The College of Human Ecology prides itself on offering several majors and minors ranging from HBHS, HD, PAM, and Nutrition that provide opportunities for students to go down the typical “pre-med” track, while gaining new perspectives on the social, economic, psychological, biological, and policy-related aspects of health. However, there are so many careers within the healthcare industry, other than medicine, that are often overlooked. Here are just a few reasons for considering a career in dentistry.
Statistics:
-
- Did you know that for the fourth consecutive year, the U.S. News & World Report listed professions in dentistry among its top jobs? In the “ 100 Best Jobs” list of 2018, Dentist is #2, Orthodontist is #5, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon ties for #8, Prosthodontist is #16, Dental Hygienist is #17 and Dental Assistant is #98.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment growth of 17.5 percent, equating to 23,200 new dentist jobs through the year 2026.
Prerequisites:
- Most dental school prerequisites are similar, if not the same, as those of medical schools.
** Check out page 7-8 of Cornell Health Services Human Health Professionals Guide ** https://www.career.cornell.edu/resources/upload/PreMed-Guide-16-17.pdf
DAT vs. MCAT:
-
- When comparing the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), there are several differences.
-
- Both exams require extensive knowledge of general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning (math).
-
- Although both pre-medical and pre-dental must take two semesters of introductory physics, physics only appears on the MCAT exam, not the DAT. Introductory knowledge of biochemistry, psychology, and sociology is also needed for the MCAT.
- The DAT contains a Perceptual Ability Test that demonstrates visual acuity on two and three dimensional perception.
-
- When comparing the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), there are several differences.
-
- Overall, when comparing the two standard exams and ultimately a career choice between medicine and dentistry, consider whether you have strength in your perceptual ability. Ultimately, both exams contain overlap in their material, but also contain unique aspects that should be weighed into your choice.
- Cornell’s Pre-Dental Society advises that students who follow the typical pre-med curriculum take the DAT the summer of their sophomore year, following general biology, chemistry, and organic chemistry to make sure their basic science knowledge is fresh!
Flexibility of the Career
-
- With the opportunity to own their own practices right out of school, dentists are given great independence to maintain a flexible lifestyle, while earning an annual income well above the national norm.
- In 2014, the average net income for an independent private general practitioner who owned all or part of his or her practice was $183,340, and $344,740 for dental specialists, according to the ADA Health Policy Institute 2015 Survey of Dental Practitioners. Incomes vary across the country and depend on the type of practice.
- With the opportunity to own their own practices right out of school, dentists are given great independence to maintain a flexible lifestyle, while earning an annual income well above the national norm.
- While 80% of dental school graduates go into private practice in general dentistry, the profession offers a wide range of clinical, research and academic opportunities to both new graduates and dentists at any stage of their careers.
Restore Oral Health, while Making an Impact on the Lives of Patients
- Although dentistry is often seen as Plan B after medicine, the goal of each profession is the same: to improve the quality of life each patient and ultimately restore the health of a whole population. Doctors of medicine and dental medicine contribute greatly to their communities and have the platforms to leave an impact on their patients.
Stop by the Human Ecology Career Exploration Center (MVR 162) for more information on careers in healthcare! Stay in tune for more materials on the field of dentistry, provided by your very own career assistants!