What's the journey to becoming a dentist like?

Hey there, I'm considering a career in dentistry and was wondering how long the process of becoming a dentist typically takes? What type of college program and degree should I focus on during my undergraduate years? Any insight is appreciated!

Hello! It's great to see you're considering a career in dentistry. To help you out, I'll walk you through the typical journey to becoming a dentist and the timeline associated with it.

1. Undergraduate degree: Generally, aspiring dentists begin their journey by completing a bachelor's degree, which typically takes about 4 years. You don't necessarily need to major in a specific field, but you should complete a set of required prerequisite courses. These usually include subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and some math courses. Many students opt to major in a science-related field, such as Biology or Biochemistry, as these fields naturally cover most dental school prerequisites.

2. Dental Admission Test (DAT): Sometime during your undergraduate years, you'll want to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). This test is essential for gaining admission to dental school. You should ideally take the DAT in the spring or summer prior to applying to dental schools, which typically occurs during your junior or senior year.

3. Dental school: After completing your bachelor's degree and taking the DAT, it's time to apply to dental school. Dental school generally takes 4 years to complete and results in a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. The curriculum in dental school includes both classroom learning and hands-on clinical experience.

4. Dental licensure: Upon graduating from dental school, you need to obtain a license to practice dentistry in your state. The specific requirements for licensure vary by state, but most states require you to pass a written examination (typically the National Board Dental Examination) and a clinical examination (such as the American Board of Dental Examiners or a state-specific exam).

5. Optional residency/specialization: After completing dental school, some dentists choose to pursue a residency or specialty training. This step is optional but allows you to gain more expertise in a particular field, such as orthodontics or pediatric dentistry. These programs generally take an additional 2-6 years to complete, depending on the specialty.

In summary, the journey to becoming a dentist typically involves completing a 4-year undergraduate degree, taking the Dental Admission Test, attending a 4-year dental school program, obtaining a state dental license, and optionally, pursuing a residency or specialization. The entire process, excluding optional specialty training, takes approximately 8-9 years. Best of luck on your path to becoming a dentist!