Starting a New Dental Career Later in Life

You might be considering a career change for several reasons. You could be burnt out on your current career, want to help people, make more money, or decide to return to school after your kids grow up. A new career in dentistry might be the right choice for you.

If you’re worried about changing careers later in life, remember it’s never too late. Many people choose to pursue different careers mid-life and never regret the decision. Here are a few dental career choices and tips to help you succeed – whether you want to switch to something new within dentistry or are completely new to dentistry.

Dentist

Career Change to Dentistry

Maybe you’re already set on becoming a dentist. And there are many different dental specialties. If you’re ready to jump back into dental school, there are a few things you should know:

• Any seasoned dentist will tell you school is expensive. Dental school can cost anywhere from $21,600 (for in-state schools) to $300,000 or more for private colleges.
• Manage your work-life balance to avoid burnout, especially while in dental school.
• Don’t hesitate to ask for help from alum or mentors.

A Second Chance at a Dream Career: Mark’s Story

At 42, Mark was at a crossroads. After nearly two decades in corporate sales, he realized his heart wasn’t in it anymore. He’d always admired dentistry—his sister was a hygienist, and he loved the idea of a career that blended science, hands-on skill, and patient care. But starting over so late in life felt overwhelming.

Enrolling in dental school meant a massive financial commitment—Mark’s tuition and fees for a private dental program totaled over $250,000, not including living expenses. He worried about juggling the workload with his family responsibilities—two kids in middle school and a mortgage.

Mark admitted that the first semester almost broke him. The work-life balance was brutal. He’d spend long hours in class and labs, then come home mentally drained. His family felt the strain, and burnout seemed inevitable. But Mark made a smart decision early on—he reached out to a group of alumni dentists who had also made mid-life career changes. They shared practical advice on time management and how to structure his study schedule around family time.

He also leaned on mentorship programs, often calling on a retired dentist he met at a networking event for guidance. That support system was his lifeline, giving him the confidence to keep pushing through.

Today, Mark is a successful general dentist, and he often says the late start was worth it because he brings maturity, patience, and people skills that his younger peers took years to develop. His journey proves that while switching to dentistry later in life is challenging—financially and mentally—it’s not only possible but can be incredibly rewarding with the right support and mindset.

Dental Hygienist

Career Change to Dental Hygienist

However, there are lots of other options in the dentistry field to choose from. After weighing the pros and cons of being a dentist, you might consider other options like dental hygiene. This might be a better path if you think you would enjoy working under the supervision of a licensed dentist, cleaning teeth, and educating patients about good oral hygiene.

A Career Change to Dental Hygiene: Sarah’s Story

At 36, Sarah had spent over a decade in the hospitality industry. While she loved interacting with people, she wanted a career that offered stability, flexibility, and purpose. After shadowing her own dental hygienist during a routine appointment, Sarah realized that dental hygiene checked all the boxes—hands-on work, meaningful patient care, and strong earning potential.

However, going back to school wasn’t easy. Sarah had to complete prerequisite science courses before even applying to a dental hygiene program. Balancing her coursework with a part-time job and raising her 7-year-old daughter was exhausting. There were moments she doubted herself, especially when anatomy and physiology seemed like a foreign language.

Sarah leaned on mentorship and study groups with younger classmates, who were impressed by her discipline and life experience. She also connected with a local hygiene association, where seasoned hygienists shared their career tips and encouraged her through the difficult clinical rotations.

Fast-forward three years, Sarah is now working four days a week in a thriving dental practice. She loves helping patients overcome their fear of cleanings and says her hospitality background gave her the soft skills that make her a patient favorite. The transition wasn’t easy, but Sarah says it was worth every late-night study session.

Dental Assistant

Career Change to Dental Assistant

Some options require less training or a few months at a vocational school. Dental assisting programs can take as few as 9 to 12 months to complete, and you’ll be on your way to a new career helping doctors and their patients.

A Career Change to Dental Assisting: Anthony’s Story

Anthony spent 12 years as an auto mechanic but always felt like something was missing. When his cousin, a dental assistant, suggested he look into the field, Anthony laughed. “I don’t know the first thing about dentistry,” he said. But after shadowing at her office, he realized he loved the fast-paced, team-oriented environment and how much impact assistants have on patients’ comfort.

The transition wasn’t without hurdles. Anthony had to learn entirely new terminology, from dental charts to the names of every instrument. His first week of dental assisting school was intimidating—sterilization protocols, infection control standards, and dental office software felt like another language. But his instructors noticed something: Anthony’s mechanical background made him a natural at handling and maintaining equipment. He quickly became the go-to student for troubleshooting broken handpieces.

