How to Become a Dentist?
Whether you’re drawn to the aesthetic appeal of cosmetic dentistry or the technical precision of restorative procedures, a career in dentistry can be extremely rewarding.
However, becoming a dentist requires more than just a passion for teeth; it takes years of education, rigorous training, and a deep commitment to learning.
This post will take you through the steps on how to become a dentist, from the foundational education required to the skills needed to succeed in this field.
Whether you’re still in high school exploring career options or you’re already considering dental school, this post will help you understand the path ahead.
What Does a Dentist Do?
Dentists are healthcare providers who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and preventing oral health conditions.
Dentists are doctors who play a vital part in maintaining your overall health, as poor oral health can have significant effects on the rest of your body. So, if you’re wondering how to become a dentist, it’s important to understand the wide range of tasks and responsibilities involved in this rewarding profession.
A dentist’s day-to-day duties can vary greatly depending on their specialty and the needs of their patients. However, there are several common tasks that all dentists perform.
A typical day for a dentist might involve a variety of tasks, including:
Patient Education: Educating patients about proper oral hygiene practices and the importance of regular dental check-ups.
Routine Check-ups: Conducting regular check-ups to assess the health of patients’ teeth and gums.
Preventive Care: Providing preventive treatments such as cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants to maintain oral health.
Restorative Dentistry: Repairing damaged teeth through procedures like fillings, crowns, and bridges.
Cosmetic Dentistry: Enhancing the appearance of smiles through treatments like teeth whitening, veneers, and dental implants.
Oral Surgery: Performing surgical procedures, such as tooth extractions and wisdom tooth removal.
Academic Foundation
High School
If you’re wondering how to become a dentist, high school is the perfect time to start preparing for the path ahead.
While the bulk of your academic requirements will come during college, there are still steps you can take now to build a strong foundation for a career in dentistry.
First and foremost, focus on developing a solid academic record, especially in stem curriculum. Take challenging courses like biology, chemistry, physics, and advanced math.
If your school offers Advanced Placement (AP) science classes, consider enrolling in those to get a head start on the more challenging material you’ll encounter in college.
Beyond academics, it’s helpful to start exploring dentistry through extracurricular activities and hands-on experience.
In high school, consider joining clubs or organizations related to STEM, healthcare, or communication. Being involved in groups like Science Olympiad or HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) can give you a deeper understanding of the healthcare field while also allowing you to build leadership and teamwork skills.
Volunteering in healthcare settings, such as a local nursing home, hospital, or clinic, can provide valuable exposure to patient care, which is an important aspect of dentistry.
Another way to gain insight into the dental profession is through job shadowing or volunteering at a dentist’s office. Reach out to a family dentist, orthodontist, or pediatric dentist to inquire about observing their practice.
If job shadowing opportunities aren’t readily available in your area, you can contact local dental societies to learn about mentor programs or volunteer opportunities. These experiences will help you understand what a dentist’s day-to-day work is like. They will also demonstrate to dental schools that you’re serious about pursuing the profession.
Undergraduate
When you’re thinking about how to become a dentist, your undergraduate years are crucial in preparing you for dental school. One common misconception is that you must major in biology or a related science to be accepted into dental school. In reality, dental schools do not require a specific major. While many students choose to major in biology or chemistry because these fields provide a strong foundation in the sciences, applicants from a wide range of academic backgrounds have been successful, including those who majored in humanities, music, art history, engineering, or even sports administration.
What matters most is ensuring that you take the required science courses, which typically include general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, physics, and math. Each dental school may have slightly different course requirements, so it’s important to consult the specific prerequisites for the schools you’re interested in. Many universities also offer a “pre-dental” track, which outlines the courses you’ll need to take to be eligible for dental school.
One of the most important ways to stand out during your college years is by gaining leadership experience. Dental schools look for candidates who show they are ready to take on responsibility and contribute to their community. This doesn’t mean you need to be the president of every club you join—leadership can come in many forms.
For example, you could take the initiative to organize a community service project, lead a study group, or coordinate a fundraising event. Even being an active member of a club or organization can provide opportunities to demonstrate leadership if you take charge of a specific project or event. These experiences show that you are proactive and have the skills needed to manage responsibilities, which will help you succeed in the rigorous academic environment of dental school.
