Dental School // What I wish I knew before choosing dentistry

I've been a practicing dentist for almost 6 years now, and in this video I reflect on all the things I wish I had known about being a dentist before I chose dentistry. Being a dentist isn't easy, there are many positives but also negatives. I list out here what I wish dentists had told me before I decided on dentistry as a career.
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Video Link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9OmM...

[@jmey]

If you're applying to dental schools - check out Roadmap Prep, my online video course helping you ace your dental school interview. You can access over two hours of interview video lessons completely for free at roadmapprep.com/, no account required :)

[@Bobcat342512]

wow my guy didn't even try to sugar coat it...

[@Coffeeisnecessarynowpepper]

Well that would cause a cavity

[@miranda6187]

@@Coffeeisnecessarynowpepper HAHAHAH I LOVE YOU FOR THAT COMMENT

[@yodatwinkie]

That’s how videos should be honest and to the point

[@Isaiah-um4yi]

Honesty and straight to the point is so nice. Thanks.

[@moritz4858]

Your channel convinces me even more, that Dentistry is the right career choice for me! Thank you so much :)

[@sunghyooh97]

Thank you, Dr. Meyerson. This gave me a good heads up before entering dental school!

[@kycb101]

After I watched this video I became even more motivated! Thank you!

[@BeyondDentistry]

Great channel, awesome to see you on KZbin! Definitely keeping it real about the profession!

[@jmey]

Appreciate it Adam, back at ya!

[@drmarahmaher9697]

I am so happy that I found your channel💕💕

[@nitalovly]

Thank u so much !! U motivated me Again to love what I do !

[@avneetdhaliwal252]

Hello Dr. Meyerson I’m a foreign trained dentist, went to Univ of Toronto for licensing in Canada and currently practising in Ottawa for over four years. I can relate to pretty much everything you say. Very informative channel. Thank you.😊

[@anureetkaur6035]

Can u please tell me how many years it takes to be a dentist in canada

[@Meshal.97]

@@anureetkaur6035 I think it's 7 years to get bachelor degree

[@anthonyromano6921]

It all comes down to rural or big city. Here in NYC you have to work 5-6 days a week and you aren’t exactly killing it. Rural parts of the country you can work less and have a much better life style. Props to those who can do that.

[@heyyou4688]

Good to know pros and cons they should show this on career day

[@samanthasuarez2867]

Your video inspired me!!!!! I love it

[@xAiLOVEux]

PLS make a video on how you're paying off your debt. You said in this video you paid off your debt pretty quickly. Would LOVE to hear more in depth.

[@jmey]

In case you didn't see it - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5jEo3Vqn95rgLc. Raising your income is a big part of paying off your debt quickly. Though it's only one aspect! At the end of the day, it's not what you make it's what you save (and that's a story for another video)

[@piotr9175]

Work in a rural area. Work 60+ hours a week instead of 40. Live cheap, and put down as much as you can. 3-5 years and your debt is gone.

[@jonathanhughman154]

Do dental school through the military. You will graduate debt free

[@piotr9175]

@@jonathanhughman154but also half the civilian salary

[@jonathanhughman154]

@@piotr9175 only for the time you work for them

[@maxwellbalko2271]

Dr. Meyerson, you are the most inspirational and motivating dentist I have ever heard from. You single handedly got me a 23 on my PAT, and continue now to keep me determined in my journey to become a dentist. Thank you so much!!

[@jmey]

this made my week :)

[@hengzhao3062]

What do u mean he got u? Did he make a video on how to study for the dat or sum? I am taking mine in 3 months

[@Dxriz1]

@@hengzhao3062 I’m sure he helped him by explaining everything you go through in dental schooling on his videos and it helped guide the guy above us, I can definitely see this guy help others succeed in their career path

[@skdavidnba]

thank you for the brutal honesty! im graduating from a canadian dental school in a few months, and i am prepared for what's to come.

[@jmey]

Good luck, the best is yet to come!

[@retongkmhr6756]

Can I ask what dental school you go to? Or in what province?

[@elmo7816]

윌리엄?

[@skdavidnba]

@@elmo7816 😯😯

[@GretzkySanders]

The only thing is he left out about 200 other negative things about the profession. Maybe he'll go over some of them in future videos.

[@FinesseXL]

your the guy off bootcamp! forsure helped me on PAT. Good video !

