Do you have to be clear of any cavities to become a dentist? Would you think less of your dentist if you...?

Question

knew he had bad teeth?

I'm 13 and thinking about wanting to become a dentist, and in my other post, you see that I am not exactly cavity free...

Answer 1

Cavities happen for a number of reasons (I got my first after being pregnant twice in three years - one dentist tried to pin it on my hygiene (which is excellent - and I have been blessed by great teeth), but a hygienest later explained to me that it is caused by hormonal and nutritional changes imposed during pregnancy).
I can tell you one thing, I have NEVER looked inside my dentists' mouths.
So, no. I don't think this should at all prevent you from becoming a dentist, and might give you an edge, because you would have tons of empathy for people with bad teeth and who have had to undergo a lot of dental work. So look on the bright side!
If you do become a dentist, you can have professional discounts from other dentists and get all your teeth fixed and looking great and nobody but you will be the wiser! Best of luck to you.

Answer 2

It's not a requirement that there have BEEN no problems but it would certainly be reassuring to patients if a dentist has taken good care of her teeth and addressed any problems i.e. cavities filled, yellowing whitened, and even crooked teeth straightened. Also, bad breath would be a very off-putting sign.

In fact, having had problems and addressed them is the best possible advertising for a dentist. A dentist who has never had any problems might not have the proper empathy with her patients.

Answer 3

Well, if know about the damage cavities can do to your teeth, you'll get them fixed. Having a cavity open without getting a filling can result in tooth loss or you might need a root canal. I would feel uncomfortable if my dentist had bad teeth. Persue your dream, AND persue a healthy smile. Good luck

Answer 4

That would be a pretty unrealistic criticism. Most cavities are formed in childhood. On the other hand, if the dentist hadn't taken action to get caps and other cosmetic repairs to the childhood damage, then I'd be concerned.

Answer 5

No, I wouldn't think less. Most people have fillings. Largely the nature of the foods we all tend to eat that aren't so great for us or our teeth. On top of that, some people (like me) just have weak tooth genes. I don't think it affects their ability to be a good dentist. If anything, someone who's had to sit in that chair a bit like I have at least knows how it is to have all that done.

Answer 6

If anything I would think more of my dentist if s/he admitted that s/he had poor oral health as a teen and was inspired to become a dentist as a result. It puts me off when the dentist or hygentist comes off holier than thou because they have perfect teeth. I have changed dentists because of the hygenist bugging me about flossing. yes she was right, I did need to floss more but bugging me about it isn't going to make me floss more. People in the health care profession should know better. It makes you seem more human and approachable if you have flaws that people can identify with.

Answer 7

no. that would make them normal. it would be saying you have cavities but your not alone because i have them too. when you have someone afraid to get a filling you can flash the dental work you have and say. it didnt hurt. i was unconfortable but it didnt hurt

Answer 8

well no one could stop you from becoming one no matter how good your teeth are...
if you think about it- aren't there overweight doctors?
people still listen to them when they say to watch your diet.
if that's what u want-go for it!
i wouldn't think less of my dentist as long as they treated mine well
my dentist had bad breath!

Answer 9

ok you are right... you are crazy