How to become a dentist

Dentistry career overview

A career in dentistry offers much more than a lucrative salary and the opportunity to open your own clinic. 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. Dentist make a difference to the physical and psychological health of their clients – both by preventing teeth 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. Even so, every dentist begins at the same place: earning a doctoral degree in dentistry form an accredited dental school.

What is a DDS?

DDS is the acronym used for Doctor of Dental Surgery. This is the degree required to work independently as a dentist in the United States. Although they have different titles, a Doctor of Dental Medicine and a Doctor or Medicine in Dentistry (both using the acronym DMD) – are the same degree as the DDS.

How hard is it to become a dentist?

Dentistry requires disciplined study at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. There is a clear path into the profession and the option to move into various specialties. With the right qualifications it is relatively straightforward to become a working dentist.

How long does it take to become a dentist?

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

What is the general job outlook for dentists?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the demand for dentists to grow by 8% annually through 2030. Approximately 5,000 openings for dentists should become available each year, with the greatest need occurring among general dentists, prosthodontists, orthodontists, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

Benefits of becoming a dentist

Whether through preventive care, improving aesthetics, or eliminating pain, dentists get a deep sense of personal satisfaction from their work because they are serving others.

The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) recently conducted a study on why dental students pursue this career. The reasons mentioned included:

• It provides flexibility and career independence as dentists can open their own practice.
• Dentists are usually respected members of the community.
• The salary is excellent at all experience levels.
• There is an opportunity to work creatively, especially for cosmetic dentists.
• Dentists get to engage in ongoing research and educate others with less experience.

Dental Program Overview

Dental school lasts 4 years. For the first 2 years, students study basic biological sciences and how the body functions. The final 2 years are mostly clinical.

How much is dental school?

A report by The American Dental Association (ADA) revealed that, in 2021 -22, the average cost for first-year dental school residents was $56,698. For non-residents the cost came to $74,866. Another study showed that in 2021 the average dental school debt was $284,900.

» Read: Calculating ROI – or the earning potential of a degree

Dentist schooling requirements

To attend dental school in the United States requires a bachelor’s degree. This does not need to be in dentistry as related fields are considered valuable in forming a knowledge base. Master’s degrees in dentistry are available, although typically chosen only by students hoping to stay in academia.

The main education requirement is to attend a doctoral level dentistry program that leads to a DDS, which is required for licensure.

7 steps to become a dentist

Step 1 — Take relevant subjects at high school

It is never too early to start thinking about your future career. Focus your energy on science and math. Shadowing a dentist can provide a better grasp of the job and may help you to decide whether dentistry is the career for you.

Step 2 – Get an undergraduate degree

Dental students need a bachelor’s degree before they enroll in dental school. This does not need to be in dentistry, it can be in a related science field – such as chemistry or biological science. A small percentage of schools offer pre-dentistry programs. These take an additional year and may come in the form of a combined bachelor and doctoral program.

After earning their bachelor’s, dental students who want a career in academia or dentistry research may choose to complete a master’s program. Jobs in these fields typically require a graduate degree, but not necessarily dental school.

Step 3 —  Pass the dental admission test

All 66 dental schools in the United States require students to pass the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Students can take the test year-round at any prometric center.

The DAT consists of:

• 40 items in quantitative reasoning
• 50 items in reading comprehension
• 90 items in perceptual ability
• 100 items in survey of the natural sciences

Students are advised to schedule the exam during their junior year of college, or in the summer between their junior and senior years. The typical study time is 250 hours. The Amercian Student Dental Association offers several suggestions to help students prepare:

• study with a fellow student and hold each other accountable
• avoid spending too much time memorizing small details; the DAT mainly tests fundamental concepts
• take at least 2 practice exams
• create a study calendar and allow additional time for challenging topics

» Read: The demand for language diversity in healthcare

Step 4 — Apply to dental school

Dental schools prefer candidates who have completed the following coursework at undergraduate level:

• 2 semesters/3 quarters of biology with a laboratory component
• 2 semesters/3 quarters of general chemistry with a laboratory component
• 2 semesters/3 quarters of organic chemistry with a laboratory component
• 2 semesters/3 quarters of physics with a laboratory component

Be sure to check the schools you are considering are accredited. This ensures the program meets the rigorous standards of an outside agency. The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) is the accrediting body for the 66 dental schools in the U.S.

Step 5 — Go to dental school

It takes a minimum of 4 years to complete a 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.

Jobs students can pursue upon graduation include:

Step 6 — Get a dental license

Each state has its own requirements for licensure. These typically include passing a background check and getting CPR certification.

All 50 states require dental students to pass the National Board of Dental Examinations (NBDE). The exam consists of 2 parts, covering clinical procedures, dental sciences, and industry ethics. Students receive the exam date information after the NBDE has processed their application.

Step 7 —Specialize in a specific area of dentistry

Students need to decide on a specialty by their third year. They take coursework related to this specialty during their fourth year.

Dental school staff can help students to find a residency in their specialty area. Residencies take up to 4 years, and the dentists-in-training remain under supervision throughout.

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

Paying for dental school

Students can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application to discover whether they are eligible for federal loans or grants. There are more than 5,000 scholarships available, some of which are specific to dental school. Most schools have a financial aid office, where counselors are available to answer questions on financial aid.

» Read: How to budget as a student

Types of jobs in dentistry

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