Becoming a dentist: what steps should I take?

I'm interested in pursuing a career as a dentist. What steps should I take during high school and college to achieve this goal? Is there a specific undergraduate major I should consider? Any advice would be great!

To become a dentist, it's essential to follow a specific educational path and gain relevant experience. Here are the steps you should take during high school and college to achieve your goal:

1. High school preparation: Focus on excelling in science and math courses, as these subjects will be crucial in your college and dental school studies. Take AP classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and calculus if available. Also, participate in science-related extracurricular activities, such as a science club or research projects, to demonstrate your passion for the field.

2. Undergraduate studies: Earning a bachelor's degree is required before applying to dental school. While there is no specific undergraduate major required for dental school, it's common for students to choose a science-related major, such as biology or chemistry, since these majors cover many of the prerequisite courses for dental schools. However, you can also choose a non-science major as long as you complete the required pre-dental courses.

3. Pre-dental courses: During your undergraduate education, you'll need to complete certain courses that dental schools require, such as biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and possibly others like biochemistry or anatomy. Check the requirements for the dental schools you're interested in applying to ensure you meet their criteria.

4. Dental Admission Test (DAT): Dental school applicants must take the DAT, usually in their junior year of college. This standardized exam measures your knowledge in natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. Start preparing early and consider using study materials and practice tests to improve your score.

5. Shadowing and volunteering: Dental schools like to see applicants with hands-on experience in the dental field. Shadow a dentist or volunteer in dental clinics, community health centers, or schools with dental programs. This experience will not only strengthen your application but also provide insight into the day-to-day life of a dentist.

6. Research experience: Participating in research (either in the sciences, public health or dentistry) can further strengthen your dental school application and demonstrate your commitment to the field. Consider seeking research opportunities with professors at your college or through summer research programs.

7. Extracurricular involvement and leadership: Dental schools appreciate well-rounded applicants with diverse interests. Participate in clubs, organizations, or sports, and demonstrate leadership in these activities.

8. Apply to dental school: During your final year of college, you'll apply to dental schools through the American Dental Education Association's Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (ADEA AADSAS). Make sure to obtain strong letters of recommendation and write a compelling personal statement to stand out among applicants.

9. Dental school: Once accepted into a dental school, you'll complete a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program, which typically takes four years. The curriculum includes classroom instruction, laboratory work, and clinical practice.

10. Licensing and specialization: After completing dental school, you must pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) to become a licensed dentist. If you're interested in a specialization, such as orthodontics, periodontics, or pediatric dentistry, you'll need to complete a postgraduate residency program, which usually takes an additional 2-6 years.

By following these steps and staying focused on your long-term goal, you'll be well-prepared to pursue a rewarding career as a dentist.