Being a dentist is a great profession. It often ranks near the top of lists for best jobs. However, I disagree. After working as a dentist over 15 years, I do not think being a dentist is one of the best jobs.

It is extremely stressful. Day in and out patients say how they don’t like you. They don’t want to be there. I am trying to do perfect work in imperfect conditions. And, it is not appreciated by them.

Contrary to popular belief I, as a dentist, don’t want to hurt my patients but with what I am doing some pain does occasionally occur and that gets to be difficult on my psyche. Instead of patients and I working together as a team, working for an end goal of a healthy mouth, it is like pulling teeth(!) and a constant battle between the patients and me.

Patients think I make a lot of money as a dentist. Yes, I do make a decent living, but I am not driving a porche, flying in a personal jet, and going on exotic vacations every month! I came out of school with over 160k in student loans. I worry about paying bills, retirement, and my financial future.

I am in a near constant worry and self-evaluation of how each procedure went and if patients are doing ok post-procedure. It gets hard to turn the mind off and truly relax when out of the office. Is a patient going to call me after-hours? Will I be able to help?

There is not that much flexibility with my schedule. I have to work hours that the office requires and oftentimes jobs are full-time with the owners wanting me work as much as possible. Even if I had my own practice, then there would be the onus to be open as much as possible to accommodate patients and utilize a building or space I’d be paying for.

On top of all that there is supervising the staff. In an office there are a variety of personalities and work-ethics which is challenging as well as staff turn-over and training. Trying to manage those on top of treating patients is NOT the icing on the cake!

As you’ve read, I don’t believe dentistry is the great profession many claim it to be. In my opinion it be removed from the top of the best jobs list for 2022 and on!