What Does it Take To Become a Dentist?

Dec 3rd, 2017
Easton Dentists Jan 3rd, 2018

Are you looking for a career where you can really make a difference? If so, a career as a dentist may be right for you! Dentists have the privilege of helping individuals to maintain their health and of relieving pain that may be caused by their dental issues. Before you can begin a career as a dentist, however, you will need to obtain the proper education and training. Below, you’ll find the four keys steps you must take to launch your career as a dentist.

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree

There is no particular pre-dental bachelor’s degree you must earn before enrolling in dental school. You must, however, take certain courses during your undergraduate career if you hope to be admitted to dental school. These courses are: Biology, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics and, for most dental schools, English. To ensure that you are a competitive candidate for dental school you should try your very best to maintain a high GPA throughout your undergraduate career.

2. Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT)

All Dental School applicants must take the DAT. This test consists of four multiple choice sections that cover natural sciences, reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning, and perceptual ability. Your score on this test will play an important role in your dental school application.

3. Earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine (DDM) degree

You must earn your degree from an accredited dental school. Typically, earning one of these degrees takes four years.

4. Pass your licensing exams

All dentists must pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) which focuses on the basic sciences. Some states also require additional examinations.

If you’re interested in learning more about a career as a dentist, you can find some helpful information here: http://www.ada.org/en/education-careers. Good luck as you pursue this rewarding career path!

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