How Many Years of School to Become a General Dentist?
Dentists diagnose and treat disorders of the teeth, gums and other mouth structures. Most dentists are general practitioners rather than specialists in a certain area, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . Aspiring dentists need several years of education beyond high school to become a general dentist.
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Job Features
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General dentists examine teeth and gums directly and with X-rays and diagnose disorders. They remove tooth decay and fill cavities, place protective sealants on teeth, smooth minor chips on teeth, replace broken crowns and extract teeth when necessary. Dentists also provide instruction on home dental care and offer advice for avoiding potential future problems.
Licensing
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Dentists must have a license to practice in all 50 states and in the District of Columbia. Licensing requires graduation from an accredited school of dentistry, and most states also require the candidate pass written and practical examinations.
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Undergraduate Work
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All dental schools require at least two years of college-level education for admission. Most dental students complete a bachelor's degree before entering dental school, which traditionally is a four-year program. About 15 percent of students are accepted after two or three years of college and finish their bachelor's degree while attending dental school, as noted by the BLS. The University of Louisville School of Dentistry says admission is competitive, and preference is given to candidates with bachelor's degrees. Because college undergraduates must take numerous science courses to qualify for dental school admission, many choose to major in biology, chemistry or another science. They may follow a pre-dental track if that is available. Students also may major in a different subject as long as they complete all required science coursework.
Dental School
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Dental school usually takes four years to complete. Initial classroom and laboratory coursework includes anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and microbiology, as well as beginning courses in clinical sciences and laboratory methodology. During the second half of the program, the dental students treat patients under the supervision of licensed dentists. Upon graduation, the new dentist receives either the degree of doctor of dental surgery (DDS) or doctor of dental medicine (DMD). The DDS is more common, but the degrees are equivalent.
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References
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