You love life, being a dentist–most days. Some days, however, you might consider taking a long vacation.
Dentistry is not something you chose because of your passion for dental fillings and crowns. There are many reasons you chose to enter the dental profession, which can sometimes get lost in the hustle and bustle of daily practice life.
No matter where you are at the moment in your career or what kind of day it was, there’s another dentist just like you. Sometimes, just a reminder can make all the difference. Let’s look at what it takes to choose dentist locum jobs as a career.
Pro: You can make a difference in people’s lives by being a dentist.
Dental health is an essential part of our overall health. As a dentist, you have a crucial role in helping patients take care of their teeth. Your advice and touch can help prevent diseases. You can also replace or treat lost teeth. This helps restore smiles and boosts patient confidence.
As you probably know, dental care doesn’t only concern healthy teeth and bright smiles. Poor oral health is a risk factor to heart disease, America’s number one killer. Your actions are saving lives. Although it may not seem like it, your actions make a difference in the lives of your patients and the communities where they live.
Con: It’s impossible to change every aspect of your life.
It can feel overwhelming to have all the responsibility of creating ripples. Sometimes it can be frustrating to not feel like you are reaching enough patients about their oral care. This makes the ripples seem sporadic and the pond stagnant. While you may not see every patient adhere to a perfect oral health regimen, there will still be many happy smiles for those who did.
Pro: Dentists may be able to run their own dental practice and become self-employed.
About 90% of dentists work in private practice. While some dentists work as associate dentists in a private practice, every dentist has the option to own their own business. Most doctors are unable to do this and still make a living.
It can be a great experience to be self-employed. You can choose your hours and do what you enjoy. Private practice dentists spend about 33 hours per semaine with patients, while full-time dentists work around 36 hours per week.
You can manage your business however you like and don’t have any obligations to anyone. Being a dentist and running your own practice is a way to pursue the specialties that bring you the most joy.
Con: Dentists may be able to run their own practices and be self-employed.
Being your boss is all about independence and self-determination. Self-employment comes with its own set of downsides. If you aren’t careful about setting boundaries and if your practice is busy, you might find yourself working overtime to meet the demands of all your patients. If you fail to mentor your team members or delegate tasks, you can ruin the work-life balance that you had hoped for.
Stress and uncertainty can build up if business isn’t doing well. It’s easy to worry about how you will pay your employees and making ends meet. If something goes wrong, you are responsible for the consequences. When things go wrong, you have to take responsibility.
These are the harsh realities of owning a practice. However, if you find yourself in this position, there are ways to make things better, increase your business and reduce stress.
Pro: As a dentist you can witness the incredible changes in dentistry and dental technology.
Dental technology is advancing rapidly. Every day, a new technology is released that makes it easier to do tooth restorations or makes hygiene appointments more pleasant, thorough, and less painful for patients.
You can be part of the next generation of dentists by bringing technology to your practice that enhances and shapes patient experiences. Patients will be able to see you as a leader and set a new standard for what they can expect.
Con: You need to be aware of the incredible changes in dentistry and dental technology.
It will be necessary to continue taking continuing education credits and getting training on new equipment. You’ll be left behind if you don’t. You have the attitude of perpetual learning because otherwise, you wouldn’t have chosen dentistry.
Pro: Dentists have the opportunity to work with some of the most talented people in dentistry, their team and their patients.
Dental teams are fantastic, as you can see. You need to be a very special person to work with people’s mouths every day. Dental workers are compassionate, caring and just plain pleasant to be around. Dental teams are often small, and people can work together for many years. This allows you to get to know your coworkers and create a close-knit family.
The patients are also amazing. People tend to stay with the same dentist once they feel comfortable with them. You might even make friends with your patients over time!
Con: Dentists must learn how to manage patients.
Your dental practice’s health, growth and success will depend on the ability to mentor and grow your team. It’s a fact you know, and it’s something that can be seen in practice. Not all dentists have the ability or tools to do this.
But don’t get too disheartened. There are many tools and groups for dental management that can help you and your team grow.
Pro: As a dentist you can be creative in your work every day.
As a dentist you can combine science and art to make a smile that your patient will be proud of. This is an incredible pro! Imagine the last patient who went into hiding and then showed everyone their smile.
It is gratifying to help people achieve a beautiful, functional smile. Dentists can use a variety of techniques to restore patients’ smiles, including simple teeth whitening and dental implants.
Con: You can get stuck in a routine of dentistry that isn’t bringing you joy.
It is possible to lose your enthusiasm for being a dentist if you don’t practice the kind of dentistry that makes you happy.
There are ways to bring in patients who understand the value of the kind of dentistry that makes you smile. You can improve your case presentation skills and marketing. Also, you can work on improving your internal systems. To expand your knowledge in specialized areas, you might consider continuing education.
Pro: Dentists can earn a decent salary while maintaining a work-life balance.
It is essential to earn a living wage in order to provide for your family. Every Brit wants to be able to work hard and save enough money for retirement. It is possible in dentistry.
Con: You are not in it to make a lot of money.
Are you really saying that this is a con? Not hardly.
No matter where you are in your career, think back to what brought you first to dentistry. It could have been the chance to build relationships with patients or combine science and art. Recall the moment you decided that being a dentist was for you. Keep that moment in your heart, even through the tough days.
Remember, you are not the only one. There are many other dentists who can help you. Talk to your colleagues. Join or build a support group from people who are able to offer it. You can also offer support in return.
We need caring, compassionate dentists who are kind and caring. We are grateful that you are one of them.
