u/Embarrassed-Spot-618

Anybody else completely uninterested while shadowing? I’m sure watching dentistry and doing it are two different things, but just standing there watching dentists do their thing was not exciting. How am I supposed to know if I like a profession just from watching it, especially considering how hands-on dentistry is? Is this universal, and do people still pursue this career after feeling this way? The only thing that was appealing was the lifestyle after talking to dentists, if I’m being honest. Should you get a sense of fulfillment at the thought of being a dentist, or does that come with practicing?

I know this question gets asked a lot, but I’d appreciate some fresh perspectives.

I graduated in 2025 with a chemistry degree and a 3.87 GPA originally planning to pursue a PhD. That changed, and I pivoted toward dentistry. I’ve shadowed quite a bit, but honestly I’m struggling to feel excited about the field outside of the stability, income, and hands-on aspect of the work. I know shadowing and actually practicing are different, but I’m not sure I see myself fulfilled long term.

Recently, a family member suggested I look into anesthesiology. I’ve started learning more about the field and it genuinely interests me in a way dentistry hasn’t. I’m planning to shadow soon to get a better sense of it.

My biggest concerns are whether I’m realistically cut out for medical school and whether I’m starting too late. I’m 24 now, and if everything went well I’d likely matriculate around 26. I also come from a chemistry background rather than a traditional biology-heavy path, so I worry I’d be at a disadvantage academically. I do meet the prerequisites for many schools, but I’m not naturally great at brute memorization—I tend to do much better when I deeply understand concepts.

I’m also worried about the financial side. With the current student loan situation and borrowing limits, the debt for either medicine or dentistry feels intimidating, even though both fields have strong earning potential long term. For people already in these careers: was it worth it for you financially and personally? Are you still fulfilled? If you could go back, would you still choose medicine, or would you choose something else like dentistry?

Right now I’m trying to figure out the smartest next step. Should I:

- Continue shadowing both dentistry and medicine?

- Start MCAT prep now or wait until I’ve shadowed more?

- Take additional biology courses like A&P, genetics, or cell biology?

- Focus on one path, or keep both dentistry and medicine open for now?

I’m also working on building volunteer experience since I wasn’t very involved in extracurriculars during college.

For those who were uncertain early on, what helped you figure out the right direction?