Wondering how to become a dentist? If you have an interest in science and health care, enjoy helping others, and would like to make a positive impact on your community, then this career path may be right for you! In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of becoming a dentist – from what they do and their salary to educational requirements and job outlook. We’ll also answer some common questions about dentistry so you can determine if this is the right career choice for you. So let’s get started!
What does a dentist do?
As a dentist, you’ll be responsible for monitoring and treating any dental issues that arise in your patients. From cleaning teeth and gums to prescribing medicines for infections and oral diseases, you’ll play an important role in helping people maintain their smiles. You’ll also use sealants, whitening agents and other treatments to improve the look of teeth.
Plus, when needed, you’ll give patients anesthetic before procedures and take X-rays of jaws, teeth and gums to diagnose oral diseases.
On top of all that, you’ll create models such as dentures, partials and crowns; apply braces or other teeth correcting devices; and educate patients on diet and oral hygiene. In short, as a dentist, you’ll be doing your part to help people take care of their teeth and gums. So what are you waiting for? Start on your journey today!
How to become a dentist
Becoming a dentist requires extensive education and training to prepare you to provide for the oral health of patients effectively. Here are six steps you can take to become a dentist:
1. Earn a bachelor’s degree
The first step to becoming a dentist is to earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. During this four-year program, you’ll focus on courses in the sciences, such as biology and chemistry, as well as liberal arts courses like English and communication. A strong background in all of these subjects will help prepare you for dental school.
2. Take the Dental Admission Test
After completing your undergraduate degree, you’ll need to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). The DAT assesses your knowledge of topics that are essential to dentistry, including anatomy, psychology, biochemistry and pathology. You must score well on this exam in order to be admitted to dental school.
3. Earn a dental degree
Once your DAT scores are accepted, you’ll be required to attend an accredited dental school for four years. During these four years, you’ll learn through lectures, lab courses and clinical experiences. You’ll also study topics such as dentistry anatomy, pathology, pharmacology and oral surgery. After completing this rigorous curriculum, you will be eligible to receive a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM).
4. Obtain licensure
Before you can practice as a dentist in the United States , you must obtain licensure from your state’s dental board. In order to fulfill the requirements for licensure, you must complete both written and practical examinations. The purpose of these tests is to ensure you have the knowledge, skills and judgement necessary to practice dentistry safely and effectively.
5. Consider a specialty
If you’re interested in furthering your training beyond general dentistry, you may consider specializing in an area such as orthodontics, oral surgery or pediatric dentistry. Specializing requires additional education and often includes a residency program in which you can gain hands-on experience in your chosen field.
6. Participate in continuing education
As technology advances and new procedures are developed, it’s important for dentists to stay up-to- date on the latest developments in the field. To do this, you’ll need to participate in continuing education courses that are approved by your state dental board. This will help ensure you stay up-to-date on new developments and maintain a high level of quality care for your patients.
Dentist salary
If you’re interested in becoming a dentist, it’s important that you have a rough idea of what to expect in terms of salary potential and employment growth. Here’s the latest data.
For starters, dentistry is often a lucrative profession. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2019, the median annual salary for dentists was $158,120 per year or $76.04 per hour. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $68,250 while the highest 10 percent earned more than $208,000 per year.
As far as job outlook goes, employment of dentists is projected to grow by 7 percent from 2019-29. This growth should be faster than average compared to other occupations in the United States due to increased access to healthcare and an aging population with more dental care needs.
Job Outlook for Dentists
Job Outlook for DentistsEvidently, the salary potential is quite high for dentists. But how is the employment outlook?
Great news for aspiring dentists – the job outlook for dentists is expected to grow 11% from 2019-2029, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With an aging population, growing access to dental care, and increased awareness of oral health, dentistry could offer a stable career path with plenty of opportunity for advancement.
As the chart indicates, all types of dentists are expected to experience average or faster-than-average employment growth through 2028. That’s great news for aspiring dentists!
