Hi,

I am currently a pre-dental in one of the accelerated programs and should be moving onto dental school this coming fall. During summer break, I wanted to try out becoming a pilot as it was one of my career choices when I was a kid. So, I am currently working on my PPL along with school. According to my google searches, there is a shortage in pilots in the US, but I see one, sometimes two, dental offices in every mall strip in my hometown. Both jobs are 7 out of 10 in terms of enjoying what I want to do as a job. I am unsure whether I can land a job as a dentist and make good money. On the other hand, I know that the major airlines pay good salaries, but sometimes throw ridiculous schedules at you. Any other pros and cons of choosing one over the other?

I have read one of the posts here with the same question that I have, but that post was from 2008 and I feel like the world has completely changed from 14 years ago.
I appreciate any insight from you guys.

Thanks!

 

Dentistry will pay decent money, certainly similar to major airline FO. With some experience and your own practice it will allow you schedule flexibility and the ability to balance schedule and money. Won't work many weekends or holidays. Even more money if you specialize in something. Dentistry is pretty stable, there was a minor downturn during covid as people put off teeth cleaning, but if you need a root canal, you need it today.

Aviation *can* provide good money and schedule but it takes some time to get there. That timeline is compressed right now, but we are experiencing an unprecedented hiring wave... that will taper off some by the time you would apply to airlines. There's also potential industry turmoil... actually potential isn't a good word because it happens like clockwork about every ten years (war, economy, plague, terrorism, and probably something we haven't seen yet). Once you get some seniority (20-30% from the bottom at your career-destination airline) you should be safe from furlough, but might still take a paycut in a downturn.

If neither job is particularly exciting, I'd do dentistry and maybe buy a plane in a few years.

 

Look into suicide rates for dentists...highest out there at some point in time. Inflicting pain face-to-face, even though it's incidental to improving your patient's lives eats away at the soul.

 

That’s true. I don’t have to look at them when they experience my landings.

 

They also have easy access to nitrous oxide, and many suicides are accidental after falling asleep while wearing a mask.

 

I've always said, if you're considering flying as an alternative to something else, go DO THE OTHER THING instead. Flying demands, absolutely requires, your first born child as a blood sacrifice to be successful.

Plus, I hate flying with career changers. They're never as good as those who have flown their entire lives. Just being honest.

 

This ^^^
Also the only statement you’ve made that I agree with.

 

Ok. I'm still waiting for yours.

 

by definition, if it is an accident, it is not a suicide.

dentists make more than pilots (on average) and are home every night.

go to dental school and buy your own sweet plane

 

Just a personal choice, but I'd rather fly night hub freight than be sticking my fingers in someone's mouth all day..