Is it better to become an orthodontist or a radiologist....or some other specialized md?

I am aware that orthodontists have nice lifestyles, are paid well for the procedures they perform, and do not have to spend very many years in residency for the specialty (~2 years). As a DDS they avoid dealing with the drain that malpractice coverage and insurance companies dish out. Overall it sounds like a rather nice deal. The only question I have is whether or not it is as fulfilling, stimulating, or interesting as medical specialties. I know that there is a lot less hassle involved with orthodontia but are orthodontists as happy with their lives? Is it worth putting up with some of the painful annoyances of radiology or anesthesiology or even a surgery specialty becuase work is more interesting?

Is it better to become an orthodontist or a radiologist....or some other specialized md?
Orthodontists who set up their own practice should be happier because they are in control of their own very lucrative businesses.





Radiologists are at the mercy of a career structure, hospital politics and administration.
Reply:Do you plan on a life of looking at people's mouths of their whole bodies (abeit it bones)?
Reply:Go for what is more interesting. Don't take the easy way out! good luck!!!
Reply:First off, of the specialties you mention, orthodontists go through dental school, the rest all go through medical school, so they are actually separate. You may already know that, but I wanted to make that clear. Regarding your question, I think you need to decide what it is that is motivating you. You seem to be very interested in finding a job that has a good lifestyle and makes money, well I can find someone from all of those fields that have those things. They all make good money. Lifestyle depends on how much you enjoy it.


1. Orthodontist: the highlight will probably be working with people. You don't go through as much school or training. They have regular hours and are pretty stress free. It's probably not as hard to get into as the other fields you listed, but it will also pay less than the others.


2. Radiologist: you need to be pattern-oriented and interested in solving problems, because that's all you'll do. They have pretty good hours and work environment and also pay well. It's competitive though and harder to get into than an orthodontist.


3. Anaesthesiologists and surgeons: you won't be working with people very much (other than your staff). You will likely see patients only when they're unconscious in the operating room and hardly ever outside of that. You also put in years of study and work as these are 2 of the most advanced specialists out there in medicine. They are probably the highest paying and will be relatively flexible jobs once you're finally working as one, but are you motivated enough to go through all those years of training and stress to get there?





In addition, all the medical specialties you listed definitely have higher malpractice insurance. There's a lot of things you need to consider in choosing a specialty, and you haven't put down what is most important to you. I would say though that you really need to find a passion in these careers before trying to pursue them. They look easy once you're in them, but it takes a lot to get there. If you don't have passion motivating you, you may not be able to get yourself through it. Good luck.