FAQs about becoming a dentist
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about pursuing a career as a dentist:
How hard is it to become a dentist?
It takes a lot of dedication and hard work to become a dentist. You must complete an accredited four year dental program, pass state and national board exams, obtain a license, and then possibly specialize in an area such as orthodontics or pediatric dentistry.
What kind of qualifications do I need?
Most programs require applicants to have completed certain pre-dental courses in college including biology, calculus, chemistry, English and physics. Additionally, many dental schools require extensive volunteer or clinical experience in the field of dentistry prior to acceptance into their program.
Do I need to get certified?
Yes! All practicing dentists must be licensed by the states they practice in so completion of all necessary requirements from the state board of dentistry is essential. After obtaining a license, some dentists may pursue further certification through a specialty in the field such as orthodontics or endodontics.
What can I do with my dental degree?
A dental degree opens up many career paths! Dentists may work independently, at a clinic, or even teach in higher education institutions. There are also numerous opportunities to use your skills outside of the traditional clinical setting such as policy-making or research and development.
How much can I make as a dentist?
The average salary for a general dentist is around $166,420 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Of course, earnings for individual practitioners may vary based on experience, location, and other factors. Specialists tend to earn more than general practitioners with salaries ranging from $300,000 to over $500,000 annually.
What are the benefits of becoming a dentist?
In addition to financial rewards and job security, being a dentist offers many other perks such as personal satisfaction from improving people’s lives through your care and expertise. You also have the opportunity for professional growth in terms of specializing or teaching in higher education institutions. Plus, you will be part of an important sector of healthcare that plays an integral role in public health.
Are you ready to pursue a career as a dentist? With determination and hard work, it is possible to make your dent istry dreams a reality! Good luck!
Best Dental Schools in the U.S. [2023 Ranking]
![Best Dental Schools in the U.S. [2023 Ranking]](https://freecollegeclasses.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Best-Dental-Schools-300x212.png "How To Become a Dentist and Best Dental Schools 2023 4")
A career as a dentist can bring tremendous fulfillment for those who enjoy helping others and have an interest in science and health care. Dentists play an essential role in their communities by providing vital oral health services to people of all ages. If you want to learn more about the job and determine if it’s right for you, this article will explain how to become a dentist, what they do, how much they earn and what the job outlook looks like.
Plus, we’ll answer some commonly asked questions about this great profession! Read on to find out if becoming a dentist is the right move for you.
It usually takes 8 years of schooling before one can officially call themselves a dentist. First off , you need to earn a bachelor’s degree in any field. Then, you’ll have to pursue a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). Once that is accomplished, you will need to pass national and state examinations demonstrating your mastery over the subject.
To do this successfully, it’s critical for aspiring dentists to equip themselves with the proper knowledge base from top-tier dental schools – there are roughly 64 universities across the United States offering such advanced degrees.
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing a Dental School?
Picking a good dental school with an excellent reputation is key; ShanghaiRanking’s 2022 Academic Ranking of World Universities has named the following as the top 5 dental schools in the United States: The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor School of Dentistry, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, The University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry and The University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry.
In terms of job outlook and prospects, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data offers some key highlights: there are currently 146,200 dentists in the United States; from 2021-2031, there’s a projected 6% growth in employment opportunities; and over this same period, about 8,400 dentist jobs are expected to open up each year.
Dental School Applicant Statistics
Recent trends show that dental school enrollments have seen fluctuation over the past 20 years. For instance, a steady rise in enrolment was observed during the first 3 years of the 2020s before a 4-year slowdown. But since 2008, these numbers have been steadily increasing. With an estimated 8% growth in dentist jobs within the next decade—an average of 5,000 dentists every year—dental school enrollment is expected to experience further growth. So, if you’ve been considering becoming a dentist, now may be the perfect time to pursue this dream!
