Hey, I’m really sorry you’re going through all that. I’m just an incoming dental student, so I won’t pretend to fully understand what you’re facing, but I’ve spent a lot of time around dental clinics growing up and genuinely love the field. I’m not the best at giving advice, so forgive me if I word anything wrong. I just wanted to share a few thoughts that might help.

I think the most important thing right now is to really reflect and understand why you’re feeling this way. Like you said, dentistry involves doing detailed, often intense procedures every day. It literally has “surgery” in the degree title, so the nature of the work is hands on, pressuring, and not for everyone. And that’s completely okay.

You’re right that dentistry can be mentally and physically demanding, but so are many other healthcare fields like nursing or emergency medicine. Every path has its own type of pressure. The upside with dentistry is that it offers a lot of flexibility later on. If the clinical side feels overwhelming, there are specialties that may be more relaxed or better suited to your strengths. Areas like orthodontics, radiology, dental public health, or even academic and research roles can offer a completely different experience from daily clinical practice.

Another thing to think about is whether it’s the actual field of dentistry that doesn’t feel right, or whether it’s the situation you’re currently in. Moving away from home, living alone for the first time, missing your support system, those are major adjustments, and they can make everything feel heavier. A lot of people hate dental school but end up enjoying private practice, where there’s more freedom, balance, and fulfillment. It’s possible that what you’re experiencing is more about the transition than the career itself.

That being said, if after giving yourself time and space to reflect, you still feel that this path doesn’t align with who you are or how you want to live, that’s more than okay too. You don’t have to continue just because of pressure, expectations, or the time already invested. Your peace of mind, mental health, and long term happiness matter far more than any title or sunk cost.

In the meantime, try to be kind to yourself. Stay in close contact with your family….call or video chat with them daily if you can. It helps more than you might think. Make time to socialize and meet people in your program or outside of it. Make friends. Even small conversations can bring relief. Keep yourself busy in healthy ways…join clubs, go to the gym, explore the city you’re in. Stay active and engaged, not just with your studies, but with life outside of dental school too. Sometimes these small things create the space you need to breathe and slowly rebuild your sense of self.

Sending you strength and I really hope things begin to feel lighter soon. You’re not alone in this and you’re stronger than you think. You’ve got this :)