Dentist Research Paper

The Dental Way

We are in an era of endless possibilities. Society has changed drastically in the way individuals perceive careers. People no longer have to feel pressured into a certain career, they can pursue careers that interest them and ultimately become anything they desire. Personally, my career aspirations have changed constantly growing up. Now that I am older and experienced situations, expanded my knowledge, and learned more about myself, I can confidently say I want to pursue a career as a General Dentist. I originally became interested in the medical field when my grandmother was diagnosed with cancer. I found the health care professionals extremely inspiring, especially their compassion, patience, and benevolence towards their

patients. Their qualities encouraged me to join my high school’s Medical Health Academy. Medical Health Academy is a three-year program from sophomore to senior year for students interested in pursing careers in the medical field. My involvement in the Medical Health Academy lead me to an internship at Rita Soto C DDS; a dental practice for children. Where I fell in love with the dentistry aspect of medicine. General Dentistry is an ideal career to pursue, because it allows professionals to service the public, have a balanced life, and has an expected growth in employment sustaining job security.
Students interested in applying to dental school are under the impression that they need to major in a science related course.

Their preconceived beliefs are incorrect. A particular undergraduate major is not required for dental school acceptance (American Dental Association Education). Students can select any major from Art to Criminal Justice, however a strong foundation in science related courses is mandatory. Still a majority of applicants select majors pertaining to science; According to the ADEA, “68.8% of applicants majored in biology, chemistry, or some branch of science”. The American Student Association recommend majoring in science since, “dental school’s look for the aspirant’s abilities to handle a rigorous course load”. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the national median salary of $160,010 for a General Dentist in 2014. U.S News ranked Dentistry as the best career based on several components, including median salary, employment rate, job prospects, and 10- year growth rate. According to US News, “The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment growth of nearly 16 percent between 2012 and 2022, with more than 23,000 new openings”. Job security for dentistry is sustainable long term, people will constantly need treatment on their teeth and gums. Responsibilities of General Dentists consist of diagnosing conditions, six month examinations, educating oral healthcare, extracting teeth, filling cavities, removing tartar, repairing crack and fractures,

taking x- rays, and preforming cosmetic procedures (Blake).
My vision of a career in General Dentistry is gaining a strong foundation of experience, knowledge and cliental to open my own business.

Owning my own business allows me to have flexible hours, autonomy, establishment in the community, and a sense of accomplishment of an interest I am passionate about. I would set my hours around nine in the morning to 5 in the afternoon 4 days a week. I would be working with children and adults preforming all of the responsibilities of a dentist stated earlier. Ultimately, I can envision myself as a General Dentist fulfilling a career I

love.
As society evolves, dentistry will evolve too. If health care is accessible to everyone, there will be a growth in patients. Diringer and Associates affirms, “The Affordable Care Act will provide millions of additional children with dental coverage through small groups, individual markets, and optional Medicaid expansions.” Another policy that Diringer and Associates covers, is an increase in liability of dentist; “Public programs, with a growing number of participants, are demanding increased accountability from dental providers.” This policy is a concern because dentists are already held liable and sued regularly. Yet every job has its benefits and drawbacks. Pursuing a major biochemistry will hopefully lead me to success in the future as a General Dentist. Being a General Dentist will be satisfying by giving me the ability to help people in oral healthcare and having a career I am passionate of.