Considering a Rural Practice? by Dr. Theodore Wong

Five insights that may transform your dental career

Point of View articles are a space for original opinions, reflections, and thought-provoking commentary on trends shaping the profession. Views expressed do not necessarily represent those of Dentaltown or Farran Media.

by Dr. Theodore Wong

Rural areas are commonly perceived as isolated, offering limited opportunities and serving only as a temporary stage in a dental career. My experience in rural dentistry has been one of the most rewarding periods of my professional life. After graduating, I left Dundee, Scotland, to pursue an opportunity on the Isle of Islay. I had reservations about relocating far from home, but I spent two years there before moving on, and the experience left such a strong impression that I wanted to share these thoughts.

Here are five things to consider when weighing a rural versus urban practice:

1. Lower cost of living
The cost of living in rural areas is significantly lower than in cities. My rent, for example, was heavily discounted as part of a local initiative to retain young professionals on the island. Shopping was also more affordable, especially once locals started recognizing me as part of the community: Local businesses frequently offered reduced rates on groceries and furniture. Local online platforms made it easy to buy, sell, or trade goods. Public transportation came at discounted fares for residents, and in my experience, flights were reduced by 50% thanks to local discounts. As a local resident, I also had access to the airport lounge.

2. Broader clinical experience
The clinical experience was both rewarding and challenging. Patients were extremely appreciative, and some even traveled 3–4 hours just to have a dental appointment. When someone canceled, the local dental team usually knew another patient nearby who needed an appointment, so the books stayed mostly full.

The fear of stagnating clinically is another myth. Even when traveling for continuing education is a hassle, your patients and staff appreciate that you’re investing in your skills, and that builds your reputation in a small community. With online CPD/CE courses now widely available, traveling for continuing professional development isn’t always required.

Being the only dental practice on the island meant my clinical experience was very broad, which translated into a wider skill set. Managing dental emergencies with limited access to secondary care meant treating patients independently. Within my first few months as a dentist, I handled a dental trauma case (subluxation), splinting the affected tooth with guidance from a senior colleague.

3. Built-in work-life balance
Work-life balance was one of the highlights of being a rural dentist. Switching off after work with a stroll on the beach or enjoying nature on the way home was a major draw. In a rural area, the outdoors is right there. Life as a dentist didn’t have to be mundane; it could be colorful and vibrant.

4. Government incentives
Government incentives to retain dentists in rural areas may include retention and recruitment allowances for those willing to stay. In my case, that meant an additional £25,000 (about $34,000) paid monthly over two years, which helped offset the costs of postgraduate education.

5. A strong sense of community
The strong sense of community in rural areas encourages support for local businesses, which makes it easier to establish a professional reputation. Residents who are used to rural life often recognize the hardships and step up to help their neighbors. When my nurse’s car got stuck in a ditch on the way to work, several passersby stopped to check on her and help out, causing a significant traffic delay in the process.

Is rural practice right for you?
Concerns about isolation in rural dentistry are often misplaced. Neighbors and colleagues provide ready support, and social media and internet access further ease any sense of seclusion. Fears of professional stagnation are similarly unfounded; the volume of dental work in these communities is substantial.

There were times when the responsibility of being the sole dental provider in the area felt considerable. On paper, the referral pathway for secondary care was the same as in urban settings, but in practice, the travel to the mainland (usually a lengthy ferry journey plus the cost of an overnight stay) deterred many patients from pursuing specialist care unless absolutely necessary. There are also adjustments that come with rural living, like fewer shops and restaurants. These trade-offs are important to weigh; each dentist has to figure out which environment fits their goals.

On reflection, my time as a rural dentist on the Isle of Islay was an experience I treasure. The breadth of clinical work and the trade-offs of rural living together built a confidence and resilience I might not have developed elsewhere. The sense of belonging and the genuine appreciation from my patients made the stay memorable.

For anyone considering rural dentistry, my recommendation is to look beyond the stereotypes, particularly the idea of isolation. Talk to dentists who have practiced rurally, ask about their experiences, and if possible, spend a day shadowing at a rural dental practice. You may find rural dentistry is your cup of tea, with rewards that far outweigh the challenges, and that it isn’t simply a career phase but a satisfying path in its own right.

Theodore Wong, BDS, MFDS RCSEd, is a dentist at Aberdeen Dental Hospital with six years of experience in general dental practice and hospital dentistry. He graduated from the University of Dundee in 2019. He is an active member of the British Dental Association (BDA) Aberdeen committee, where he serves as sponsorship secretary, and he has presented research at the Royal College of Surgeons of Glasgow on impacted maxillary canines and dental assessments prior to stem cell transplantation. Outside of dentistry, he enjoys hiking in the Scottish Highlands and traveling with his girlfriend.