While you are in dental school, take a look around. The
teachers you have, the researchers you work with may represent the perfect
profession for you.
Many educators point to the academic environment as a big
plus of the profession. As an educator or researcher, you will be working in an
intellectually stimulating and challenging environment.
You can also create a job that suits your particular interest, combining
teaching with clinical practice and/or research. You may spend time writing for
academic journals, exploring new technologies and materials or assuming administrative
responsibilities.
You can start out in private practice and enter academic
practice when you have gained the experience you want and need.