Medicine or Dentistry??

[christineWong]

Im on the verge of losing my mind! I've just completed spm n is currently waiting anxiously for my results.. I've also been picked to attend National Service on the 1st of January 2007. Thats why im in a hurry to get info about the medicine and dentistry field.

Well, my main problem is that my dad has been insisting that i take up medicine rather than allowing me to state my reasons as to why i oppose. Bottom line:

Medicine = Dead bodies (i'm too chicken to practice on a dead body!)

Basicly, thats the main reason why i decided not to take up medicine. Instead, im opting for dentistry. However, i have the hardest time trying to convince my dad that its better for me to take up dentistry.

I know my dad have the best interest in his heart, but i really can't go through with having to operate on a dead body. Call me a coward if you must. I do not deny it. But i have every bit of passion to help and treat patients.

Can anyone advise me as to how to talk about it to my dad??

I actually have many other questions to ask bout dentistry n medicine...! But i guess this will have to do for now..

Plz help!!

Thanks in advanced. I know i'll appreciate evry bit of advice you give. :D

[Patrick]

Tell him, "I DECIDE on how I want to live my life. Get out of the way!"

Heh, probably a 'softer' version of this.

[christineWong]

Wow!

I didn't know a reply would come back that fast!

My dad isnt exactly the most easiest ppl to talk to.

He's convinced tha medicine is a far better option than dentistry. My dad thinks that i can have a better pay and will be more respected as a doctor in the medicine field than in the dentistry field. Fathers will be fathers. Always worrying about their children's future. =p

Haihz..

What course does patrick think is much better? Maybe i should rethink it.

[Patrick]

Well, actually I'm about to study medicine in the UK.

And, a doctor's job is a tough one. I've realised that before I jumped into the bandwagon.

You should also realise that dentists actually MAKE MORE than doctors. It's a fact. Dentists ride in BMWs while doctors struggle in their Toyotas.

You can go find out about the average salaries of a doctor and dentist and show it to your dad.

Oh, and by the way, medicine isn't just about dead bodies. It depends on where you study. In India, you get more bodies to play around with, but in developed countries, you'll get models and computer animated bodies....

[christineWong]

Its true that dentists earn fairly more than doctors.

Hmm....

If i do intend to take up dentistry or medicine, which pre-U programme should i enter? A Levels or Foundation in Science at AIMST???

Which is better?

[seiken]

Dear, dead bodies is nothing la. And depends where u study medicine as well. In local uni u only get to "play" with the preserved cadavers. U CANNOT operate them as the cadavers r hard to obtain and will be reused for years...I heard some unis even use plastic models. Remember, a career in healthcare, whether it's dentistry or medicine is not about dead bodies. Medical and dental students have to study anatomy. There is no escape..

[christineWong]

I guess sum ppl aren't scared of dead bodies...

Is it true dat medicine is a much tougher course to take than dentistry?

[Patrick]

Its true that dentists earn fairly more than doctors.

Hmm....

If i do intend to take up dentistry or medicine, which pre-U programme should i enter? A Levels or Foundation in Science at AIMST???

Which is better?

Hmm...so, you're planning to study at AIMST?
If you're going for AIMST, then the foundation may be better. Saves you 1 year.

However, if you're thinking of going overseas, opt for A Levels or the International Baccalaureate.

Probably medicine is more stressful than dentistry, since you have irregular working hours and that you can get called up for OT.

[christineWong]

Thx Patrick 4 ur advise.. Appreciate it loads.. =)

Well, the downside of doing foundation in AIMST is that if i suddenly have a change of heart and decided to pursue another course upon the completion of Foundation in Science, the cert wont b recognized by most of the colleges n uni in M'sia.

A Levels however is recognized world wide n is accepted by most uni n colleges. So, it will b easier for me to gain entrance in2 dat particular uni.

But then again, if i were to study foundation at AIMST, there is a higher chance of me being selected to continue my studies at AIMST under medicine.

Argh! Im soo CONFUSED!! Which Pre-U to take??

[bush]

A-levels.

That way you do not limit yourself to AIMST.

[Patrick]

I'm taking the International Baccalaureate....Do some research on this course. I feel that it's more recognised then the A Levels.

Getting full points in the IB gives you more UCAS tariff points than getting straight As in the A Levels.

You can apply for an IB scholarship from UPLANDS in Penang. Some other colleges are offering this as well.

[bush]

I'm taking the International Baccalaureate....Do some research on this course. I feel that it's more recognised then the A Levels.

Getting full points in the IB gives you more UCAS tariff points than getting straight As in the A Levels.

You can apply for an IB scholarship from UPLANDS in Penang. Some other colleges are offering this as well.

It's not more recognised but more vigorous.

Wrong. A-level is an opened cert exam. Which means I can take as many subjects as I like. That said, I only need to take 6 subjects at full A-level and an AS paper, excel in them and I will end up with more UCAS points than an IB student who scored 45 IB points.

[Patrick]

Uhm....but 6 subjects in A levels....is like suicide (-_-")

[RLHC28]

can any1 share some ideas about criteria tat should be looked at when choosing the medic o dentistry course?thx:)

[sugarspice]

I am curious here. How is it possible that a dentist's salary is higher than that of a surgeon/specialist working in private sectors / hospitals? o.O

[tehjiao]

a dentist can earn more than a doctor in private procatise. but definitely a specialist can earn more than a ordinary dentist in private.