[@jmey]

it me

[@Batoulhussain520]

Thank you so much I am senior In high school right now. 😭 I was like even if it’s hard I wanna do it. So many people got to the point to be dental but he you are said it’s fine. 🥺❤️

[@sarahe910]

Wow I never thought I'd see your face again after taking my DAT. Anyways, you were a hugeee help for the PAT section for me and helped me get a 30. thank you very much Joel!

[@jmey]

Wow! Such a nice message to receive and congrats on that insane 30! Glad you’re sticking around :)

[@AB-ld6ew]

May I ask what you used?

[@sarahe910]

@@AB-ld6ew bootcamp! did pat booster for a little bit but not all that much

[@PHILLYMEDIC69]

listen- although it can be 'easier' to make a lot of money through other professions such as business, engineering, there is a higher degree of risk associated with these routes in comparison to going to into the healthcare field (e.g., dentistry, medicine, etc.). There are a lot of people that have engineering and business degrees that are not making good money- hence the high risk factor.

[@jmey]

absolutely. dentistry is a very stable and predictable career.

[@Poshhbaby]

No risk. You just gotta get off your ass and actually go find a job.

[@alitawfik8517]

@@Poshhbaby as if it were that easy 💀

[@thedayofk2009]

I know you said don’t go into dental school wanting to specialize but I know that oral surgery is my truest passion. I’m fulfilled with becoming a general dentist but I definitely know I can make it to the end to become an oral surgeon!

[@jmey]

you'll need that determination to make it through, good luck!

[@rodied5128]

I have a ton of friends who are Dentist and I myself will be going into Dental School. You should keep an open mind because many times someone’s specialty will change from what friends have told me. Oral surgery is definitely great you also do two years of med school. Good luck in your endeavors!

[@idirisibrahim3349]

No Way LOVED! your PAT videos; helped me a lot. But great video wish I knew how taxing dentistry could be on your body. Already feeling these aches slowly creeping in D1 year. but love from OSU

[@jmey]

Stretching and in op posture are 🔑

[@ReidEvers]

Can you make a video about posture and what stretches you do to stay loose and prevent pain?

[@shanerobinson925]

Been a DA for a year but the owner of the practice has taken me under his wing and I’ve learned a lot in a year. Didn’t even go to a DA program learn all in the office. About to become a RDA. Have a few more years of undergrad. Then dental school! Very excited! Like yo I said that impact on patients is so rewarding to see. 1 question Doc I’ve been told that killing my Pre-requisites I can get into Demtal school without a bachelor? I would prefer to get a bachelor but want your opinion on that pls. Thank you so much.

[@abdullrahmantariq7883]

Love your channel

[@TurtleTimeVoiceOvers]

Cool video. Things to know before you _work_ for a dentist. “Some” dentists are crazy. My friends and I have been in the field for over 30 years as hygienists, assistants and office managers. The stories we could tell! We’ve discussed doing a video, “Things we wish we knew before becoming hygienists” etc. Dentists who _aren’t_ good with money like you obviously are and those that don’t become financially stable or profitable can be extremely difficult to work for. Sadly many struggle to pay off debt and/or are perfectionists to the level of it being an OCD. Two of three dentists I’ve worked for definitely have/had sociopathic tendencies. My friends and I call or tell each other every time we hear an investigative show like Dateline start like this. _It all started with a small town dentist..._ or, _No one suspected their favorite dentist could possibly have been involved in such a..._ That said, this gent seems like a great guy who’d actually be fun to work for. Another funny and frequent observation is that many dentists marry a hygienist (it’s very common) to save money. Beyond that $, I’m sure you love your beautiful wife. Great video. We appreciate your honesty.

[@jmey]

appreciate you sharing your insights! you definitely need to know who you're getting into bed with (figuratively) before you start working with someone

[@blaine8943]

What are your thoughts on a gap year post graduation? So right now I can only apply to one dental school in my home town because they don’t require a certain class most other places do. I plan to take this class in spring semester before graduation so technically I could apply to various or more schools next year if I wanted to rather than this upcoming year. It’s just been coming up quickly and I’m scrambling to finish up my hours of shadowing, so I was just curious your thoughts on this. I know it’s better to go into it right away, but I just want to make sure I am going into it confidently and with enough experience.

[@aubie3425]

Great video

[@arianhanify]

I have a question Doc🙋‍♂️ Should i pursue dentistry if i have lower back pain?(Is neck and back problems inevitable?)

[@fbrclips_yt2903]

This video almost made me cry

[@emichojnacki9948]

how are you able to take vacations whenever? do you work for private practice or offices owned by larger corporations?

