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To become a dentist, one needs a bachelor’s degree, to pass the dental admissions test, attend a four-year dental school, and be licensed. A background in natural sciences, dexterity, and communication skills are necessary. Undergraduate courses should be relevant, and some colleges offer pre-dental programs. After graduation, one must pass the National Board of Dentistry exam to receive their state license.
To become a dentist, a person needs to earn a bachelor’s degree, pass the dental admissions test (DAT), and attend a four-year dental school. A dentist also needs to be licensed in the state in which they practice. An aspiring dentist must possess a solid background in the natural sciences, as well as dexterity and good communication skills.
In college, a person looking to become a dentist should major in biology or a related field. Undergraduate courses should be relevant to what the student will see in dental school, such as biology, physics, and anatomy, as well as inorganic and organic chemistry. Also, a person can benefit from taking psychology and business courses. Some colleges offer pre-dental programs, and advisors should be able to help students design a course of study that will best prepare them for dental school.
After earning an undergraduate degree, a dental school applicant must pass the DAT before they can be accepted into a dental school. Conducted by the American Dental Association (ADA), the DAT assesses a candidate’s overall academic ability, understanding of scientific information, and perceptual ability. Generally, a person is required to take the dental admission test one year before the expected date of application.
With the DAT scores in hand, the candidate must apply to dental schools. It is important to find an ADA approved dental school. Candidates are judged on their grade point average, DAT scores and recommendations, as well as other factors such as extracurricular activities and internships. Some schools require personal interviews prior to acceptance. Many dental schools are part of the Associated Dental Schools Application Services, which allow applicants to apply to multiple dental schools simultaneously for a fee.
While in dental school, an aspiring dentist will study the health sciences, which include anatomy, biochemistry, microbiology, and pathology, as well as radiology, dental anesthesiology, physiology, and pharmacology. A dental school student will learn how the health sciences can be applied to dentistry and patient care. Other topics covered in dental school include business management, community health, and professional ethics.
Generally, the first two years of dental school focus on courses and laboratory studies. A student will be involved in laboratory sessions in which he must apply the dental techniques learned in the classroom. During the final two years of dental school, the student will engage in clinical practice and treat patients under the direction of a dental instructor.
Once a dental candidate graduates from dental school, he must pass the National Board of Dentistry exam to receive his state license. Administered by the ADA, the test covers general health topics as well as dentistry-specific topics. Every two years, dentists are required to renew their state licenses.
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