Colorado Technical University

Should I change careers and go to dental school at age 30?

I'm at a crossroads of sorts. My father is a dentist (DDS) and owns his own practice. He is retiring in the next 6 years and has always dreamed of having one of his children take over his practice. Well since I happen to be the youngest of his 3, I would be that child. However, I am already 30 years old! I am also married with a 2 year old and have worked as an advertising executive for the past 8 years. Also, I completed my bachelors degree in 1999! I went to the University of Southern California and graduated with a B.S. in Business Administration (emphasis in marketing). The only science courses I took was Physics and some random Earth science class. I think my overall GPA was 3.0 or less! Am I just way in over my head? Should I just ask my dad to stop dreaming and live with the reality that he will have to sell his practice to a non family member? By the way, I am all for this if it makes sense and isn't just a pipe dream. Financially, my husband works so we could skate by.

Public Comments

1. Um dentists make ALOT of $$. "skate by" would be a term used if you were say a receptionist. ...lol
2. Dental school is a big commitment so ask yourself if you want to go to dental school or do you just feel obligated to take over his practice
3. Well, I think you should do what you really want to do, and what will benefit your family. Will you always be working? You mentioned having a child... will be a stay-at-home mom for any period of time during his childhood? If so, it may not be worth it. If not, then I don't see why not. If your husband is supportive then nothing should be holding you back. Maybe you don't REALLY want this, just your father. IF you're fine with your situation with everything right now, I see no reason as to why you should drop everything. But if you do want it, it doesn't seem like there will be too many difficulites for you. Give it a shot if it's what you truly want.
4. W E L L.... your father has figured by now, with you being 30 years of age, that non of his children will take over his practice! Trust me, he knows... Anyhow, it takes a lot to go through dental school, and it will take you about another 8-10 years to pay the off the school. You think your Dad will give you his practice for free? You may even have to pay a (reduced) price to take over. So, lets say in about 15 years, you are about even. That is when you daughter is 17, and ready to go to college, which you can't pay for now, since you have been trying to play catch-up. Unless dentistry is you passion, do not go for it. You are to far established in your job. And didn't it take a few years to get really good at what you are doing ?...well, it takes even longer for a dentist, to become really good...about ten years in practice and out of dental school...add about five years to that and then you will start to experience 'dental-burn-out' syndrome. You'll may be fed up with dentistry in about 23 years...too early to retire.