About my college education: My education is difficult and challenging but definitely worth it. If you enjoy situations where you are exposed to pressures, this is definitely the right course for you. I’m not scaring you or anything, I’m just being plainly honest.

In this course, it is not enough that you understand theoretical area of the course. If you’re good in memorizing but lack skills using your hands, this is not good for you. Basically, what I’m trying to say is that you must have dexterity. Since we are dealing with the small structures inside the mouth, we must be delicate enough not to hurt the patient when doing the treatments. Sometimes, the students forget that patients are also human beings that can feel pain and they are not just like your laboratory mannequins that can open their mouth 180 degrees.

When restoring the teeth with a filling, you’ll feel like you’re a sculptor since you are required to shape the tooth back to it's original form. You’ll also feel like an engineer when constructing dentures since it requires principles like you’re making a bridge.

Moreover, your social skill is also important. You must make the patients feel that they are in good hands; that you care for them. You must not let your patient be affected by your problems. You must always be polite even if the patient comes late and you only have an hour to finish the dental treatment. Everything you do in the clinic requires patience.

But all in all, it’s all about the effort and hard work. As long as you believe that you can succeed in this career, anything is possible.

My current job: I am an associate dentist for a private clinic located at Manila.

Am I using what I learned in college: Definitely yes. Everything that I learned in college are valuable for the growth of my career as a dentist. The skills such as problem solving skills, analytical skills, clinical skills that I have learned helped me manage the complaints of my patient.

In addition, it may seem that, as a dentist, I am only concerned with the oral cavity and it's associated structures but we, the dentists, may also be the one to first diagnose a medical condition of the patient. This is evident because of the fact that dental students must have an understanding of the basic sciences. In other words, we are required to understand all the body systems and the associated diseases. Because of the strong basic science training stressed in our first two years, it definitely provided us a solid foundation for professional growth. Moreover, this knowledge made us well prepared to critically review and analyze dental literature to help us manage to keep up with the latest dental trends.

How long did it take to find a job: Since I graduated from the premiere school of the Philippines, it wasn’t difficult to find a job. It just took me less than 2 weeks to find a stable and satisfying career.

Do I recommend studying Dental Medicine: I would definitely recommend my course to other people. Why? Because there are a lot opportunities for a dental graduate. You can practice in many different settings by being a general practitioner in all areas of dental medicine or maybe as a specialist. You can build your own private practice or enter the government as a community dentist. You may also apply for an externship in hospitals like the Philippine General Hospital and the Philippine Children Medical Center. Moreover, the dental graduate may also apply to become a dental researcher, teacher at a dental school or as a health-care administrators. There are a lot of career opportunities waiting for you after graduation.

You may also enrich your career by taking up postgraduate studies and many universities in the Philippines are providing these. If you want a very exciting career, I definitely recommend the study of forensic dentistry. I think, this specialization is only offered outside the country.

In terms of income, you will definitely have a higher salary rate compared to an average salary man because aside from the basic pay that you’re receiving from your employer, you will also be receiving commissions that may extend up to 40%. This means that if the total amount of treatments you did for the month is 50k, 40% of it will be yours. If you have your own clinic, you’ll definitely earn more.

Why did I choose Dental Medicine: Because I know science and memorization are my strength. And my parents are both dentists as well.

About my college education: Difficult is the patient management, scheduling of patient, getting dental chair for you to work at, the expenses are really high... We enjoy treating people's mouth and giving them a satisfaction.
I cant remember any boring part because 6 years of studying are all fun and memorable.
Interesting are those dissecting of cadavers, thesis, clinic hours restoring teeth, extracting teeth, cleaning the mouth etc..

Dentistry in UE is hard and at times strict (you will be asked to transfer school if you fail some subjects) for you to succeed you really need perseverance, patience, humility, competitiveness, time and money management, good rapport to patients/people and responsibility... You should not give up in the middle because in the end it will all be worth it.

My current job: I'm a licensed dentist. I treat people's mouth problem and complaints.

Am I using what I learned in college: Yes, of course. All are practical applications, from diagnostic of complaints, to treatment to prescription.

