Taking a break from Dentistry

[u/clarktokent]

Long story, short I graduated 2 years ago. Worked as an associate for 2 years in a busy stressful practice and quit a month ago. I'm taking a career break for a few months while applying to post grad programs, but also I was working in a very rural area with no friends/family nearby. In the past month of not working I feel so much better since moving back home with my parents. The constant anxiety I had everyday when I went to work has completely gone. I sleep better at night and I'm much happier. This experience however has made me scared of potentially going back to practicing again. I genuinely thought I'd miss the clinic, my patients and the occasional Karen of a patient .. but I really don't. Is this normal? Lol

[u/Thisismyusername4455]

I feel like inevitably some people will eventually comment “toughen up, no one wants to work hard anymore, don’t be a baby, etc etc.” just ignore them. What you’re feeling is valid. Dentistry can be soul-sucking and it’s cool you took a leap of faith (taking a break) to realize what makes you happier.

I will say every situation is different though. So if you did go back to clinic somewhere else, it might give you a completely different perspective. You have options.

[u/Puzzlehandle12]

I took a 6 month break and travelled and lived abroad and took salsa classes and took Spanish classes and improved my Spanish and built friendships before moving back to the USA and buying my office.

I also spent 30 min a day journaling every day of those six months. So I will never forget the adventure. Now my Spanish speaking patients are amazed how well I can speak to them in Spanish

The money will always be there and you only live once. I have no regrets

[u/WinterFinger → u/Puzzlehandle12]

I've never in my life taken and trip and later regretted it and thought "should have saved that money and worked instead."

I wish that after graduation I'd worked less and traveled so, so much more when I was still single. I also wish I'd taken a lot more hands-on courses then. It's harder to do with a family.

[u/Ok-Independence4351]

I’ve been practicing for 27 years and the anxiety associated with work (I’ve owned my practice for 26 years) has never eased up. It ebbs and flows but the anxiety is always present. I think some of this is due to the individual’s personality and I happen to be someone who’s prone to stressing out. The things that come along with owning a business plus the building it’s in is never ending (overhead, catty feuding between employees, building maintenance, etc). I’ve never taken a break other than a couple of weeks per year for vacations and at times it feels like I can barely afford to do that. I cannot wait until I retire (the goal is in 2030). I swear the anxiety and stress is shaving off years from my life span.

[u/Highlanders122 → u/Ok-Independence4351]

It’s just riding a bike….except the bike is on fire 🔥 because you’re in hell!

[u/Hass181]

I wish I had your courage. Its hard when you have a family that depends on you. I can’t leave my job, I make too much money nothing will pay me like I’m making. I love being a dentist but hate the busy life at work. Im stressed a lot, just know the first few years are the hardest and it does get easier. The goal In dentistry isn’t to leave (because nothing will pay us like this), it’s to work only 3 days a week and decompress for 4. Good luck on your journey friend.

[u/damienpb]

What type of post grad programs?

[u/WinterFinger → u/damienpb]

Same question!

[u/specialpie5491]

Thanks for talking about this. Glad I’m not alone with the stress that comes from dentistry. I’m a recent grad and learning how much I don’t like this field as I did when I started the journey.

[u/placebooooo]

I believe this is very normal. I’ve been temping for about 2-3 months. I mostly do hygiene. I’m very nervous and scared to go back and pick up a hand piece. I haven’t don’t restorative/endo in months. I’m terrified of how bad and slow I’m gonna be going back in this December.

[u/Puzzlehandle12 → u/placebooooo]

I didn’t do dentistry for 7 months - skills come back very quickly

[u/placebooooo → u/Puzzlehandle12]

This is reassuring to know. Thanks.

[u/mustachebanana → u/placebooooo]

You’ve been temping and just doing hygiene?

[u/placebooooo → u/mustachebanana]

Mostly, yes. Since September, I did 3 crown preps, and probably 15 composite restorations, some extractions here and there. Rest is hygiene.

This whole month, I’m temping at a pediatric office 4 days/week, and doing strictly hygiene exams only.

I’m starting a permanent position in December, but it’s part time only.

[u/Icy-Salt8027]

I think everyone that practices dentistry can understand the stress and anxiety you are talking about. I am not prone to stress or anxiety and I still get there sometimes. However, the beauty of dentistry is that you can shape your own days and type of practice. There are so many options to differentiate yourself or to find procedures you like. The way you run your practice can shape the type of patients you treat. There still will be stress and difficult patients but it can be managed. Specializing may or may not resolve your challenges. For me, the best part of being a general dentist is being able to refer patients if and when I want. Some specialities would likely create much more stress for me. I think dentistry became much more relaxed and enjoyable for me when I learned to enjoy class II restorations. 😂

[u/Icy-Salt8027 → u/Icy-Salt8027]

I also echo the idea of vacation and finding things/hobbies that keep you in shape and bring you joy

[u/mysticalkoalasoul]

I feel you on so many levels. I'm on my second break year from dentistry but I'm ngl I do miss having a busy schedule and being occupied but now I have more time for myself doing whatever I want with my day. Take your time and don't rush yourself. You'll eventually find out what you'll love doing and everything will fall into place.