I like the confidence, but I wouldn't just assume you can beat out those old timers. They didn't have as competitive of an admissions process, but I'm not sure how well DAT scores, undergraduate GPAs, or these silly interviews correlate with business acumen.
I couldn't imagine how I would set up a niche that established dentists (with capital and experience) and relatively new dentists (with recent education equal to mine) couldn't easily enter within a few years of noting my success. I mean, they have access to the same CE and, thanks to the competition, probably represent some of the more creative, likable, and clever dentists out there.
I'll talk briefly since it's up to each and every one of us to find a way.
who do you think would do better filling? old dentist. what about crown preps? old dentists.
so we won't be able to compete in those categories. they can do it better. in less time. very efficiently. Not to mention, they already have reputation to attract new patients.
But we can do something a little different.
I can pick some procedures that most dentists don't like to do. I can limit my scope of practice and learn to be very good and efficient. Soon or later, I will be getting enough referrals to fill my schedule. I won't have much competition and with efficiency I can see a lot of patients and crank up $$$ numbers.
That's just one example of finding your own niche. finding a niche is not easy (easier to be said and done ) def requires a market and demographic research and a lot of analyzing and headaches.
I believe being clinically excellent does not guarantee financially success. Likewise, being old & experienced does not mean great interpersonal skills.
As you mentioned, the old timers have accumulated resources and experience. That's why we got to spend a tons of time on finding a niche. Like I said, it's not easy. If it's easy, everyone will be successful.
Lastly, about the competition. Nowadays, dental school admission is so competitive, an applicant has to be well-rounded. One has to do a bunch of ECs (requires time management skills, be able to multitask) and know what each school is looking for whether it's grade, scores, ECs, essay, research, or volunteering (be able to gather n analyze information and objectively evaluate yourself ). A lot of applicants contact admission staffs or current students to get more info and build connections (taking initiative). I could go on but I think you get the point.
You have valid points and I know what you mean, but I believe when we stop focusing on why we can't be successful , we can finally see opportunities that lead us to success.
, but how much should we worry? I know that California (especially So-Cal) is pretty bad. I'd appreciate responses from dentists and those knowledgeable on the matter (Dr. Pham etc). Thank you!
