I'm really confused..can anyone give me some advice?

Question

Well I have just turned 18, and I'm two years behind in high school :s...so when I finish I'll be about 20. My dream is to be a dentist, but I've heard it takes 8 years after high school to complete the University/College education...Thats too long! What am I going to do in the mean time? I'll be 28 when I'm done...and you know maybe I'd like to have my own place & possibly my first child while I'm still under 30.

Is it possible that I could start work as a Dental hygienist or Dental assistant before I become a proper dentist?

Answer 1

Of course it is possible. However it is not a natural progression. Meaning you do not become a hygienist, then Dental Assistant, and then finally after a bit more training you become a Dentist. In the end you may spend more time than you would have you done your education straight through to dental school.

In my honest opinion if becoming a dentist is your goal you will find it to make it work some way even if you have a family. Just stay focused on the goal and other things will begin to fall into place for you.