There are numerous reasons to pursue dentistry as a profession. Dentistry allows you to make a positive impact on your patients' health and well-being. It's a career that allows you to run your own dental practice and be your own boss. Dentists now have the opportunity to preserve their patients' smiles and self-esteem thanks to new exciting scientific breakthroughs in gene therapy and biotechnology.

Dentists are doctors who diagnose and treat problems with the mouth, teeth, and gums. Dentists provide preventive care and oral hygiene advice in addition to extractions, root canals, and tooth replacements. Anesthetics are commonly used by dentists to help patients feel less pain during procedures. They also perform and examine dental x-rays. These individuals may work in general dentistry or in a specialized field. To accommodate their patients' schedules, some dentists work weekends or evening hours.

Full-time students can typically complete their program in four years, during which time they attend lectures and seminars while gaining hands-on experience in clinical rotations and laboratory sessions. The first two years of study are foundational, exposing students to a wide range of topics that are relevant to the field. The final two years, on the other hand, are heavily focused on clinically-based courses, with didactic learning continuing concurrently.

Step-by-Step Guide on How to Become a Dentist

Step 1: Enroll in a bachelor's degree program

Enroll in a bachelors’ degree program to further your education. The road to dental school starts with a bachelor's degree, as most dental schools require applicants to have earned a bachelor's degree before being accepted. Some schools will admit students after 2 to 3 years of undergraduate study and allow them to complete their bachelor's degrees while pursuing their dental education.

Step 2: Dental Admission Test 

Students must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) before applying to dental school, which assesses academic ability and scientific knowledge. It's possible that a minimum score on this exam will be required for admission to dental school. During the admissions process, dental schools consider DAT scores, grade point averages, interviews, and letters of recommendation.

Step 3: Obtain a Dental Education

A Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree is earned after four years of dental school. The Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (ADA) may accredited programs. For state licensure, some states require a degree from an approved program. Students focus on classroom and laboratory studies in health and dental science during their first two years of dental school. Oral pathology, periodontics, dental anesthesia, orthodontics, radiology, and pharmacology are some of the topics covered in dental school. Clinical practice, in which students diagnose and treat patients under the supervision of dental instructors, is emphasized in the final two years of dental school.

Step 4: Shadow a real dentist 

If you don't know much about the field you're interested in, job shadowing can be beneficial. To shadow someone is to spend a day watching them go about their daily tasks. Job shadowing a dentist entails observing them consult with patients, perform oral exams, drill cavities in teeth, and so on.

Step 5: Obtain License 

To practice dentistry, all dentists must obtain state licensure. State requirements differ, but all states require passing the National Board Dental Examinations. The dental sciences, ethics, and clinical procedures are all covered in this two-part written exam. In addition, all candidates must pass a practical examination administered or approved by the licensing board in their state.

Step 6: Think about specializing

While most dentists practice general dentistry, some choose to specialize in a specific area of dentistry. Options for post-DMD or post-DDS education exist to allow licensed dentists to practice in a variety of specialties. Before earning a specialty license, you must complete 2 to 4 years of additional education and, in some cases, a two-year residency.

Step 7: Get some hands on experience 

Try to get a part-time job or volunteer position at a nearby health care facility ideally, a dental office if at all possible. If you didn't have the opportunity to shadow a dentist in high school, this type of experience will be especially beneficial.

Step 8: Become a member of the dental team

Dental team positions such as dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental lab technicians are in high demand. Dental hygienists and assistants work closely with patients to ensure a high level of care, while dental lab technicians design the dentures, crowns, and braces that dentists use.

How to Become a Dentist

How to Become a Dentist

For the ones who do not know how to become a dentist, here is a full step-by-step guide on how to become a dentist. There are numerous reasons to pursue dentistry as a profession. Dentistry allows you to make a positive impact on your patients' health and well-being. It's a career that allows you to run your own dental practice and be your own boss. Dentists now have the opportunity to preserve their patients' smiles and self-esteem thanks to new exciting scientific breakthroughs in gene therapy and biotechnology.Dentists are doctors who diagnose and treat problems with the mouth, teeth, and gums. Dentists provide preventive care and oral hygiene advice in addition to extractions, root canals, and tooth replacements. Anesthetics are commonly used by dentists to help patients feel less pain during procedures. They also perform and examine dental x-rays. These individuals may work in general dentistry or in a specialized field. To accommodate their patients' schedules, some dentists work weekends or evening hours.Full-time students can typically complete their program in four years, during which time they attend lectures and seminars while gaining hands-on experience in clinical rotations and laboratory sessions. The first two years of study are foundational, exposing students to a wide range of topics that are relevant to the field. The final two years, on the other hand, are heavily focused on clinically-based courses, with didactic learning continuing concurrently.Step-by-Step Guide on How to Become a DentistStep 1: Enroll in a bachelor's degree programEnroll in a bachelors’ degree program to further your education. The road to dental school starts with a bachelor's degree, as most dental schools require applicants to have earned a bachelor's degree before being accepted. Some schools will admit students after 2 to 3 years of undergraduate study and allow them to complete their bachelor's degrees while pursuing their dental education.Step 2: Dental Admission Test Students must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) before applying to dental school, which assesses academic ability and scientific knowledge. It's possible that a minimum score on this exam will be required for admission to dental school. During the admissions process, dental schools consider DAT scores, grade point averages, interviews, and letters of recommendation.Step 3: Obtain a Dental EducationA Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree is earned after four years of dental school. The Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (ADA) may accredited programs. For state licensure, some states require a degree from an approved program. Students focus on classroom and laboratory studies in health and dental science during their first two years of dental school. Oral pathology, periodontics, dental anesthesia, orthodontics, radiology, and pharmacology are some of the topics covered in dental school. Clinical practice, in which students diagnose and treat patients under the supervision of dental instructors, is emphasized in the final two years of dental school.Step 4: Shadow a real dentist If you don't know much about the field you're interested in, job shadowing can be beneficial. To shadow someone is to spend a day watching them go about their daily tasks. Job shadowing a dentist entails observing them consult with patients, perform oral exams, drill cavities in teeth, and so on.Step 5: Obtain License To practice dentistry, all dentists must obtain state licensure. State requirements differ, but all states require passing the National Board Dental Examinations. The dental sciences, ethics, and clinical procedures are all covered in this two-part written exam. In addition, all candidates must pass a practical examination administered or approved by the licensing board in their state.Step 6: Think about specializingWhile most dentists practice general dentistry, some choose to specialize in a specific area of dentistry. Options for post-DMD or post-DDS education exist to allow licensed dentists to practice in a variety of specialties. Before earning a specialty license, you must complete 2 to 4 years of additional education and, in some cases, a two-year residency.Step 7: Get some hands on experience Try to get a part-time job or volunteer position at a nearby health care facility ideally, a dental office if at all possible. If you didn't have the opportunity to shadow a dentist in high school, this type of experience will be especially beneficial.Step 8: Become a member of the dental teamDental team positions such as dental hygienists, dental assistants, and dental lab technicians are in high demand. Dental hygienists and assistants work closely with patients to ensure a high level of care, while dental lab technicians design the dentures, crowns, and braces that dentists use.