How to Become a Dentist Specialist

Orthodontists are one example of a dentist specialist.

A dentist diagnoses and treats health problems in the mouth. While most dentists are general practitioners, some dentists pursue additional years of training in order to specialize in a specific area of dentistry. If you need braces or a root canal, your general dentist will refer you to visit a dentist specialist. For example, patients with braces will see an orthodontist and those in need of a root canal will see an endodontist. If you are rigorous, have steady hands and great communication skills, then consider a career as a dentist or dentist specialist.

Instructions

Instructions

1. Go to college and register into an undergraduate program. Get a minimum of 2 years of predental education in college, according to the BLS. Dental schools require a minimum of 2 years; however, most dental students have a bachelor's degree before getting into dental school. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), 85 percent of dental students acquired a bachelor's degree before entry into dental school during 2006-07. A few applicants are accepted after 2 to 3 years of college and later complete a bachelor's degree while in dental school. Take many science courses, such as biology and chemistry, since this is required from dental school applicants.

2. Apply to dental school. All applicants are required to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), according to the BLS. During the selection process, schools consider the following factors: scores from the DAT; grade point average; recommendation; and interviews. Admissions into dental schools is highly competitive.

3. Get accepted and attend dental school. Dental school takes approximately 4 years until completion, according to the BLS. Students begin with classwork in sciences, such as anatomy and physiology, biochemstry and microbiology. Students also practice laboratory techniques in the classroom during clinical science courses. During the last 2 years, students begin treating patients under the supervision of licensed and experienced dentists. Dental schools may award one of the following degrees to graduates: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).

4. Pick a specialty. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), 9 dental specialties are currently recognized: dental public health; endodontics; oral and maxillofacial pathology; oral and maxillofacial radiology; oral and maxillofacial surgery; orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics; pediatric dentistry; periodontics; and prosthodontics.

5. Get additional post-graduate education in your chosen specialty. According to the BLS, continued education in a dental specialty may take 2 to 4 years of postgraduate schooling. A residency term may be required and typically takes 2 years.

6. Get a license. Licensing is required for practice, according to the BLS. Licensing consists of passing a written and practical exams, as well as having a degree from an accredited dental program. The National Board Dental Examinations offers the written part of the licensing test. Each State or regional testing agency administers the writing or practical exams. In some cases, a State examination must be taken specifically toward a specialty. Most states allow dentists to conduct both general and specialized dental practice.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Dentists (Training)
• American Dental Association: Dentistry Definitions

Resources

• American Dental Education Association
• American Association of Public Health Dentistry
• American Association of Orthodontists
• American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
• American Academy of Periodontology