[@anthonymarquez6493]

As a nurse I am looking for a career change I was initially thinking of med school but I am not so sure anymore. Dentistry is seeming appealing. I do want to work with patients and to have autonomy.

[@jmey]

it's a great field imo

[@Veinys]

When you were in college (if you were) what type of classes did you choose for the dental requirements?

[@SOMEONE-cd9wf]

Pay for dental school with the GI bill, or at least that's what I'm planning on doing. Serve in the US military for a couple years and they will pay for 36 months (4 years because breaks) of higher education with no cap for public universities. They will completely pay for dental school if you go to somewhere like Michigan, UCLA or Ohio state. You will graduate with little debt if any.

[@jmey]

great plan if you're up to it

[@brucele2056]

army isnt for everyone, it does have lots of benefits

[@brucele2056]

military*

[@ThePatriot2]

Hey I had the same idea, I’m 2 years into the military, did you start the process or no

[@sadiafaruque7705]

From which occupants i can be my own boss and earn a lot money except dentistry?

[@user-hi7xg3lh4g]

I graduated in class 12 and in 2023 it is the first year that im a dentist student be a dentist its my dream ♥

[@THEVEGEfr]

I'm considering going into dentistry, but I'm a little nervous I'll lose motivation while in school. Did you ever become jealous or frustrated that your peers were already making money and had jobs while you were still in school?

[@lancemadison5790]

try not to compare yourself to others. focus on whether you want it or not

[@coolpopular4life]

Nope bc i was very passionate about dentistry

[@mohammedalsammak7176]

Like what opportunities to make good money? Because in my eyes, doctors and dentists are the only guaranteed good salaries

[@sarahe910]

engineering/tech

[@tkwonders2342]

Software engineering

[@sherrane6734]

CRNA

[@ea886]

@@tkwonders2342 software engineers outside US dont make anything. Here in Europe it's max 60k p/y. Dentists with a own company can easily make above 100k p/y

[@starsuperville6863]

@@ea886yeah and Im moving to Europe. America is not it

[@lachrisamaloney4278]

I’m pre med and highly considering applying to dental school within the year. I don’t have any dental shadowing but physician shadowing, what do you recommend?

[@coolpopular4life]

Make sure you do smooth dental shadowing!! It’s a very different workflow etc. You would need to show this on your application

[@UriValdez]

Ive been an RDA for 12 years, know my way around the dental field well. I want to be a dentist but im nervous about having what it takes to get accepted. I haven’t been to school in a while so getting a high GPA scares me😢😢

[@jmey]

go for it!

[@whitemouse9533]

Do we get enough time to do part time job while in dental school?

[@emichojnacki9948]

do you know any stories of dentist from the US moving abraod like europe? and practicing/doing soemthing dental related there?

[@josephlubula6474]

Hello Dr Joel, I want to study dental surgery in the us, how can I go about it? I'm from Zambia 🇿🇲 southern part of Africa

[@sarahicamilleacevedo4339]

Question Can I go to dentistry even I have a bachelor degree in aviation management? Or do have to get a bachelor’s degree in a science field in order to go be a dentist?

[@iMUNIB]

Iam Pre Medical student in Pakistan and My dream is to become a dentist.

[@Kryojenix]

1:17 ouch!

[@ruthannprescott4451]

How did you pay your debt off so quickly?

[@cursedlife629]

I am a 1st year dental student (BDS) from Bangladesh. I want to practice in USA/UK😭. But for that,can i give exams for those early(during 3rd/4th year/internship) with those result? So that i Don't have to delay and start practice or do postgraduate there?😭😭😭😭??? I badly want to go there but can't now due to financial problem. Can we start early to start practice/postgraduate from there right after bds if start early?😭😭😭🙏🙏🙏🙏help😢😢😢😢

[@evikourkouni7058]

Do you work as an associate or have your own clinic??

[@anasmasood7586]

What type of dentist are you?

[@CupCake-pq8fn]

Do you take your work home?

[@adhkhjcdar634]

Well i just got into dental school and im self concious on how rly young i look.everyone who looks at me would always comment how tiny and young i look for my age,i feel like no one would take me seriously and its realy damaging me.i love the profession so much but i dont know how to not care about other people opinion about me. HELP ME PLS

[@jmey]

don't worry about it, I looked like an absolute baby when I graduated. you'll grow into your age, just focus on being a great dentist!

[@IwishyouwerehereI]

i want to be a dentist so bad but im too poor to afford it im genuinely so sad the town closest to me needs a dentist so bad everyone there has horrible teeth im still gonna try i hope i can become a dentist one day

[@rawan-ex1iv]

Aim for a scholarship . Study hard and do extracurricular activities, get perfect grades, write an outstanding personal statement and then you might get a scholarship.. who knows! Good luck!

