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Charlotte
Student
Gulfport, Mississippi
1
Question
Asked
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Would it be better to be a dentist of a medical doctor if I am looking to start a family?
I am a junior and I am looking for a career in healthcare with semi-flexible hours. I want to go into healthcare because I am interested in science and anatomy, and outside of school I like to volunteer at my local Boy's and Girl's Club. I have been recommended pediatrics or dentistry as career paths and I was wondering if someone could give me some insight on these careers to help me make a decision, and what advice professionals have for preparing for these careers.
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1 answer
Sijoy Sagar
Program Manager
107
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sijoy’s Answer
Hi Charlotte,
It's fantastic that you are already considering how a career in healthcare can fit with your family plans. Both dentistry and medicine are great choices, each offering unique opportunities and lifestyles.
Dentistry:
Training: After college, you will need about 4 years of dental school.
Work Style: Dentists often have more predictable hours, mainly working weekdays in private practice.
Family Balance: Dentistry usually offers more flexibility, allowing you to set your own hours if you have your own practice.
Impact: You will make a big difference in patients lives by improving their oral health and overall well-being.
Medicine (like Pediatrics):
Training: This involves 4 years of medical school plus 3–7 years of residency, depending on your specialty.
Work Style: The training is longer and the hours can be demanding, especially during residency. Pediatricians often work in clinics or hospitals with different schedules.
Family Balance: Medicine can be very fulfilling, though it might mean irregular hours at first. Many doctors find a good balance later in their careers.
Impact: You will have the chance to build lasting relationships with children and families, making a real difference in their lives.
Preparing Now:
Focus on doing well in science classes like biology, chemistry, and anatomy.
Shadow both a dentist and a pediatrician to get a feel for their daily work.
Keep volunteering, as your time at the Boys and Girls Club shows you enjoy helping people, which is important in both fields.
Talk to professionals about how they manage work and family life for helpful insights.
Key Takeaway: Dentistry might offer more regular hours and flexibility, while medicine provides a wider impact but requires longer training and can be more challenging initially. Since you're interested in science and helping people, both paths are excellent choices. It all comes down to the lifestyle you want with your career.
Wishing you confidence and clarity as you explore these exciting healthcare paths.
It's fantastic that you are already considering how a career in healthcare can fit with your family plans. Both dentistry and medicine are great choices, each offering unique opportunities and lifestyles.
Dentistry:
Training: After college, you will need about 4 years of dental school.
Work Style: Dentists often have more predictable hours, mainly working weekdays in private practice.
Family Balance: Dentistry usually offers more flexibility, allowing you to set your own hours if you have your own practice.
Impact: You will make a big difference in patients lives by improving their oral health and overall well-being.
Medicine (like Pediatrics):
Training: This involves 4 years of medical school plus 3–7 years of residency, depending on your specialty.
Work Style: The training is longer and the hours can be demanding, especially during residency. Pediatricians often work in clinics or hospitals with different schedules.
Family Balance: Medicine can be very fulfilling, though it might mean irregular hours at first. Many doctors find a good balance later in their careers.
Impact: You will have the chance to build lasting relationships with children and families, making a real difference in their lives.
Preparing Now:
Focus on doing well in science classes like biology, chemistry, and anatomy.
Shadow both a dentist and a pediatrician to get a feel for their daily work.
Keep volunteering, as your time at the Boys and Girls Club shows you enjoy helping people, which is important in both fields.
Talk to professionals about how they manage work and family life for helpful insights.
Key Takeaway: Dentistry might offer more regular hours and flexibility, while medicine provides a wider impact but requires longer training and can be more challenging initially. Since you're interested in science and helping people, both paths are excellent choices. It all comes down to the lifestyle you want with your career.
Wishing you confidence and clarity as you explore these exciting healthcare paths.