Top 10 Dental Schools in the United States 2023
1. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor School of Dentistry is one of the top institutions for dental studies. It boasts 120 full-time faculty members and 15 different programs, as well as an extensive network of affiliated clinics that provide invaluable hands-on experiences to students. Additionally, the school provides dental care and oral health services to its community, ensuring it has a positive impact on those around it.
Furthermore, the school’s highly acclaimed research centers mean its students have access to cutting-edge technology and knowledge which allows them to stay up to date with the latest advancements in dentistry. With all these factors in mind, it’s no wonder The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor School of Dentistry is considered one of the best in the country.
2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry is a top dental school in the United States. Its DDS program follows the Advocate-Clinician-Thinker (ACT) premise, training students to be problem solvers and act as their patients’ advocates while providing exceptional clinical care. The students have access to fifty rotation sites across North Carolina and two free student-led clinics, which provide dental and oral health care services to over 90,000 people annually.
Additionally, UNC’s research centers ensure that its students get exposed to cutting-edge technologies and knowledge – this keeps them up-to-date with the latest advancements in dentistry. With all these factors in mind, it’s no surprise that the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry is considered one of the best in the country.
3. Harvard University
Harvard University is one of the most prestigious universities in the world and its School of Dental Medicine is no exception. Located in the Longwood Medical Area in Boston, HSDM students are able to study alongside Harvard medical students as part of their coursework. Furthermore, they gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations at the Harvard Dental Center which caters for over 25,000 patients each year.
Additionally, with access to some of the best research facilities available, HSDM ensures that its students have access to cutting-edge technology and knowledge – allowing them to stay up to date with the latest advancements in dentistry. With all these factors taken into consideration it’s little wonder why Harvard’s School of Dental Medicine is considered one of the best in the world.
4. University of California, Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry is a top-notch institution for dental studies. With over 100 graduates annually and access to some of the world’s best research facilities, UCLA ensures that its students are exposed to cutting-edge technology and knowledge – allowing them to stay up to date with the latest advancements in dentistry.
Furthermore, its extensive network of community service projects and specialty clinics provide invaluable hands-on experiences – enabling UCLA students to gain clinical experience from their second year onwards. All these factors make UCLA an excellent choice for aspiring dentists and it’s no wonder why its School of Dentistry is considered one of the best in the country.
5. University of California, San Francisco
UCSF’s School of Dentistry is highly respected for its commitment to research, boasting some of the best research facilities in the United States. With access to cutting-edge technology and knowledge, UCSF ensures that its students remain up-to-date with the latest advancements in dentistry. Additionally, its extensive network of clinics provides invaluable hands-on experience – enabling UCSF students to gain clinical experience from their second year onwards.
All these factors make UCSF an excellent choice for aspiring dentists and it’s no wonder why its School of Dentistry is considered one of the best in the country.
6. University of Washington
The University of Washington’s School of Dentistry is renowned for its commitment to research and offers students access to cutting-edge technology and knowledge. With opportunities to gain clinical experiences at Seattle Children’s Hospital, Harborview Medical Center, and the School of Dentistry’s very own clinics, this esteemed institution ensures that its students stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in dentistry.
Furthermore, its extensive network of mobile geriatric clinics, specialty clinics for persons with disabilities, and specialty clinics for people with psychological conditions and significant dental fears provide invaluable hands-on experience – enabling UW students to gain clinical experience from their second year onwards. All these factors make the University of Washington an excellent choice for aspiring dentists and it’s no wonder why its School of Dentistry is considered one of the best in the world.
7. University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine boasts an impressive array of cutting-edge technology and knowledge. With access to the latest research facilities, students have a wealth of information at their fingertips – enabling them to stay up-to-date with the newest developments in dentistry.
Furthermore, its extensive network of outreach programs for the community provide invaluable hands-on experiences – allowing Penn students to gain clinical experience from their second year onwards. All these factors make Penn an excellent choice for aspiring dentists and it’s no wonder why its School of Dentistry is considered one of the best in the world.
All these factors make it easy to understand why Harvard’s School of Dental Medicine is considered one of the top dental schools in the United States.
