but I highly underestimated the physical toll that dentistry takes on the body and the mind. I always thought it would be an easy gig until I realized how draining it is to hold you neck and back in awkward positions for hours on end and be constantly in hyper focus mode as I stressed over millimeters. Orthodontists do have it easier though, very little physical involvement if they choose. There is a reason so many dentists ruin their backs and necks even early in their careers, and many dread going to work every day. It is hard physical labor and very emotionally draining despite the fact that it doesn't seem like it to the lay person who sits there and chats with their friendly dentist thinking they have the easiest job. I agree that the business side of things is not necessarily as stressful as other businesses, and I think it is amazing that many dentists (not me for probably 15 years) can earn enough to make a choice to sacrifice a day of income to rest/vacation/whatever, but the clinical side of dentistry in combination with the business side is up there as far as stressful jobs in my opinion.