I've been a dentist for 13 years and I've never understood the appeal of a private dental practice until Covid.

I am an Aussie, I was lucky to be in a profession that was in high demand and earning above avearage, but with that comes the responsibility to make my contribution. I've spent the last 13 years of my life serving the public, I've seen the worst of the worst in dental hygiene, and the worst of the worst in mankind. I've been abused for being Asian, being too pretty to be a dentist (whatever the fuck that means), and being a 'slave' to the government. I've been spat on, thrown up on, and attacked. I've never had a full weekend off in my life, and although I've earned a good income, the expenses of living in a big city and student loans meant my money never went very far. <br><br>The public healthcare system in Australia is overworked and underfunded, I've seen patients have to wait months and months for a general dental appointment, year's for specialist appointments. <br><br>I was genuinely happy to serve the public, while not everyone was a delight, most patients were very apologetic for the state of their teeth, and very grateful for any treatment I could provide. When Covid first hit, clinic after clinic was shut down for a lack of PPE, we did distance appointments as best we could. It truly broke my heart seeing people on the public healthcare system being told they couldn't even attend for a emergency appointment, while private patients were taking up all the slots we did have to get their cosmetic shit done. <br><br>I finally cracked and put my hand up to work in a private clinic doing dental/vestibular medicine. <br><br>Holy shit, what a difference it is. I'm not being spit on, I have all the PPE I could possibly need, and most importantly, I am not being taken advantage of. I can charge full fee for appointments, instead of being paid $20 by medicare for a $500 appointment. I have patients who actually care about their teeth, and who don't abuse me because they believe I am a slave to taxpayers. I get to work normal hours, and have a weekend off for the first time in my career. I am able to pay off my student loans, and actually have money to invest.<br><br>I'm still providing dental care, but not at my expense. <br><br>I am ashamed that it took me this long to put myself first. And I am ashamed that I had to witness the public system at its absolute worst to get me here.