How to become a dentist?

How do I become a Dentist?

• OK, I admit it, I need your help! There are many things I'm interested in going to school for; however, it isn't possible for me to complete the necessary years of education to get the desired degrees for the careers that interest me. I desperately need to further my education, but I want to go to school for something that I like. So here is my dilemma; I am in my early thirties, and I have only my GED; where do I go from there? If I choose to pursue Dentistry, what would be my next step? How many years would it take me to become a Dentist? I'm also very interested in becoming a registered Nurse, perhaps specializing in anesthesia, or nutrition, and last, but not least, an Aesthetician. Time is ( quickly) passing me by, and I don't want, nor am I interesting in going to school for something quick, just to appease family members. I'm full aware that I'm not getting any younger, hence the urgency.. So, thank you in advance for your much needed advice. Love, light and peace, tishy

• Answer:

  You can start anything at any age! Don't feel like time is passing you by--you are still very young.. Like many other medical professions, you usually go to college for 4 years and then go to medical or dental college for another 4 years. So it usually take about 8 years to become a dentist. See an expert village video about how to become a dentist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3sHoxbM8iM I would suggest looking into an accredited technical college that offers a dental program. There are other careers in dentistry that may be quicker to prepare for such as dental hygienist, dental assistant, dental lab technician, etc. For info about becoming a dental hygienist and other careers in dentistry, see: http://www.ada.org/public/careers/team/hygienist.asp#accreditation For info about becoming a dentist, see: http://www.adea.org/dental_education_pathways/aadsas/Documents/OG08_1-77_r4.pdf Good Luck!