How to become a dentist

Anyone who has felt the excruciating pain of an infected root canal, or who has lost an adult tooth in an accident, knows the value of a good dentist. This career is more than teaching clients the value of flossing. Dentists make a difference to the physical and psychological health of their clients – both by preventing tooth decay and ensuring a smile doesn’t come with embarrassment and shame.

Career opportunities for dentists are expanding as technology and specializations allow dentists to branch into new areas. However, every dentist begins at the same place: earning a doctoral degree in dentistry from an accredited dental school.

What does a dentist do?

Dentistry is a diverse field with professionals specializing in various aspects of oral health care. Here’s an overview of what dentists do on a daily basis, although the specifics can vary based on their area of expertise:

• Diagnosing oral health conditions like cavities or gum diseases
• Performing routine cleanings to remove plaque and tartar build-up
• Performing dental procedures, such as root canals, extractions, and filling cavities
• Educating patients on proper oral hygiene habits such as the correct way to brush and floss
• Carrying out cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening or veneers
• Prescribing medication to treat dental problems
• Managing the business aspects of their practice, such as scheduling, billing, and insurance processing.

How long does it take to become a dentist?

At least 8 years. It involves completing an undergraduate degree and attending dental school. Those who train in a specialty area may spend up to an additional 4 years in training and residencies.

7 steps to become a dentist

Step 1 – Get an undergraduate degree

You’ll need to earn a bachelor’s degree before enrolling in dental school. Wondering what to major in to become a dentist? There are actually no specific requirements, but coursework in biology, physics, and chemistry is recommended. Many schools may also require or recommend other courses such as biochemistry, anatomy, and microbiology. Prospective dental students should maintain a high GPA, especially in science courses, to enhance their competitiveness.

Biology may not be a high-paid major on its own, but as preparation for dental school, it’s an excellent and popular choice. A small percentage of schools offer pre-dentistry programs, which can be great preparation for dental school, but are by no means mandatory.

Step 2 —  Get practical experience in healthcare (recommended)

Gaining professional experience prior to dental school can be quite beneficial. It provides you with a firsthand look at the profession, which is not only insightful but also helps confirm your career choice. Not to mention, dental schools look favorably on candidates who’ve shown commitment through real-world experience.

And beyond the technical aspects, it’s also a great chance to develop your people skills, essential for a future dentist’s interaction with patients. Some time spent working as a dental hygienist – a popular allied health profession – is a common choice among aspiring dentists.

Step 3 — Pass the dental admission test

66 of the 71 dental schools in the United States require applicants to pass the Dental Admission Test (DAT). You can take the test year-round at a Prometric test center, and it’s usually done during your junior year of college, or in the summer between junior and senior year.

It is essential to start studying several months ahead of the exam date to ensure a thorough understanding of the test material. Remember, your score will be a crucial part of your dental school application, so you want to perform as well as possible.

Step 4 — Apply to dental school

After successfully passing the Dental Admission Test (DAT), the next step is to apply to dental schools. Most applicants use the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS), which allows you to submit a single application that’s shared with multiple dental schools.

The key components of your application will be your DAT score, GPA, letters of recommendation, personal statement, extracurricular activities, and an interview. Be sure to check that the schools you are considering are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

Step 5 — Get a dental license

It takes a minimum of 4 years to complete your dentist degree – the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD). Students take several science courses in the first year, such as biochemistry, anatomy, and oral histology. These provide an understanding of scientific concepts and how they apply to dentistry.

Typical second-year courses include:

• oral radiology
• regional anesthetics
• dental pathology
• ethics in dental practice

Third-year students participate in classes that simulate scenarios of working dentists. Courses include treatment planning, oral surgery, implant dentistry, and principles of public health.

Fourth-year students usually focus on coursework and clinical practices in the specialty area they plan to pursue. They also study previous courses in more depth. Most dental schools require students to complete a minimum of 2,000 hours of supervised clinical practice.

Step 6 —Pass the NBDE and get a dental license

The final step to becoming a dentist is to obtain your dental license. While the specifics can vary, all 50 states require passing the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE), which consists of 2 parts covering clinical procedures, dental sciences, and industry ethics. You’ll receive the details about your exam dates once your application has been processed by the NBDE.

Remember that some states have additional requirements. For example, they might require further examinations, like a clinical skills test or jurisprudence exam. A few states might also mandate completion of a post-graduate residency.

Step 7 — Specialize in a specific area of dentistry (optional)

If you intend to specialize in a specific area of dentistry, you will need to complete a dental residency after dental school. This hands-on training can last between 2 to 6 years depending on the specialty.

The National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards recognizes 12 dental specialties:

• Anesthesiology
• Endodontics
• Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Oral Medicine
• Orthodontics
• Orofacial Pain
• Pediatric
• Periodontics
• Prosthodontics
• Public Health

Dentist salary and employment data

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average dentist salary is $163,220. The best-paid dentists are oral and maxillofacial surgeons, who earn $208,000 or more a year.

Types of jobs in dentistry

Not all dentistry graduates work directly with patients. The field offers various career paths, including: