This year, U.S. News’ ranking of the best jobs in the country saw dentists come in at no. 2. Software developers came out on top with the best jobs of 2018, dethroning dentists from their previous perch on top of the 2017 rankings. Naturally, many of my dentist friends and I discussed the meaning behind our new horoscopes. Murky methodology aside, let’s look further into why so many healthcare jobs continue to dominate the 2018 U.S News best jobs list. Did I mention that orthodontists made it into the top 5?
Spirit of the times
Whatever the occupational zeitgeist may be, healthcare jobs continue to lead the pack. In fact, four of the top five best jobs belong to healthcare, and the entire top five best-paying jobs belong to healthcare. While U.S. News isn’t the first to admit that careers are subjective, their methodology incorporates a variety of components. These components range from relatively objective (but not necessarily accurate) measures such as median salary and employment, to relatively subjective (yet nonetheless tough-to-quantify) measures such as stress level and work-life balance. Here are the 2018 best jobs and best-paying jobs according to U.S. News.
Best jobs
1. Software Developer
2. Dentist
3. Physician Assistant
4. Nurse Practitioner
5. Orthodontist
Best-paying jobs
1. Anesthesiologist
2. Surgeon
3. Obstetrician and Gynecologist
4. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
5. Orthodontist
Comparison to previous years
Dentists have consistently placed in the top 5 for the past few years. While software developers and orthodontists haven’t placed quite as consistently, they’ve still done quite well overall.
Dentist: #1 (2015), #2 (2016), #1 (2017), #2 (2018)
Software developer: #3 (2015), — (2016), — (2017), #1 (2018)
Orthodontist: — (2015), #1 (2016), #5 (2017), #5 (2018)
Searching for meaning
I first learned of this year’s rankings from a daily bulletin of the latest dental industry news. That is, the American Dental Association (ADA) sends out a short briefing every morning to the inboxes of all ADA members. The fact that they do this is mildly impressive. The content is simple yet varied, and I usually take a quick glance at the bulletin before work.
Shortly after, I received a barrage of texts and messages from friends across various dental specialties about our touted dominance (or fall from grace) on this year’s U.S. News best jobs report.
“They’re onto us.”
“Did they forget to include student loans again?”
“LOL.”
Here are a few quick thoughts. Unlike law schools which are closing their doors and shrinking class sizes, more and more dental schools are opening every year, for better or for worse. In addition, when comparing what it takes to get a healthcare job, dental school costs more than medical school, and for a number of reasons. Don’t forget that most dental residencies charge exorbitant tuition. In fact, not only is dental school more expensive than any other graduate or professional school in the US, but also it literally takes one million dollars to become and orthodontist.
As they say, the grass is greener.
Yes, dentistry is a great profession and I love what I do. Just make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into before believing in U.S. News.
What do you think about this year’s top jobs? How long will dentists stay near the top? Comment below!
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