I must say that as somebody who doesn't give a flying bleep about dentists or dentistry, I must say this thread has been FANTASTIC. Great reading.

I agree. It has been strangely interesting...

Gotta say, of all the jobs in the world, one of the last I would ever consider being is a dentist. Seems like being a highway patrolman: Everyone dreads having to see you.

I DO appreciate a good dentist though, so for all you good dentists out there, thanks!

Big C_Cal;348827 said:

---

I agree. It has been strangely interesting...

Gotta say, of all the jobs in the world, one of the last I would ever consider being is a dentist. Seems like being a highway patrolman: Everyone dreads having to see you.

I DO appreciate a good dentist though, so for all you good dentists out there, thanks!

---

And Big C: For all you great patients out there----Thanks!!!!! The 95% made life worth practicing. Believe it or not, most days are pretty quiet around a dental office. Not boring, but quiet. Loved Bears2thDoc write-up. He captured it quite well. Funny thing, UCSF grads back in the 60s pounded gold foil with the best. Guess the philosophy at the top changed and we are perceived as the old Harvard now---think tank, specialty driven???

Bears2thDoc;348810 said:

---

If one likes people, has good conversational ability, and works well with one's hands then one should consider the profession.

---

Um, good conversational ability? Speaking as a dental patient, I always resent a dentist who tries to hold a conversation with me while both his fists are crammed into my mouth.

Dentist: "So, how 'bout those Bears? Great game on Saturday, eh?"
Me: "BLh,duh,gp,do"
Dentist: "Yeah, wasn't Jahvid's touchdown run spectacular? What did you think of the O line blocking scheme on that play?"
Me: "BLh,duh,gp,do"

As a patient, what I most appreciate is a dentist who hires attractive dental assistants. It makes for a much more pleasant experience in the chair.