Steps to becoming a dentist after high school

Hey guys, I've been thinking about pursuing dentistry as a career after high school. Does anyone know the general steps to become a dentist? What should I focus on during undergrad, and how do I prepare for dental school? Your advice is much appreciated!

Hello! Dentistry is a rewarding field, and it's great to see that you're considering it as a career. Here are the general steps you need to take to become a dentist:

1. Undergraduate degree: Enroll in a four-year college or university and pursue a Bachelor's degree. While there's no specific major required, many pre-dental students choose biology, chemistry, or a related field to help them fulfill the prerequisite coursework needed for dental school. Maintain a strong GPA, as dental schools consider your academic performance during the admissions process.

2. Pre-dental coursework: Complete the required prerequisite courses for dental school. This typically includes classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and math. Each dental school may have slightly different requirements, so be sure to research those beforehand.

3. Dental Admission Test (DAT): Prepare for and take the DAT, usually during your junior year of college. Dental schools use your DAT score as an important factor in the admissions process. The test covers natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning.

4. Extracurricular activities: Gain experience in dentistry through volunteering or shadowing dentists, participating in dental research projects, or working as a dental assistant. Additionally, join a pre-dental or pre-health club on campus to network with other students and professionals, and stay informed about the dental field.

5. Letters of recommendation: Obtain strong letters of recommendation from professors, dentists you've shadowed, or others familiar with your academic and professional abilities.

6. Dental school application: Apply to dental schools through the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). This centralized service streamlines the application process by allowing you to submit one application to multiple schools. Be prepared to submit your transcripts, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and other supporting materials.

7. Dental school: Complete a four-year dental program accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). Dental school curriculum typically includes two years of preclinical instruction, followed by two years of clinical experience. Upon graduation, you'll earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.

8. Licensure: Obtain licensure by taking the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II, and a state or regional clinical examination. Licensing requirements may vary by state, so research the specific requirements for the region where you plan to practice.

9. Optional postgraduate training: If you're interested in a dental specialty (e.g., orthodontics, endodontics, etc.), you can pursue further postgraduate education, which can take an additional 2-6 years depending on the specialty.

By following these steps and maintaining a strong academic and extracurricular focus throughout your undergraduate years, you'll be well-prepared for a successful career in dentistry. Good luck!