Choosing a profession in the field of oral health care opens up a vast array of career opportunities and pathways. The field offers many options to suit an individual’s aspirations and interests, whether they are related to clinical practice or community-oriented work, including in academia, non-profits and governmental organizations. With ongoing advancements in technology, treatment methods and research, the domain of oral health care continues to evolve, providing an exciting and dynamic environment for professionals in the field.

Pursuing a career path within oral health care can come with many challenges such as continuously updating skills, managing patient expectations, and staying up to date with industry regulations. Therefore, it is crucial to embrace lifelong learning by seizing growth opportunities, fostering connections through networking and actively sharing knowledge. By doing so, professionals can remain relevant in their field and provide the best possible care for their patients.

Choosing a career path can be a daunting task, especially for young students who are entering the workforce for the first time. FDI’s Career Management project aims to help dental students and professionals in oral health care to explore the different career pathways and opportunities available within dentistry. It emphasizes the importance of aligning one's aspirations with the chosen line of work and reminds seasoned professionals that it's never too late to consider new directions.

The project shares real-life experiences with the aim of motivating professionals in oral health care to embrace new opportunities, according to what resonates with them on an individual basis. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance for long-term career satisfaction and personal well-being. Recognizing the genuine risk of burnout in dentistry, given its demanding nature, the project encourages practitioners to prioritize self-care, establish boundaries, and dedicate time to rejuvenating activities, such as engaging in hobbies, regular exercise, and quality time spent with loved ones.