Indulge us in a little story time for a moment. You've dreamt of becoming a dentist your entire life. While other kids played with Nerf Guns or dolls, you were busy setting up an op so your best friend could get a “root canal.” You moved through the ranks in undergrad, and you chose the best dental school for your goals. And now you're preparing to take the DAT.

If this sounds like your story, and you're preparing to face the frontier of landing a job that you've prepared for, likely longer than the 8 years it took for you to go to dental school, you may be asking yourself, where do I start? What's the first step?

Dental students, this one is for you.

We asked three of our partner dentists three questions about their post-grad thoughts: What knowledge did they wish they had? Their answers might surprise you, but if anything is true, it’s that hindsight is 20/20.

Dr. Park from Orange Park Dentistry

What is one thing you wish you knew when you just got out of dental school?

A dental office is more than dealing with patients. You have to manage your entire staff. There are many different personalities in a dental office, and it is your job to manage and motivate them. This can really overwhelm new dentists who really didn't think this would be a part of the job. That's why it’s so important to choose the correct organization or company to partner with.

What’s one thing you’d tell someone in dental school right now?

Do not be overly concerned with grades while in clinic. You need to push yourself; you won’t get anywhere good without pushing yourself, but also give yourself grace after you gave it all you've got. Any mistakes you think you will make, it's better to make the mistakes in school.

What’s one thing you wish was easier as you started your career?

I wish it were easier to deal with insurance and all the frustrations that come with it. I’m thankful Operation Dental supported me on this because it can really be a headache.

Dr. Mirbey-Stallard from Clermont Dentistry

What is one thing you wish you knew when you just got out of dental school?

How to manage a team and be a business leader. When you sign on to own your practice, in whatever capacity, you are the lead and the manager. You have to think about all aspects of the business. Operation Dental has made this a breeze so that I can focus on patients.

What’s one thing you’d tell someone in dental school right now?

I would say to worry less about dentistry and more about the team. Life is better on the other side. Don't stay too long with a large corporation whose only concern is bottom-line revenue. Learn as much as you can so that you can make decisions that are right for your goals.

What’s one thing you wish was easier as you started your career?

I wish I knew that being confident with patient treatment planning will change the way the treatment happens. Confidence in yourself changes patient care. Oh, and leadership. I wish I had more leadership skills because it’s a crucial part of the day-to-day.

Dr. Amador from Lake Mary Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry

What is one thing you wish you knew when you just got out of dental school?

I wish I knew what the real world was about, specifically, I wish I knew how to nurture patients, and the many diverse personalities. It can be a lot to interact with so many different types of people throughout the day, not to mention your staff as well. Also, I wish I had guidance on finding or starting a great dental practice.

What’s one thing you’d tell someone in dental school right now?

I’ll keep this short and sweet: make sure it's your true passion and commit to it.

What’s one thing you wish was easier as you started your career?

I wish I knew what the real world was about, specifically, I wish I knew how to nurture patients, and the many diverse personalities. It can be a lot to interact with so many different types of people throughout the day, not to mention your staff as well. Also, I wish I had guidance on finding or starting a great dental practice.

Questions on taking the next step in your dental career? Connect with us here!