There are many reasons people choose dentistry. Some enjoy blending their passion for science and art, some pursue it for the flexible lifestyle and independence, and others simply love helping people. However, at least a third of respondents to our survey said that one of the main reasons they pursued a career in dentistry is because someone they know influenced them, be it a family member, a friend, or their childhood dentist.
“Dad was a dentist and I worked with him. I enjoyed what he and I did together,” explained one respondent. “I had good experiences with ortho and extractions in my youth,” said another.
Current dentists, often without realizing it, are influencing the next generation who may enter dentistry and become future leaders in the industry. Always remember, whether it is your children or your younger patients, you are inspiring them to pick up that probe or drill.
Engage with your community, share your experiences, offer mentorship – and you just might spark the interest and motivation for a future practitioner to follow in your footsteps.
As seen in the print issue of Oral Health August 2024
In October and November 2023 Bramm Research, a third-party independent research house, conducted an online survey of active, practicing non-hospital affiliated dentists and dental specialists on behalf of Oral Health. Survey invitations went out to a contact list of approximately 9,000 readers and there were 265 completions, for a response rate of 2.9 With a total sample of 265, the margin of error is plus or minus 5.9 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level. If, for example, 50% of the sample indicated that agreed with a statement, then we can be reasonably sure (19 times out of 20) of an accuracy within +/- 5.9%. This means that a total census would reveal an answer of not less than 44.1% and not more than 55.9%.
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