Dental

[MichaelKnight]

Hello,

I am a dentist, have a degree in mathematics and have considered pursuing an actuary career in the future. Would my background in health be relevant to employers and advancing in such a career? That is, would I be better off to pursue health-disability? Thanks for any input.

[ajstudies]

I think it would be relevant in that you would understand the procedures, etc. I'm curious why you would give up your practice to become an actuary though. My dentist, while not rich, seems to have a similar lifestyle to me.

[T-roy Boy]

I always thought that a Health Care Actuary with some kind of medical background would be a powerful combination. I even thought of getting my GN (or RN) degree after I finished my exams (And I just took my last one, so I better pass!). Problem is, I am 36, 2 kids, and I have no more desire to go to school.

Could a dentist be a great actuary, sure. In any of the disciplines, sure. But if I were a dentist I would get into the health care discipline. You've seen the "other" side of insurance and would have more insight to the problems and issues providers have with insurance companies. fix something there (somehow) to make insurance more affordible, to make it easier for the provider to collect payments, to make insureds responsible for their piece, ect...

Good luck, and make a difference if you decide that career change

[DudeMan]

I would see you as a valuable asset to the provider contracting side of actuarial work.