There are many ways to explore this career. First, learn industry lingo by visiting https://www.aaoms.org/education-research/dental-students/glossary-of-terms. Then, check out the American Dental Association’s job exploration Web site, http://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/careers-in-dentistry/be-a-dentist, for more information on the benefits of a career in the field and tips for high school and college students. Finally, participate in an information interview or job shadowing experience to learn more about careers in dentistry and oral and maxillofacial surgery. Here are some questions from the American Dental Education Association that you should ask during the experience:
- What do you like most about your work?
- What do you find challenging about your profession?
- Would you still pursue dentistry if you could go back in time?
- What are some of the highlights of your work?
- What gets you excited about coming to work every day? If you were not practicing dentistry, what would you be doing?
- If you could change something about the practice of dentistry, what would it be?
- What did you think about your dental school experience? Do you have any advice? What was the most challenging aspect of dental school?