Have you or your child ever thought about becoming a dentist or orthodontist? \u00a0Throughout my years of practicing as both a general dentist and an orthodontist, many patients have expressed an interest in knowing more about my profession. \u00a0I thought that I’d write a blog letting readers know more about this fantastic career.<\/p>\n
My first bit of advice that I would offer is that if your child expresses interest in dentistry to get them into a dental office as soon as possible. \u00a0They could be an intern or shadow a dental professional. \u00a0Don’t be afraid to ask a dentist that you know! \u00a0I love having young people around our orthodontic office in Castle Rock, especially when they are really interested in orthodontics. \u00a0If there is an opportunity to work in the mouth at all, take it. \u00a0People often asked me when I knew that I could work in mouths all day. \u00a0Well, before dental school I worked as a dental assistant \u00a0in Connecticut to make sure that I could work in the mouth. \u00a0I cannot emphasize the importance of this enough. \u00a0I remember several classmates in dental school who realized after school began that dentistry was not the career for them.<\/p>\n
Some basics:<\/p>\n
* \u00a0Take as many science classes as you can in high school and undergrad. \u00a0Math helps, too.<\/p>\n
* \u00a0Dental School is a four year program and you must have a four-year undergraduate degree prior to applying to a Dental School.<\/p>\n
* \u00a0In order to get into dental school you must have some basic sciences and you must take the DAT, or Dental Admission Test. \u00a0If you purchase \u00a0a guide to getting into dental school\/the DAT, the book will give you a list of all of the dental schools and their contact information so that you can find out what they require for prerequisite classes.<\/p>\n
* \u00a0Once you are in dental school, you might decide to specialize. \u00a0Specializing can take another several years AFTER dental school, depending on what route you take. \u00a0Some specialties include orthodontics (moving teeth, usually using braces and Invisalign), Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontal (gums), Endodontics (root canal specialist) or oral surgery.<\/p>\n
All of this education sounds like a lot, but they were some of the best years of my and my family’s life. \u00a0My friends in dental and orthodontic school worked hard but had a lot of fun together and our families all became really close.<\/p>\n
Don’t underestimate the importance of loving to work with people. \u00a0I love working with kids so orthodontics is great for me. \u00a0I also have to ease the fears of adults, not to mention educate them about what treatment is needed for their children. \u00a0Being good with people is really important in this profession.<\/p>\n
Finally, choose to work in a place that you love. \u00a0The rest will come. \u00a0I love living and working in Castle Rock and going to work each day is a pleasure. \u00a0You should really love what you do so just be sure to pick a location that you enjoy, too.<\/p>\n
I can’t imagine being anything else besides an orthodontist and I’m so glad that I chose this profession.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Dr. Rejman, Meadows Orthodontics, Castle Rock, CO \u00a080109 \u00a0(303) 660-0112 \u00a0 \u00a0www.meadowsorthodontics.com<\/p>\n
Dr. Rejman is a Board Certified Orthodontist who graduated from The University of Michigan’s School of Dentistry in 2003. \u00a0His practice, Meadows Orthodontics, is located in The Meadows in Castle Rock, Colorado. \u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n
![\"Meadows](\"http:\/\/live-meadowsorthodonticsdotcom.pantheonsite.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/08\/536687_533106510077794_475177267_n-e1376602486734.jpg\")
<\/a>