Choose your path: 10 questions to ask to find the right dental career for you

Finding the right career path as a new dentist can be a daunting task, but knowing your options and taking the time to understand your priorities can help.

Below are 10 questions you can ask yourself to help you discover what matters most to you in your dental career.

To get career recommendations based on those priorities, head to the ADA Member App to take a career path quiz. The tool showcases nine paths for dentists: solo owner, small group practice, dental support organization, DSO co-owner dentist, dentist in the military, dental faculty, dentist in medical settings, federally qualified health center dentist, medical-dental practice and dentist in federal settings.

You will receive a primary career recommendation and additional careers to consider, as well as an overview of each path so you can explore all options.

Download the app by searching “ADA Member App” in your device’s app store.

1. Do I want to be my own boss?

2. Do I want a career that helps me repay student loans?

3. Do I want to have the flexibility to move around and live in different places?

4. Do I want others to handle the business operations of the practice where I work?

5. Do I want to manage staff and develop a team?

6. Do I want to focus on working directly with patients?

7. Do I want to work with other dentists who are more experienced than I am and can serve as my mentors?

8. Do I want to care for people from underserved communities?

9. Do I want a career that allows me to integrate oral health into a primary care setting?

10. Do I want to be involved in the dental community?