Posted by Amy Carbone on Aug 17, 2020 9:00:00 AM
Is it too late to start dental school when you’re 30?
In short, no.
However, there are some specific points you may want to consider before applying. Explore these three important considerations for dental school attendance at or after the age of 30 as you’re making this big decision.
Consideration 1: Are You Passionate about Dentistry?
To enter dental school around age 30, it’s important to ask yourself how serious you are about dentistry. Dental school is expensive, and while a career as a dentist can be lucrative, much of the early years can be burdened by that expense. In addition, no one wants to work in a career where the days feel long and arduous — a career should be rewarding, fulfilling, and enjoyable.
In other words, you should love dentistry.
Consideration 2: Do You Have The Support of Your Loved Ones?
Attending dental school is an immense time commitment, and the demands of your education will impact your life outside of school. Your children, parents, close friends and spouse may all be affected by your attending dental school.
Consequently, their support may have an enormous impact on your ability to pursue success.
While having your loved one's support isn’t a requirement for dental school, it may be a good idea to ensure everyone is on the same page and equally committed towards your career advancement.
If they aren’t, you want to know that now versus later. At least then you know where you stand and how much support you can expect.
Ideally, your family can be right there with you to help you and provide relief when you need it.
Consideration 3: How Much Work Can You Tolerate?
By the age of 30, you may already have a family, spouse, and established career. That’s why it’s important to know whether you can handle dental school in addition to your current workload.
Can you successfully complete dental school as you continue to provide for your family?
You will almost certainly have to make some sacrifices to get successfully through dental school and become a practicing dentist.
The amount of sacrifice that is considered acceptable will vary and is unique to your own situation. There is no set amount of time building your dental career will take, but it may significantly affect your availability for the entirety of your attendance.
Plan for Your Future with Treloar & Heisel
If you’re serious about pursuing dental school, it’s important to know that there’s more to your future career than simply practicing dentistry.
Becoming a successful dentist requires planning, insurance coverage, and partnerships with other companies that you trust.
Treloar & Heisel is a company providing insurance coverage in the dental industry. We’ve served dentists for more than 60 years through every phase of their careers from dental school through retirement.
Learn more about how we work with dentists by reading about what we do.
Treloar & Heisel and Treloar & Heisel Property and Casualty are divisions of Treloar & Heisel, LLC.
Insurance products are offered through Treloar & Heisel, LLC.
This information is intended for general informational purposes only and is not intended as advice.
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