Dentist Driving Trends: Electric Cars

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4 of 5 dentists would drive an electric car Dentists are open to driving electric cars, this survey found. Only 1 in 5 dentists said they would not consider buying an electric vehicle, while 16% say they already own an electric or hybrid car.

"Most dentists I know give more back to their community than they spend on their car," offered one dentist, a subtle comment against the stereotype of dentists driving sports cars.

Here's how dentists responded to this survey:

16% already own an electric or hybrid car.
23% would love to get one.
42% would consider purchasing one.
19% would not buy an electric car.

Here are some further comments on cars from dentists:

Happy owners of hybrid cars

"I have owned both. The real question is why people choose what they do. Are they trying to show off (with either car), or are they just choosing what suits them? Is it authentic or just a facade? I have a dentist friend who owns several Corvettes, races one, and is a racing instructor. It doesn't seem to bother his patients. Right now I own a Prius, which works well in New York City." (General dentist)
"I love my Prius, but would love even more being able to recharge from my home. Most of the time, though, I'm in the City, so it wouldn't be possible to recharge it there. Guess I will stick with the hybrid." (New York dentist)
"The hybrid is terrific. 33mpg. Quiet. Smooth. Well appointed. Saving $120 on lease payment. Happy." (New Jersey orthodontist)

That money could be better spent elsewhere

"I am opposed to any dentist driving expensive cars of any kind when they do not pay for their staffs' health insurance and other necessary benefits. I sacrifice so that my staff can have good health insurance because I was taught to treat your staff like you would want to be treated!" (Alabama dentist)
"I don't own a sports car. Rather than 'waste' money on an expensive car, I'd rather spend $50,000-$100,000 on something for my home or office that will make more money. Then, the money I make will be used for my family and the rest given to a worthy charity. Doing that makes me happier than driving any sports car!" (Ohio prosthodontist)

Dentists can't afford fancy cars

"Expensive sports cars and others in a similar price range are no longer the norm for most dentists that I am aware of, although the stereotype is still present." (Massachusetts dentist)
"Most dentists I know give more back to their community than they spend on their car." (West Virginia dentist)

It's time to go green

"I am the president of my local electric auto association (Konocti EAA). I would encourage all to go gas-free by purchasing an all electric vehicle such as the Nissan Leaf, the Tesla Roadster, Tesla Sportster, Aptera and others that are in the market today. Look at the billions the one oil spill has cost BP. If those billions were invested in electric vehicle production, wouldn't we see a cleaner and a more sustainable transportation source?" (General dentist)
"Let's be healers of the earth." (General dentist)

Patients are curious what their dentist drives

"Hell, I don't care what anyone drives, but patients always seemed to comment when I drove Mercedes, Excalibur, Rolls Royce, Jaguar, and Porsche autos. I grew out of that need years ago, but patients still ask what I'm driving now." (Missouri dentist)
"I have a Miata sports car, but it's not expensive." (General dentist)

Dentists want Teslas

"I had an EV-1 gen 2 until the lease was up and loved it! I am on the list for a TESLA-S." (California oral surgeon)
"I would love a Tesla!!" (New Hampshire dentist)
"Tesla!" (Pennsylvania orthodontist)
"Tesla Roadster, need I say more?!? But first we need to determine risk of EMF hazards." (Montana dentist)
"Tesla would be great with government rebates." (New Jersey orthodontist)

Dentists deserve to drive what they want

"I think if we work hard and can afford a fun car, we should get one!" (General dentist)
"Why not have both?" (General dentist)

Electric cars still need improvement

"They need to get their mileage range improved." (Pennsylvania orthodontist)
"It needs to be affordable." (North Carolina dentist)
"I never would buy all electric; it's too far to drive to work and play." (Louisiana dentist)
"The problem for me is that I travel to places of the beaten track and it would be hard to find a place to 'plug' it in." (California orthodontist)
"$48k for a Chevy?!? I own two Honda CR-V's that cost less than that." (Florida dentist)

Note: Survey sample included 62 respondents. Posted 7/20/2010