How long did it take to find a job: I traveled for 3 months after our board exam. It's not really hard for me to find a job, it's the job that will look for you. I actually got 6 job offers.

Do I recommend studying Dental Medicine: You will easily get a job especially if you are not choosy, they are the one who will tell you they need a dentist.

Salary level is really really low especially to newly passed dentists. Some just pay 400 for the basic! but others are a bit generous.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Just go for it. Be prepared. Enjoy the pre dental course. Save money. And

About my college education: Honestly, I studied Dentistry because its my parents choice. I want to take up Accounting then but in obedience I took up Dentistry. Its a Science course and theres a lot of difficult subjects in it like Histology, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Radiology, Physiology etc. I took it as a challenge and gave my best.

It's a 6 years course 2 years for predent and 4 years proper. At first im not sure I want to take it but reaching 2nd year proper I said to myself I have to be serious or else I have to change courses. I had fun and did my best. everyday being at the school is no joke but gaining knowledge, being patient and loving what you do keeps you going on.

At my junior and senior years it became tougher we have to look for patients who will let us do operations, restorations and do repeat appointments for them. not considering the money you give them for food and fare just to make sure that they come in time when you need them.

My current job: I've been a dentist for almost 28 years now. been practicing dental profession at home and now also works at the callcenter industry taking calls.

Am I using what I learned in college: Partly I can say I had invested so much in my carreer as a Dentist but due to the present economy we now have not all doctors and professionals had a very successful growth in their own fields. When my children grew up and was about to take College, we had difficulties financially considering both my kids took up B.S. Nursing. It so happened that my sister ask me if I want to apply as a callcenter agent. I just tried to do it and when I was hired I find it too different with my carreer and as the years go by never got tired of talking to people, helping them out with their needs at the same time enjoying the company of the young people I work with in the office. Now I can also associate my job as a Dentist when my officemates needs my help to do dental work like Orthodontics for them.

How long did it take to find a job: Right after graduation, I took the board examinations and passed it in take one. then I got involved in private practice at once and put my own dental office at home.

Do I recommend studying Dental Medicine: As a dentist in the Phillipines I can say that its not easy. you need to study very hard, invest a lot of money and the return is not to fast and easy to earn. The carreer is fulfilling especially when you see your work is done well and beautiful and when you satisfy your patients. Since I never really had the chance to be employed as a Dentist, I can say that being Self Employed takes a lot of responsibilities. Reason im staying as a customer service representative is because of the benefits, contributions and fixed income I gain each month.
As an advise to the young generation go where your heart and interest is. know what you like in life and be determined in your own carreers. To God Be The Glory !

Why did I choose Dental Medicine: My parents were both dentists. I saw how much they were making with this profession. Also, I would like to help children with their teeth.

About my college education: It was fun and interesting. There was a lot that I learned. Sometimes I wish I just took up Medicine. But it's okay. I helped a lot now. I also am selling dentistry equipment, so money is real good.

You need to study hard and be patient. You would need to have fun too or else you'll be killing yourself.

My current job: I am a dentist, I take care of people's teeth condition.

Am I using what I learned in college: Yes. I have used everything in my arsenal. It was quite easier than I thought. This is my first and only job.

How long did it take to find a job: Only a month, since we're a family of dentists.

Do I recommend studying Dental Medicine: Employment opportunities - not so much.

Fulfilling / interesting career - yes it is very fun and fulfilling helping other people

Salary level - depends on how you charge, but hey, I have my own car and house now, so figure it out!

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: If you really like it, go for it. Don't hold back, because everything you work hard for will be worth it.

Why did I choose Dental Medicine: To fullfil my mother's wish.

About my college education: Difficult, I learned that giving up is not an option just do your best and God will do the rest!

My current job: A licensed dentist.

Am I using what I learned in college: Definitely, because I am practicing my profession.

How long did it take to find a job: 1 month

Do I recommend studying Dental Medicine: Of course, it's an easy way to make money.

Advice to people who are thinking of studying this course: Never give up!