[@samwisegamjee599]

Kindly help.I am foreign trained dentist personally I like dentistry but personally m above 30 n dont knw if I could handle so much debt... still thinking for dds BUT can u pls tell is there any good alternative like mha or mba healthcare? I knw they dont pay as much but still can these degree pay well or land jobs? Kindly help. Thanku.

[@classicrcheli9264]

I love teeth

[@ryankim8996]

Could you make a video talking about how you paid off your student loans off in such a short time?

[@jmey]

how I paid off my debt - kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5jEo3Vqn95rgLc

[@quiksilver87]

How do you think LOL? bust your ass and work 6 days a week.

[@hediyeh7853]

I want to work as singer and an actress alongside being a dentist So I wanted to know that does this job gives me the flexibility to pursue my other passions professionally alongside it ?

[@jmey]

you bet, one of the most flexible careers

[@hediyeh7853]

@@jmey great 👍 And I wanted to know if you could recommend other flexible careers in health care and medicine that gives me the time to do my other passion professionally?

[@jacksonwalsh4243]

I will have my bachelors covered by my GI Bill because I did four years in the military approximately how much debt to you estimate that I will rack up through dentist school alone?

[@Final_Payment]

he said it was approx. $400k in the vid

[@xxaugust16xx]

Mr. Jake Gyllenhaal here giving very helpful information

[@jmey]

my fiance Dani says she sees it

[@mari_-ji5sn]

How can you avoid neck and back pain in this profession?

[@jmey]

the golden question 🤔

[@DrRRaza]

@@jmey neck extensions and Face Pulls.

[@harvestingseason2725]

But joel what do u mean by extremely competitive world man. I thought dentistry is one of the most demanding careers out there. Isn't guaranteed for a dentist (whether looking for ownership or associate) to get a job right after dental school?

[@jmey]

almost nothing in life is without competition

[@harvestingseason2725]

@@jmey but is it extremely competitive? I know some factors can influence that like the region where u live at

[@lemon9312]

Hello, I am a high school student who is really passionate about becoming a dentist. Is it possible to go back to school to become a orthodontist after you have graduated dental school? Maybe in the work field for 3-4 years? Thank you

[@coolpopular4life]

Yessss, it’s just harder since you can potentially loss great mentors that can write strong letters in your applications, etc. But you can try to match after graduation

[@lemon9312]

@@coolpopular4life Thank you so much.

[@GospodinNelson]

I'm 18, I graduated from high school before 1.5 months and I enrolled at dental school. I got full scholarship so I won't have any debts. :-)))

[@jmey]

GL!!

[@2000sbb2u]

Don’t you need a bachelors degree before going into dental school?

[@GospodinNelson]

@@2000sbb2u I refer to undergraduate studies at uni.

[@jalo7289]

@@jmey doesn’t scholarship’s cover little to nothing? Unless u are already wealthy wouldn’t you still be paying out of pocket?

[@kiwithatpic7729]

I'm planning on being a dentist

[@kiwithatpic7729]

Whew I also said to myself that being a dentist I don't think you'll have to work everyday.

[@jmey]

^this is true

[@kiwithatpic7729]

@@jmey so even if you don't go to work will your salary be cut short

[@stefanie0158]

I have one week left to choose my field. And I m very confused between computer science engineering and dentistry it s so hard to choose

[@jmey]

try not to feel rushed, if you're unsure wait a year and make the right decision!

[@jhamjhamjhopebts6873]

What did you pick

[@stefanie0158]

@@jhamjhamjhopebts6873 I ended up picking engineering and damn it's extremely hard . I just started my second year. Didn't regret it tho.

[@thanhnhanphanthi1344]

I chose dental school. And I didn't know the first thing about this career. Now I start learning some subjects that require me to have dexterity. I'm not light-handed enough to do those things. I'm sad and exhausted... I don't know what to do :(

[@jmey]

this isn't uncommon. Keep going, keep practicing. It get's easier

[@GretzkySanders]

Get out and do something else.... It will be the best decision you can make. Unless you like getting someone else's spit and blood shot in your face for your entire life .

[@alfredcguo]

How does vacation time work as an associate? Can I just decide I want a month off in the summer? And pay is based on production?