In addition to leadership, dental schools place a high value on real-world experience in the dental field. Most schools require applicants to complete a certain number of hours shadowing practicing dentists. This hands-on experience gives you a first-hand look at what a career in dentistry truly entails and helps confirm whether this is the right path for you.
Volunteering in dental clinics or other healthcare settings also provides valuable experience and shows your commitment to serving others.
Building a strong relationship with faculty, mentors, and professionals in the field is also critical. Many dental schools require recommendation letters as part of the application process, and these letters are much more impactful if they come from people who know you well and can speak to your strengths—both academically and as a future dental professional.
As you progress through college, balance your academic workload with meaningful extracurricular activities, volunteer opportunities, and leadership roles. By doing so, you’ll not only prepare yourself academically for dental school but also develop the personal qualities that will help you succeed as a dentist.
Dental School Applications
The journey to dental school begins long before you submit your application. It starts with understanding the profession and taking the necessary steps to become a competitive candidate. Here’s a breakdown of the key components of the admissions process.
1. Early Preparation and Research
Before applying, spend time researching the dental profession and its requirements. Meet with a pre-health advisor to get a clear timeline of necessary coursework and extracurricular activities. Shadowing a dentist is crucial to understanding the profession firsthand, while participating in leadership roles or volunteer work can help strengthen your application. Early preparation ensures you’re on the right track.
2. Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT)
The DAT is a required standardized test for nearly all U.S. dental schools, assessing knowledge in areas like biology, chemistry, and perceptual ability. Be sure to prepare well in advance using study guides, practice exams, and prep courses. A strong DAT score is essential for advancing through the admissions process.
3. Submit Your Application
Most U.S. dental schools use the ADEA AADSAS® (Associated American Dental Schools Application Service) to process applications. Submit your academic records, personal statement, recommendations, and DAT scores to the schools of your choice. Apply early, ideally by June, to allow ample time for document processing. Texas residents should use the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS).
4. Secondary Applications and Additional Materials
After submitting your ADEA AADSAS application, some schools may request additional materials through a secondary application. These can include more detailed information about your experiences or essays. Secondary applications may come with a fee, so be sure to account for that in your budget.
5. Interviews
Most dental schools require interviews as part of the admissions process. Interviews can be one-on-one, in groups, or in the form of multiple mini-interviews (MMIs). This is your opportunity to demonstrate your passion for dentistry and strong interpersonal skills. Preparation is key, so practice interview questions and research each school thoroughly.
The Dental Admission Test (DAT)
One of the most important steps in how to become a dentist is taking the Dental Admission Test (DAT).
The DAT is a standardized exam required by all U.S. dental schools and plays a crucial role in assessing your readiness for dental school. The admissions process doesn’t begin when you fill out your application, it starts when you decide to pursue dentistry as a career.
The DAT is administered by the American Dental Association (ADA) and measures your academic abilities, scientific understanding, and perceptual skills. The test is multiple-choice, computer-based, and typically takes about four hours to complete. It’s available in English and is offered at testing centers throughout the United States. You’ll need to check the ADA website for specific testing dates, locations, and costs.
ADA Website: https://www.ada.org/education/testing/exams/dental-admission-test-dat
The DAT is a multiple-choice, computer-based exam administered by the American Dental Association (ADA). It consists of four sections:
Natural Sciences – Covers biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry.
Perceptual Ability – Tests your ability to solve two- and three-dimensional problems.
Reading Comprehension – Assesses your understanding of scientific texts, including dental and basic science materials.
Quantitative Reasoning – Includes math problems in algebra, numerical calculations, and conversions.
It’s highly recommended that you take the DAT after completing the prerequisite courses in biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry, which are essential to your dental school preparation. Most students take the test after their third year of college, giving them time to complete these courses and study for the exam. Ideally, you should aim to take the test at least one year before you plan to enter dental school.
When preparing for the DAT, focus on reviewing the key principles from your science courses. You can also take practice tests to assess your strengths and weaknesses and track your progress. The ADA offers resources like the DAT Candidates Guide and an online tutorial, both of which can help you prepare for the test.
The DAT is an important step in the dental school application process, but it’s not the only one. In addition to the test, dental schools also require shadowing experience, extracurricular involvement, and strong academic performance. It’s important to begin planning early, submitting your application well in advance, and ensuring you meet all the requirements for the dental schools you are interested in.
