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Carter
Student
Galena, Ohio
2
Questions
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How did you know dentistry was for you?
What was the deciding factor when you realized that dentistry was for you, and what was that experience like?
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Steven Bornfeld
Owner, Mark and Steven Bornfeld DDS
57
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New York, New York
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Steven’s Answer
The truth is that there was no deciding factor. I was a chemistry major in college, but rapidly becoming disillusioned with the field as the country was headed toward recession; opportunities weren't great, and I was not really motivated to go to grad school. A chance meeting with another student suggested I register for the dental aptitude test, so I would "have something to fall back on". So I took the DAT. Then it was time to apply, ans so I did. Then I went on interviews. The first one was terrible, so imagine my surprise when I was offered admission. So I took it.
I'm not suggesting you "fall into" dentistry like I did. With the perspective of about 53 years since that chance conversation, I can say that it was a good choice. There is a lot to like. If you like the health sciences, you will find plenty to interest you. If you have an artistic streak, there are plenty of ways to scratch that itch. If you have great people skills, you will have ample opportunity to use them. And if you enjoy business, there's plenty for someone with an entrepeneurial drive.
Of course, these may NOT be good reasons for you. But there are plenty of different kinds of practice settings where you can avoid any of these too. Dentists are in academia, in management, in industry. I even know an orthodontist who went to law school and became a malpractice attorney. So a career in dentistry can be a lot of things, and as you become more acquainted with the field, you will gradually discover where you might best fit in.
Good luck!
I'm not suggesting you "fall into" dentistry like I did. With the perspective of about 53 years since that chance conversation, I can say that it was a good choice. There is a lot to like. If you like the health sciences, you will find plenty to interest you. If you have an artistic streak, there are plenty of ways to scratch that itch. If you have great people skills, you will have ample opportunity to use them. And if you enjoy business, there's plenty for someone with an entrepeneurial drive.
Of course, these may NOT be good reasons for you. But there are plenty of different kinds of practice settings where you can avoid any of these too. Dentists are in academia, in management, in industry. I even know an orthodontist who went to law school and became a malpractice attorney. So a career in dentistry can be a lot of things, and as you become more acquainted with the field, you will gradually discover where you might best fit in.
Good luck!