Anthony’s biggest challenge? Patient interaction. As a mechanic, he didn’t talk much with customers. Now, he needed to calm anxious patients before procedures. He practiced active listening and empathy with his classmates and even role-played scenarios at home with his wife.

Within a year of completing his program, Anthony landed a job at a busy general dentistry practice. His confidence grew as he mastered instrument setup, chairside assistance, and radiography. “Switching careers was scary,” Anthony says, “but now I have a career where I can see the difference I make every day.”

Unique Dental Career Options

But maybe you’re interested in the dental industry but don’t want to return to school. Or maybe you prefer an administrative role to more hands-on career paths. Dental offices need all kinds of employees to operate every day. What skills and experience have you gathered in your career so far? How can you apply that to a new job in a dentist’s office? A few unique dental career options include:

• Dental Researcher
• Educator
• Social Media Influencer
• Marketing Manager
• Dental Lab Technician
• New Technology Engineer
• Support Staff
• Office Administrator
• Bookkeeper
• Entrepreneur

As you can see, if you’re interested in the dental industry, there will be a job fit for you. You just might have to get creative and network with professionals already working in the field.

Dental School Tips

Choosing your career path is hard enough, but now you must study for it. Maybe you’re nervous about returning to school and changing careers in your 30s, 40s, or 50s. Don’t worry, lots of people have done it before you.

You might return to a very different school than you attended in your younger years, but a few things will never change. Tests must be one of them. A test can be nerve-wracking or even sweat-inducing for some people. Here are five study and test-taking tips:

• Study even when you feel tired. Stretch that last hour even if you’re nodding off. Push through a study session when you feel tired to help retention come test day.
• Don’t study in one place. Moving to different spots can help form new connections in the brain, creating stronger memories.
• Create your practice quizzes and tests. Practicing the stress of test-taking can help ease your nerves on the big day.
• Write it out and study aloud. Many people find that re-writing material they are reading or studying can be effective in remembering the information. Likewise, repeating information out loud can help some recall it easier during a test.

Is Dentistry Right for You?

Thinking about a career change to dentistry or a related role? It’s a big decision—one that involves both passion and practicality. Before taking the leap, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do I Have a Genuine Interest in Oral Health and Patient Care?

• Am I curious about dental procedures, oral hygiene, and overall health?
• Do I enjoy helping people feel comfortable and cared for?
• Am I willing to build trust with patients who may feel anxious or fearful?

2. Can I Commit to Education and Training?

• Am I ready for the time and financial investment of dental school, hygiene school, or dental assisting certification?
• Have I researched the cost of tuition (from $20,000 to $300,000 depending on the role and school)?
• Do I have a plan for balancing school with work, family, or other commitments?

3. Am I Comfortable Working with My Hands All Day?

• Do I have the manual dexterity needed for detailed, repetitive work?
• Am I comfortable using fine tools and technology?
• Can I adapt to a job that requires long periods of sitting or standing?

4. How Do I Handle Stress and High-Pressure Situations?

• Am I able to stay calm when patients are nervous or in pain?
• Can I work well under time constraints or during busy clinic days?
• Am I prepared for the mental and physical demands of dentistry, including potential back, neck, or wrist strain?

5. Do I Have the Right Communication Skills?

• Can I explain complex procedures in simple, reassuring language?
• Am I comfortable educating patients about preventive care and treatment options?
• Am I willing to collaborate with other dental professionals as part of a team?

6. What Are My Career Goals?

• Do I want to own a dental practice someday, or am I looking for a stable, well-paying clinical role?
• Does the flexibility of a hygiene or assistant role appeal to me more than running a full practice?
• Do I see dentistry as a long-term career path with growth potential?

7. Can I Afford the Career Change?

• Do I have savings or financial aid options to cover schooling and living expenses during training?
• Have I researched average salaries for dental professionals in my area using resources like the DentalPost Salary Survey?
• Do the expected financial outcomes justify the investment of time and money?

8. Am I Ready for the Lifestyle?

• Do I understand the potential for long hours or weekend work, depending on the role?
• Am I comfortable with the physical and emotional demands of patient care?
• Can I maintain a healthy work/life balance in this field?

Finishing school will feel like a whirlwind, but where do you go from there? After dental school, you have a new career path set in front of you. You could start your practice, join a thriving one, or transition to a new role within your current or prior practice. The choice is yours.

Updated October 2022.