My husband has an opportunity to be the "ship dentist" for a cruise. Wondering if anyone out there has done this.

Interesting..never heard of a "ship dentist".. wonder if it's for the crew only. Depending on how long the contract is and what ship it sounds like a blast...I assume you would be going along too.

I think it is a great trip for you. Not your husband. I believe he has to pay for the dental supplies he uses and is required to work "X" number of hours during the trip. You will be enjoying the cruise, he will be working, and believe me he will be fully booked on the cruise. He would probably earn more money working at his own practise and taking after tax money to take a holiday. It is not such a great deal for an established dentist, but if you are a new grad, go for it.

On a recent cruise I used the dispensary on board the ship: the nurse was on a lengthy contract and the
doctor was on board for that cruise. He enjoyed the experience so much that he does it every year for one or two cruises.

from what i understand holland america is the only cruise line to have a dentist on board

Some cruise lines offer a free trip to dentists for a working holiday. I believe it is for the crew, not passengers. The dentist have to work 3-4 days on a seven day cruise and thier family cruises for free. The only draw back is you have to pay for the dental supplies you use, so it is not exactly a free holiday.

The ship dentist shared our table in the dining room on the Amsterdam when we went to Alaska last week. She and her husband were lovely people. They had a nice cabin, she said. She told us she would be seeing about 6 or 7 people a day, crew members. She had to start early so she conked out early some nights as she was tired. She got a little sea sick on our first big ocean day because it was somewhat rocky and she said it was a little stuffy in the clinic. She seemed to have a good time, overall. If only I'd known you'd be asking, I'd have asked her more questions! I think she was free for shore excursions. Perhaps you can ask the cruise line for the names of people who have done this before.

I think I'd be wanting to know what the quality of the on-board equipment is and what the insurance liabilities are, and so forth..and to be very frank about it, I would be asking these questions MYSELF rather than having my wife act as the intermediary!

Hi MissAsh,

I am a Dentist, 2 years qualified. I was wondering if you could perhaps give me a bit more information on dentists on-board? If you have any info, it would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,

Baiju

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