[@jmey]

it would vary based on the agreement you have at your office. I can take vacation essentially whenever I want. I've never tried to take a month straight off, though the dentist that worked here before me used to and they'd get a locum dentist. Pay is almost always a percentage of production/collections

[@Amigo1187]

Where is your location sir? Are you doing a crown implants ?

[@jluna2026]

I am 28 and thinking about applying for Dental school? Good or bad idea?

[@jmey]

not too late if it's what you want to do

[@jewelz7973]

Which dentist specialty do you recommend

[@jmey]

Whatever you enjoy!

[@GretzkySanders]

The most important advice I have to anyone who wants to be a dentist is....to choose another profession.

[@harvestingseason2725]

Would you mind to elaborate a bit more besides dropping a bold statement such as that one?

[@coolpopular4life]

Lolz

[@alitawfik8517]

7-9 years?? It’s just 5 years and around 3 years if you want to specialize

[@jennytran1339]

he included the time for undergrad before getting into dental school

[@ggo.o9666]

@@jennytran1339 can you tell me what is undergraduate ? in my region dental school is only 5 years and u enter it directly so u r 18 when its your first year of dental school . but idk about america and else where they keep mentioning the undergraduate thing that i cant understand

[@mubarakouro3529]

@@ggo.o9666 undergraduate is college or university which is 4 years. so after high school, you graduate by 18, you go to college and graduate by 22, and another 4 years for dental school.

[@jmarie1926]

@@ggo.o9666 Where are you from?

[@ggo.o9666]

@@jmarie1926 Egypt

[@f.quinayjhonalei798]

[@samihdaifallah516]

I am 30 years old do you think it is worth it for me

[@jmey]

almost never too late if it's what you want to do

[@samihdaifallah516]

@@jmey I am just thinking about joining the navy reserve so they can pay my school 🏫 but the problem is what I will be doing for living like I don’t know I do Uber right now

[@eldjazaeri12]

Hello, are you a dentiste ?

[@thewannabepolyglot]

I am currently considering going to Europe to study Dentistry, I am an EU citizen, and the prospect of having 500k in debt in the US while trying to taking incredibly difficult exams which my livelihood rides upon terrifies me. Do you have any experience working with international dentists, or otherwise Knowledge on studying dentistry overseas? Thank you.

[@truthseeker4084]

Thats insane, I pay 270 Euros per semester in Europe for dental school lol. Its only 11 semesters so in total I pay around 3000 Euros for 5-6 years dental school. The US is insane!

[@coolpopular4life]

It’s ridiculous here in the U.S.!! You can try to apply on an educator license when you come back otherwise you’d have to match into residency or even repeat the last 2 years of dental school after passing boards (INBDE) which is a struggle. Idk why but it seems Canada is easier to start working in the Us than EU. Research throughly tho, otherwise you can go to a cheaper state school & save big

[@angiejacks1835]

@@truthseeker4084May I know from which European country are you studying dentistry and is it offered in English ? Thank you

[@OnlyStarSki]

Them shots ur wife is holdin got me terrified 😭😭😭

[@walterdan331]

To become a dentist in the UK takes only 5 years and a Dental hygienist 2-3 years but your grades must be high.

[@xepiloguex]

What I wish is that they taught dentist how to actually do good work. Instead half of the work looks like a 9th grade high school student done the work! Just because you can pass a class does not mean that you are good at your work. Stay humble and try to do the job right Instead of just trying to make money!

[@spindoctor4209]

One of the reasons people go into dentistry is for money. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Inherently no. But please show some philanthropy people there’s too many peoples suffering because they can’t get into packed offices that schedule you out six months for root canals and fillings.

[@jluna2026]

How old are you?

[@jmey]

31

[@jluna2026]

@@jmey I’m 28 and thinking about going to dental school. Thought? Am I too late?

[@FruittBasket]

@@jluna2026 never to late

[@hannahb7038]

No way! 28 is very youthful. You'd be practicing by your early 30s, if that were the age you began school. And early 30s is right around/only just barely above the age that the youngest doctors, nurses, other dentists, etc are when they get licensed.

[@bunobeatz5737]

Every single job has its BS that comes along with it no matter how much money you make

[@francielemacedo7995]

Vc fala rápido dms 🥺

[@jmey]

Devo desacelerar 🤔

[@fal.5256]

Dentistry has a high rate of unemployment in some countries unfortunately

[@jmey]

🤔

[@adhkhjcdar634]

Where?

[@shark-we4kl]

Me a european who doesn’t need to pay tuition fees 😈

[@Xxandross]

I’m interested in becoming a dental hygienist but seems like it’s dominated by women lmao