Steps to becoming a dentist?

Steps on Becoming a Dentist

• Answer:

  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for dentists is projected to grow faster than average. The job prospects are good because of the great number of dentists expected to retire. The steps for becoming a dentist can take anywhere from 10 to 12 years in all. The requirements for becoming a dentist are challenging, but rewarding due to the salary and opportunity to help others. Undergraduate Studies According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental schools require a minimum of two years of college-level pre-dental education prior to attendance. Students in high school and college can prepare for dental school by concentrating on courses such as mathematics, chemistry, biology and health. Many colleges have pre-dental programs for students to enroll. However, if a college does not offer a pre-dental program, majoring in biology, chemistry or any other science based major is suitable for dental school. Most students attain a BS degree prior to starting a dental program, but some programs allow students to enroll after meeting the core requirements. Post-graduate Studies Students must take the Dental Admission Test prior to dental school admission. Students should maintain a high GPA, aim for a high dental admission test score and increase their extracurricular involvement to be accepted into dental school. Students typically finish dental school within four years. Most classroom and laboratory focus involves anatomy, biochemistry and physiology. Students begin to treat patients in the last two years of dental school under the tutelage of a certified dentist. Most dental schools award either the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree or the Doctor of Dental Medicine degree upon completion of the dental program. Lincensure Students must pass the National Board Dental Examinations to attain a license. There are nine dental specialties that students can choose to practice. Another requirement to practice dentistry include completing two to four years of postgraduate education. Some states require students to take further examinations. Many states also require students to complete a postgraduate residency. Advancement Dentists that wish to become full-time researchers must spend two to five years in advanced training in a dental or hospital program. Several dental school graduates work under established dentists to gain additional experience.