8. University at Buffalo, the State University of New York
The University at Buffalo’s School of Dental Medicine offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines study, research, and clinical practice. Students begin their clinical training during their first year in the program and have access to 500 students who are pursuing a DDS diploma or a dual degree program with an MBA. Additionally, UBDM boasts some of the newest technologies in dental care as well as an extensive network of outreach programs for community members.
These factors make it easy to understand why UBDM is considered one of the top dental schools in the United States. All these factors combine to ensure that UBDM students stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in dentistry and gain valuable hands-on experience from their second year onwards.
9. University of Iowa
At the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics, students are given the opportunity to gain hands-on experience from their second year onwards. They learn how to assess patient needs and provide appropriate treatments while also participating in research projects that take advantage of state-of-the-art technologies.
This esteemed institution is committed to research excellence, with its faculty members maintaining active roles in the field by publishing papers, leading lectures and seminars, and developing new tools for diagnosis and treatment. With such a comprehensive curriculum that combines clinical training with research opportunities, it’s no surprise why the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics has long been considered one of the best dental schools in the United States.
10. New York University
New York University (NYU) dental school is widely regarded as one of the best in the United States for aspiring dentists. It offers an impressive array of cutting-edge technology and knowledge, allowing students to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in dentistry from their second year onwards.
Its comprehensive curriculum combines clinical training with research opportunities, giving students access to over 300,000 patients annually. NYU’s experienced faculty members are highly committed to research excellence and actively publish papers, lead lectures and seminars, and develop new tools for diagnosis and treatment. With such a comprehensive program available at NYU, it’s easy to understand why its College of Dentistry has long been considered one of the top dental schools in the country.
FAQs about Dentistry Schools
What is the highest level of education for a dentist?
The highest level of education for a dentist is typically a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, which usually takes four years to complete. After this, many dentists go on to do specialized training in specific areas.
What are the best dental schools in the U.S.?
According to US News & World Report’s 2022 ranking for Best Dental Schools, some of the top universities include Harvard University (Massachusetts), University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Los Angeles, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and New York University.
Are there any special requirements to become a dentist?
Yes! In addition to completing an accredited dental program and obtaining your license from the state in which you want to practice, dentists must also complete continuing education courses. Continuing education helps dentists stay up-to-date on the latest dental techniques and regulations.
What other skills do I need to become a dentist?
In addition to completing an accredited dental program and obtaining your license from the state in which you want to practice, there are some other important skills required for success as a dentist. Having good interpersonal skills, organizational abilities, manual dexterity, problem-solving aptitude, attention to detail, and excellent communication skills are all important. Good time-management is also critical, as well as the ability to work with a wide variety of patients.
What is the easiest major to become a dentist?
Although there is no “easy” major for a dental school applicant, some majors may be better suited for dentists than others. Generally speaking, the pre-dental curriculum should include biochemistry and courses in biology, anatomy, physiology, physics, and English. Additionally, many dental schools also require calculus or statistics courses as well. Majoring in a science like biology can make it easier to complete the pre-dental requirements required by most universities.
Are there any online programs available for becoming a dentist?
Currently, there are no fully accredited online degree programs available exclusively for dentistry. However, some universities offer hybrid programs where students complete some coursework online and then attend on-campus labs and clinics. Additionally, some universities may offer specializations or certificates in areas such as orthodontics or pediatric dentistry that can be completed partially online. It’s important to research any program you are considering thoroughly to make sure it is accredited and meets your individual needs.
What other resources are available for dentists?
In addition to attending school and completing continuing education courses, there are many resources available for dentists. The American Dental Association offers a variety of professional development opportunities including conferences, seminars, webinars, and even mentorship programs for new dentists. There are also numerous journals, magazines, websites, and social media networks focused on dental topics. Finally, many states have local dental societies that offer resources and networking opportunities for dentists. Finding the right support system is key to becoming a successful dentist.