Would I Make A Good Dentist?
A career as a dentist requires patience, focus and a high level of patient care. How do you know if dentistry is the right path for you? Take the self-assessment quiz below and find out if you're a good match for the role!
How many of the attributes below describe you?
| Are you comfortable with close one-on-one interaction? | Yes or No |
| Are you a good conversationalist? | Yes or No |
| Do you pay close attention to detail? | Yes or No |
| Are you trustworthy? | Yes or No |
| Are you passionate about oral hygiene? | Yes or No |
| Are you sensitive to the needs of others? | Yes or No |
| Do you like helping others? | Yes or No |
| Do you work well with others? | Yes or No |
| Are you coordinated and dexterous? | Yes or No |
| Are you willing to continue your education throughout your career? | Yes or No |
Why Does a Dentist Need These Qualities?
Are you comfortable with close one-on-one interaction?
Dentists will not only be interacting with patients, but will be working within very close quarters and will need to be comfortable with this closeness.
Are you a good conversationalist?
Patients often can't make conversation when they're getting dental work done, so the dentist must be able to keep the environment relaxed and be comfortable keeping up one-sided conversation.
Do you pay close attention to detail?
Because of the aesthetic nature of their work, dentists need to pay close attention to detail and be able to perfect the craft and art of dentistry.
Are you trustworthy?
A patient must be able to trust their dentist to work on their teeth including while patients are under anesthesia.
Are you passionate about oral hygiene?
Having a passion for oral hygiene is critical for dentists, as they will be promoting it and committing their work time to it as well.
Are you sensitive to the needs of others?
A dentist must be sensitive to any pain or discomfort their patients may be experiencing while they are having dental work done.
Do you like helping others?
Dentistry is a career that is dedicated to the service of others, so dentists should be passionate about helping people.
Do you work well with others?
Dentists often work on a team with hygienists and assistants and should be good at cooperating and collaborating.
Are you coordinated and dexterous?
In order to work efficiently and carefully, a dentist needs to have great dexterity and the ability to multitask.
Are you willing to continue your education throughout your career?
Dental technologies and techniques are always evolving, and a good dentist will continue learning in order to stay up to date with new trends and methods.
Getting Your Dental Career Started
Did you answer yes to the majority of the questions above? If so, you may be on track to become a great dentist. Aspiring dentists must complete a dental training program in addition to training in one of the nine available dental specialties.
