Schooling Needed to Become a Dentist

If you've been considering a career in dentistry, you may be wondering what type of schooling is needed to become a dentist. Once you have earned a bachelor's degree in pre-dental studies or one of the sciences, dental school will be your next step. Before you take that step, you'll want to evaluate dental schools and curricula and decide if dental school is right for you .

Function

Dental school prepares students to become practicing dentists, working to fill cavities, remove teeth, perform root canals, perform cosmetic procedures and practice preventive care. Dentists also evaluate problems of the gums, tongue, jaws and lips and are trained to detect medical conditions that affect the mouth.

History

The Baltimore College of Dental Surgery was the first dental school in the United States. The school, founded by Dr. Chapin A. Harris and Dr. Horace H. Hayden, began accepting students in 1840. Prior to that time, physicians would pull infected or abscessed teeth when necessary, but Drs. Harris and Hayden felt that a school was needed to train doctors who would specialize in treating the teeth.

Features

Dental schools look for applicants with a high grade point average at the undergraduate level. A major in one of the sciences is recommended, as the completion of coursework in physics, biology, biochemistry and organic and inorganic chemistry is required for acceptance to dental school. While completion of an undergraduate degree is desired, in some cases students who have completed three years of college are accepted for admission.
If you are thinking of becoming a dentist, you'll need to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) in your junior or senior year of college. In addition to looking at your DAT score, dental school admissions committees will evaluate your undergraduate grade point average, application essay, faculty recommendations and personal interview before making a decision. You will find a listing of U.S. dental schools if you click on the American Dental Education Association link in the Resources section.

Considerations

Once you are accepted to dental school, you'll need to devote the next four years to your schooling. In addition to taking basic science courses, such as anatomy, histology, pathology and physiology, you'll work with patients under the supervision of faculty members. Dental school will also provide you with a foundation in managing your business and staff and will give you a background in computerized diagnostic and treatment tools.
If general dentistry does not appeal to you, you might consider specializing in other areas of dentistry, such as oral surgery, orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics or pediatric dentistry. In order to work in one of these specialties, you will be required to complete post-graduate coursework.
Upon graduation, you will receive a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree, and after passing a licensing examination, will be free to open your own office or join an existing practice.

Potential

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for dentists will increase slightly in the coming years. As the baby boom generation ages, there will be more demand for dental care and restorative dental work. The Bureau expects there to be a need for dentists to start new practices or take over existing practices, as a significant number of dentists are nearing retirement age.

Resources

• Becoming a dentist
• American Dental Education Association
• Bureau of Labor Statistics