Has the change in the business of dentistry in the past decade shifted how you view the profession of dentistry? I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. Back in high school, I wanted to be one of three things:
A doctor like George Clooney on TV
A lawyer like Tom Cruise in A Few Good Men
Or a dentist like my dad
My dad never pushed me toward dentistry. He simply shared what he loved about it -- the ability to be his own boss and build a career on his own terms. His father had essentially told him to become a dentist, and he did. But he was someone who could have been happy in many different careers.
I never fully realized this until recently: being a dentist didn’t define my dad. And it doesn’t define me either. I enjoy many things about dentistry, but I know I also could have found fulfillment in other fields.
What I admired most about my dad as a dentist wasn’t his technical skills, it was how he enjoyed being around people, how he loved helping others, and how he took his job seriously without ever taking himself too seriously.
As I think about my own daughters and their futures, one of the biggest advantages I see today is the ability to build a career that can be done both in person and virtually. That flexibility matters, now more than ever.
If they ever ask me about becoming a dentist, here’s what I’ll tell them:
The cost of becoming a dentist, whether through loans or someone paying for it, is truly out of control.
They need to deeply understand what the day-to-day of the job feels like before choosing it.
Dentistry can be incredibly rewarding, especially when you transform a smile and change someone’s life.
And no matter what career they choose, I’ll support them, prepare them, and help make them aware of what’s ahead because that’s what dads do.
Now I’m curious…
What are your thoughts on dentistry as a career for your children or the next generation? Email me at drnacho@dentalnachos.com or text me at 215-543-6454!
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