinical skills as well as know about running a business. It takes dedication and vision. You not only have to motivate and manage your staff, but also control costs and still make a living.
The Dream of Specialization
Currently, there are nine dental specialties and to become a recognized specialist by the American Dental Association, a dentist must meet specified requirements. Some recognized dental specialties include dental public health, endodontic, oral and maxillofacial radiology, pediatric dentistry and periodontics. These specialties are meant to improve the quality of patient care and nurture the art and science of dentistry. To become a specialist, dentists must continue their education. There are both online and in-person options, and once they have completed the required courses, the dentist can apply for specialty recognition.
The Dream of Becoming a Recognized Authority
Dentists who earn licensure and are recognized specialists are experts. They are highly educated, experienced and motivated. The next step is to leverage that expertise to gain accreditation. To become recognized, dentists must first take a look at the things they are truly good at doing and pick expertise that supports their brand and dental office. Then they must go out and give speeches, lecture classes, write articles and books, attend events, and position themselves in directories and online.
The Dream of Improving Patient’s Lives
Dental care is more than just repairing cavities and straightening teeth. Your oral health is directly connected to your overall wellness, and no one understands the depth of that connection better than a dentist. Think about how your oral health affects you physically and psychologically. It impacts how you look, speak, eat, communicate and enjoy life. Your smile is beyond important, and the biggest dream most dentists in Orlando, Florida share is providing quality treatment for their patients, not only to improve oral health but patients’ lives. It takes open and honest communication for these dentists to understand their patients’ needs and provide unique treatment plans and optimal dental care.
Living Their Dream
Dentists dedicate their life’s work to improving the lives of others. If you understood their passion for health care, you would stop avoiding the dentist. Do not let fear or anxiety keep you from the dental care you need. Just know that providing the best possible dental care is what your dentist has been working for years to accomplish. Let them put their biggest dream to use helping you achieve one of yours—the best smile you could possibly have.