So you’re thinking about becoming a dentist? Great! The demand for dentists has increased immensely in recent years. We could use some fresh young faces around here. You may be thinking that you’re interested in the general field of medicine, but you don’t want to work in a hospital-type environment, nor do you want to head into research. I’m here to tell you that a dentist career is among the most lucrative and satisfying positions with regards to job satisfaction. While it does require a large time commitment and the ability to endure a multitude of examinations; in the end it’s worth it. Everyday the results of your hard work are right there in front of you. Maybe it’s that poor kid’s toothache that you just healed or that hockey player’s pair of central incisors you filled — Okay, we’ll keep the dental lingo at a minimum. But hey, sometimes all a hockey player wants for Christmas is their two front teeth!
Unfortunately, University of Guelph doesn’t have a dentistry program, but that’s okay you’ll still be a gryphon at heart. Here’s a list of all the Canadian Dental Schools and their associated contact information: https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/becoming/dat/information/schools/.
Are you living here in Guelph and looking to become a Guelph dentist? Your two closest options are the School of Dentistry at Western University or the Faculty of Dentistry at University of Toronto. Both commutes are roughly an hour each, so you’d have to carefully weigh your options.
Entering a career in dentistry you may not realize that it is just as much artistic as it is a scientific profession.
You may want to ask yourself these questions:
- Do you enjoy engaging with the community and helping people?
- Are you looking for a career that challenges you?
- Would you like the option of being your own boss?
- Do you want to assist people on personal dental issues?
- Are you an expert at the board game Operation, and do you think you have the degree of manual dexterity needed?
The range in which dentists can specialize today is astounding. There are so many opportunities for individuals interested in becoming a dentist to develop experience in a number of different areas. Typically, dentists are involved with: Prevention / Public Education, Detection and Management of Oral Conditions, Aesthetic Improvement, Restoration, Correction, Reconstruction and Surgery. Each patient is unique and needs to be actively diagnosed to ensure the proper treatment plan is right for them. This helps to keep each day interesting in the life of a Guelph dentist.
The more you know about the practice of dentistry, the more you’ll want to become a dentist yourself. Dentistry truly is an invigorating career and comes with all the bells and whistles of any other high-paying medical position. Lastly, I’ll end this post with a bit of a pun. If anyone asks when is the best time to go to the dentist? Respond with “Tooth Hurty”.