Remember, you can only take the DAT once every 90 days, and you are allowed a maximum of three attempts unless you receive special permission from the ADA. Make sure you’re fully prepared before scheduling the test to give yourself the best chance of success.
Dental School Tracks
As a pre-dental student, you’ve likely come across the terms DMD and DDS. While they may sound different, both degrees signify the same level of education and qualification
DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery): This is the more traditional dental degree. Dentists with a DDS degree are often referred to as “oral surgeons.”
DMD (Doctor of Medical Dentistry): A newer degree, the DMD reflects a broader approach to dentistry, emphasizing oral health within the context of overall health.
Regardless of whether a dentist holds a DDS or DMD, they have undergone rigorous academic training and are equally qualified to provide comprehensive dental care. The choice between these two degrees is often a historical or institutional decision.
When applying to dental schools, focus on your academic performance, extracurricular activities, and volunteer work. Both DMD and DDS programs provide the same education, so choose a school that fits your goals.
Specialization
After completing dental school and obtaining a DDS or DMD degree, many dentists choose to specialize in a specific area of dentistry. This involves additional years of advanced education and training, allowing dentists to focus on a particular area of interest and provide advanced care and expertise to their patients. Specialization can be both professionally rewarding and financially lucrative, but it requires a commitment to further education and hands-on experience.
To specialize in a particular area of dentistry, dentists must first complete a residency program. TResidency typically involves two to six years of advanced training, depending on the specialty.
During this time, dentists gain in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience in their chosen field. They often work closely with patients under the supervision of experienced specialists.
While in dental school, students can begin to decide on their specialty. This can be done by shadowing specialists, engaging in internships, and gaining exposure to different fields.
It’s also essential to take full advantage of clinical rotations during dental school to build practical skills and form connections with mentors who can offer recommendations for residency applications.
Beyond clinical experience, preparation for standardized exams is a crucial step in the process. Dentists must pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Part I and II, or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE), as part of their licensure process. For those pursuing a specialty, additional exams such as the Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT) may be required. Once eligible, dentists apply to accredited residency programs, ensuring they meet all the specific requirements of the program, such as clinical experience, research, and board scores.
The residency application process typically involves writing a personal statement, preparing a detailed CV, obtaining strong letters of recommendation, and submitting transcripts from dental school. Most programs use the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) for residency applications, though some schools may require supplemental applications. Once you’ve submitted your applications, preparing for residency interviews is the next crucial step. This is your opportunity to showcase your motivation, skills, and fit for the program.
After the interviews, applicants rank their preferred programs. On Match Day they find out which residency program they will attend.
Common Dental Specialities
Once you complete your residency and pass your board certification exams, you can officially practice as a dental specialist.
Here are some of the most common dental specialties:
Orthodontics: Orthodontists specialize in diagnosing and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. They use various devices like braces, aligners, and other orthodontic appliances to improve a patient’s bite and overall smile.
Endodontics: Endodontists focus on the treatment of the tooth’s pulp—the soft tissue inside. This includes procedures like root canal therapy and other techniques aimed at saving damaged or infected teeth.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Oral surgeons handle complex surgical procedures, including the extraction of wisdom teeth, placement of dental implants, and corrective jaw surgeries. They also treat facial injuries, manage oral cancers, and perform other surgeries related to the mouth, face, and jaw.
Pediatric Dentistry: Pediatric dentists concentrate on the oral health of children, from infancy through adolescence. They provide preventive care, restorative treatments, and address any behavioral challenges that might arise with younger patients.
Periodontics: Periodontists specialize in treating gum disease and other conditions affecting the supporting tissues around the teeth. Their work includes procedures like scaling and root planing, gum grafting, and dental implants.
Prosthodontics: Prosthodontists focus on replacing missing or damaged teeth with artificial restorations such as dentures, bridges, and implants. They also work in maxillofacial prosthetics, which involves reconstructing parts of the face or jaw
In conclusion...
Becoming a dentist is no easy feat. But for those who are dedicated to the profession, it’s an incredibly rewarding career.
Wondering how to become a dentist involves years of education, clinical training, and personal commitment. However, it’s all worth it when you consider the positive impact you’ll have on the lives of your patients.
