So, Why Did You Want to be a Dentist? How the Decision to Choose Your Dental Path is Changing, and What We Can Do About It?

SO, WHY DID YOU WANT TO BE A DENTIST? HOW THE DECISION TO CHOOSE YOUR DENTAL PATH IS CHANGING, AND WHAT WE CAN DO ABOUT IT

Years ago, in my dental school interviews I was asked why I wanted to be a dentist. Back then the idea of being a dentist brought with it many possibilities. I wanted to be a dentist because of the freedoms the profession would allow me, to be my own boss, to treat patients how I would want to be treated, to help people be more healthy and confident, to be financially able to help those in need, and to serve others in my profession. So, when I saw the article in last month’s ADA news about dental students being asked why they want to be a dentist in todays world, I was interested in what they had to say. Their responses are as follows.

“With my massive sweet tooth, I grew up at the dentist and trusted them. I want to create that relationship with my patients while educating them about prevention and oral health.” — Jenna Chun, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry, Class of 2024. “As I continued through high school and began college, while considering my future career, I realized that what my dad did as a dentist was very similar to what I loved about building model airplanes. He used his hands and tools to precisely turn broken, deficient teeth into a perfect recreation of what was originally there, all while giving people a reason to smile.” — Jackson Downey, University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine, Class of 2025.

“I want to be a dentist because it provides me with the privilege to serve others in the health care field while enhancing one of the most noticeable aspects of an individual — one’s smile. Growing up in a household that valued maintaining good dental hygiene, becoming a dentist allows me to promote the importance of oral health in my community and play a part in bridging the gap in oral health disparities.” — Kynnedy Kelly, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Class of 2023.

“I want to become a dentist to help people improve their health and restore their confidence in themselves. After all, the most powerful social tool we have is our smile. Also, I chose dentistry because it is one of the few fields that combines creativity, science, entrepreneurship and patient interaction.” — Rayna Means, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry, Class of 2025.

“My decision to pursue a career in dentistry has been influenced by so many of my life experiences. I want to become a dentist because I am passionate about the health sciences — specifically, the intersection of medicine and dentistry. I care deeply about providing care to those in need and improving access to care, and I receive incredible joy and fulfillment from developing meaningful relationships with my patients, colleagues and mentors.” — John Pelton, New York University College of Dentistry, Class of 2023.

“I have always wanted to be a dentist because I love working with my hands and am very detail oriented. The idea of treating patients and assisting them in protecting their oral health is a privilege to experience.” — Danielle Silver, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Class of 2023.

Are dreams and goals different now?

I see such desire in these answers of students who want to serve future patients and better the profession. But what surprised me, is that not one of them answered anything about being their own boss! Back in the day that was one of the main reasons that I wanted to be a dentist and I wasn’t alone in my desire. I remember many other of my fellow dental students also wanted (continued on next page)

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