Vet/Denist

[colleenbunny]

 Is there anyone on Binky Bunny who is a vet or a dentist? Could you tell me about your job, what you do, pros, cons, ect. I decided today that I want to either be a dentist, while being a vet in my spare time, or be one or the other.  Of course I have a few years until college.

[MoveDiagonally]

I’m not either but I do know someone that was going to school to become a vet. It’s very competitive and she told me it would have been easier to get in to med school.

Here’s some info on Vet education requirements from the Department of Labor.
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/veterinarians.htm#tab-4

According the that info there are 28 schools with Vet programs in the US. Less than half of all applicants get into veterinary programs. Most people have a Bachelor’s before they apply to a vet program so collectively you’re looking at a total of 8 years in college.

I found this info on the education required to be a dentist:
http://education-portal.com/education_needed_to_become_a_dentist.html

It takes just about as long education wise. 4 years for a bachelors and then 4 more for dental school, 8 total. You have to pass the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) before you can apply to dental school.

Both careers are attainable if you put in the hard work and prepare for them. I do think that trying to do BOTH would be a little unrealistic. Either would be a full time job and require a lot of dedication, ongoing training, etc… I’m definitely not trying to discourage you. You have a lot of time to figure out what you want to do

[Beka27]

I would call your dentist (and vet) and ask them each if they allow student shadowing. Spending a day or half-day watching what goes on from the dentist’s/dental assistant’s point of view AND the vet/vet tech’s point of view will shed a lot of light on the type of atmosphere you could expect.

I don’t have vet experience, but in the dental office you would be required to wear scrubs and a mask/eye protection to maintain infection control. With appropriate attire, you can observe directly over the dentist’s shoulder, and he/she would be able to explain the different procedures to you.

[Sarita]

I’m not sure you could do either in your spare time – they are definitely full time jobs that take alot of schooling.

I guess you could always consider being a vet that specializes in dental – that would require more certification, but there is a need for that as well.

I agree though contact your dentist for some insight as Beka recommends and the same for your vet.

[colleenbunny]

Okay! That sounds cool! Too bad I can’t become a det or a ventist.

[Author]

Messages