DrStudentDentist

Today, Monday, was a lot slower than last Friday. I was forewarned of this and told that I should probably come back on Thursday and Friday instead. I have to admit, it was pretty boring. Nothing to watch but consults and post-op checks. Of course, that was the whole point of shadowing: to see the good and the bad, the exciting and the boring. I mean, heck, I’d love to be in the thick of the action 24/7 but alas, that just isn’t to be and I am aware that slow comes with every occupation, specialty or not.

I did get to speak with the oral surgeon and his wife, who’s a general dentist. It was good to get some insight into why they picked the career choices they did, especially his wife’s since she’s pregnant and working. As a female, sometimes I wonder what the repercussions will be of delaying a family in favor of a career. I know “of” the repercussions but that’s not quite the same as waking up one day to the realization of the permanency of a decision I made years ago. That is one of the reasons I picked dentistry - the opportunity to balance family and career. No decision needs to be made yet since I haven’t even started dental school or have a significant other. I’m merely noting. Funny but I don’t think male students have thoughts like these cross their minds.

I’m interested in talking to the female oral surgeon on staff and get her opinion but she works one day a week. I wonder if that’s because she’s got a family.