“Dentistry…a scientific art” was the opening line of my personal statement. However, I don’t regret choosing Dentistry as a career. But it has been filled with surprises.
Here are some of these pros and cons of dentist locum jobs.
Pros:
1. Balanced lifestyle.
While you can work full-time, many dentists prefer to work only a few hours a week. They don’t work long hours and are generally very social. This is a great option if you have plans to start a family or pursue other interests.
2. Profession highly respected
You are an important member of the community as a healthcare professional. People look up to you for guidance and advice, and they want to receive the best care possible.
3. Stability in the Workplace
Dental healthcare is an important service. The mouth is literally the gateway to all parts of the body. As the population gets older and more people are concerned about aesthetics, there will always be people who require your expertise. While I was applying, a friend said to me that “as long people have teeth you will have work” (but please be careful).
4. Exciting variety, no day is the same.
You will learn new things in this challenging job. There is never enough to learn.
It doesn’t matter if a patient comes in minutes before closing to demand a complete dental clearance.
5. Problem solving using logic, creativity, and science.
You have the responsibility of managing a variety of people and working with them to find the best solution. Additionally, you have a duty to care for your patients’ best interests.
You often present your patients with a variety of treatment options and discuss the risks and benefits. This is done after a thorough examination and any other tests are completed.
I will quote myself, “Dentistry…is…a scientific art.” You will be using a combination of dental materials and tools to create details that replicate natural tooth anatomy.
6. People.
Although it may seem obvious, this is one of the most important points to remember before entering any healthcare profession (not only Dentistry). Dentistry would not exist without people. We exist because they exist. My peers and I would all agree that dentistry would be easier if it were only about treating teeth, but it isn’t because you’re dealing with people.
People can be difficult to please so it is important to remain professional and work with them. Listen to them, treat their needs with respect, take notes, and prepare for sessions.
7. You have the option to work for yourself or start your own business.
Dental School does not teach you how grow a business. Instead, you will learn how to be a competent dentist, who acts in the best interests of their patients and practices safely. There are many courses that will help you open your own practice or business if you decide to pursue this career path. It is flexible in this aspect.
Cons:
1. High accountability
You may have to perform a number of procedures that can pose risks, such as administering local anaesthetic or irreversibly preparing the teeth for removal (decay) on a daily basis. We are often told that patients who have lost their teeth due to poor oral hygiene can complain to their dentists and want to be reimbursed.
2. Challenging patients.
Although you may enjoy a challenge, it is easy to become overwhelmed when dealing with a patient who is angry, depressed or has complex medical needs. You will need to adapt your approach to each patient. These patients will help you grow and make your approach more precise.
3. Unpredictability.
You want variety, but how can you manage it? Sometimes you don’t know what you will do until you are there. Things can and do happen. You have to be able to handle them. Keep your emotions under control, act safely, and rationally while keeping the patient’s interest at heart. You can learn determination quickly.
4. Stress.
This is a fact of life. You are providing healthcare services for patients. You will not always be happy with your patients (but be responsible). Others will be disappointed no matter how hard you try to provide the best quality dentistry. You can learn to accept criticism and also to reflect on your own abilities. This will allow you to learn how to discern which feedback is helpful for you as a professional.
5. There are also physical risks, such as back pains and needle stick injuries. Physical risks (e.g., needlestick injuries and back pains).
Musculoskeletal issues are one of the major reasons dentists retire early. Imagine that you work in a profession where you spend most of your time crouching down over patients and using small spaces with many sharp instruments. Does this sound familiar? ).
It is important to establish good habits and maintain the correct posture early in life. You can learn “how to sit” correctly over time to avoid straining your back long-term – this is something that I struggle with.
6. Litigation
This is a huge problem that continues to affect the profession. It takes only a few seconds to search the internet for stories of Dentists being sued for many reasons. Although it can seem overwhelming, sometimes it is inevitable. However, students are always reminded that NOTICES can save the day.
You can only do the best thing: Keep detailed and honest notes of all your conversations with patients. You will know you have done everything according to the rules if you find yourself in such a dire situation.
7. Media and the haters
You will be hated by some people. Not you. Sorry to break the bad news.
The media often paints Dentists in a negative light, sometimes presenting horror stories that are justified or not. It can be hard to find stories about “good Dentists.”
Although there are many pros and cons, dentistry is an extremely rewarding field. You work in a team, using your skills to solve problems every day in an ever-changing environment. I still recommend it 100%.
It’s all about people, practice and patience, dedication, compassion, and attention to detail.
The final decision is yours. No one else can study for you, sit practical exams for you, or see your patients so they shouldn’t heavily influence your decision.
