Four Reasons to Consider the Dental Profession

Considering a career in the dental field? Those who opt to become a dentist can enjoy a fulfilling career through helping others and learning the latest techniques with exciting technologies. In fact, U.S. News and World Report even placed this profession at the top of its list of best jobs for 2017. Here are four reasons why dentistry is a great field to pursue.

1. Rapidly Increasing Job Prospects 

Those who enter the dental field will be in high demand. Many dentists who were educated in the 1960s and 1970s are now poised to retire, and the need for additional dental care for the aging baby boomer population will only increase. Projections by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that there will be more than 26,000 job openings for new dentists by 2024.

2. The Ability to Transform Lives

Dentists can provide a tangible, positive change in the oral health of their patients. Whether through promoting oral hygiene, transforming a damaged smile, or eliminating pain, dentists can truly make a difference in the lives of their patients.

3. Independence and Flexibility

Dentistry is an ideal career for anyone who has dreamed of owning a business, as up to 80 percent of dentists open a private practice shortly after completing residency. Private practices provide flexible hours that allow professionals to set a schedule that fits their lifestyle. For this reason, dentistry is often named as a great career for those who want to start a family. Career opportunities also abound for dentists in research and academics.

4. High Salary

While the cost of dental school is significant, graduates who become a dentist earn a substantial salary when they enter practice. According to a 2014 survey from the American Dental Association Health Policy Institute, those who own a stake in an independent practice earned an average annual salary of $183,340; for specialists, the average was $344,740.

For family-oriented dental care in Independence, MO, trust Dr. Robert Hanson at Hanson Dentistry. He strives to treat each patient like family. We offer general and cosmetic dentistry along with treatment for sleep apnea. Contact us online or call 816-373-5606 to schedule an appointment today.