What Education Do You Need to Become a Dentist?
- Prior to enrolling into a dental program, prospective students must complete at least two years of pre-dentistry training. Approximately 85 percent of dental students hold bachelor's degrees, according to the American Dental Association. High school students are advised to take preparatory courses such as biology, chemistry, physics and health. Prior to enrolling into a dental program, prospective students must pass their Dental Admissions Test or DAT. The admission requirements for dental school are rigorous; prospective applicants are evaluated based on their DAT scores, grade point averages and recommendation letters.
- Dental training runs for four years and includes classroom instruction and clinical practice. Students take courses such as anatomy, microbiology, biochemistry and physiology. During the clinical portion of their training, dental students learn general laboratory procedures and treat patients during their final two years under the supervision of licensed dentists. Dental students perform their clinical practice at dental clinics. Dental program graduates earn either Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degrees.
- Dental program graduates must be licensed to practice in all 50 states. Depending on the state, licensing requirements include passing a written and practical examination. Licensing candidates must also have graduated from nationally accredited dental schools; they must also pass the National Board Dental Examination. Dentists are eligible to practice both general and specialized dentistry in most states, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Dentists seeking career advancement in research or teaching must complete an additional two to five years of advanced dental training. Licensed dentists can specialize in any of the nine recognized specialties such as peridontics, endodontics, maxillofacial radiology and oral pathology. Dentists must be up to date on the latest changes in their field by taking continuing education and professional development courses. The American Dental Association provides continuing education courses and administers the National Board Dental examination.