Everyone has their dream job like (Dentist) or the ideal way they want to make a living. If you are looking to help people with oral hygiene, dentistry is the right field for you.
When you become a dentist, you choose an independent career. After you graduate from dental school, you can start your own practice and make it work for you.
Dentistry also includes a wide range of professional options. Graduates can choose clinical work, research, or academic research. All of these transform people’s lives by restoring their oral health.
Do you want to live your dream of becoming a Dentist? Learn to be a dentist with this simple step-by-step guide.
The degree is the first step
Dentistry is dentistry. Anything related to the medical field requires schooling. If you’re wondering how to get into dental school, here’s how to do it.
Your first step in becoming a dentist is to earn a bachelor’s degree.
To become a dentist you need to do research in biology and physics. Chemistry is also a prerequisite. These courses prepare you for dental school by providing information relevant to the field of dentistry.
Participate in a dental mentoring program as you seek to graduate. Mentoring programs prepare you for the dental field and provide professional development benefits.
Apply to Dental School
After receiving your graduation, take the DAT-Dental Entrance Test. You must take the DAT before applying to the School of Dentistry.
Most dental schools require a minimum score for the DAT. Inform yourself before taking the exam and apply accordingly. You will also need a satisfactory undergraduate GPA and a letter of recommendation.
Be prepared to discuss these things at your intake interview.
Get a degree in dentistry
Earning a dental degree requires another four years of schooling. In dental school, you work towards a DDS or DMD degree. This is a doctor of dental surgery or a doctor of dental medicine.
Both degrees receive accreditation from the American Dental Association. The academic load focuses on Periodontics, Oral Pathology, Orthodontics, and Anesthesia and Radiology.
Check with your state for approved state licensing programs.
Get a license
You cannot practice dentistry in your state without a license. After meeting the education requirements, you must pass the National Dental Board exam.
The exam is a two-part exam that covers diagnostic procedures, ethics, and dentistry. Be prepared for an interview and background check. You may be required to obtain CPR certification.
Your state licensing board may require additional testing.
Choose a specialization
After becoming licensed, most new dentists work as general practitioners. They open offices and serve the public with dental products. Get them here if that’s the route you’re planning
However, you can choose to specialize in one field. The ADA offers specializations in dentistry if you choose to go in that direction. Here are some:
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Pediatric Dentistry
endodontics
periodontics
Expect to take two or more years of education to become a specialist. These are the minimum tips to become a dentist.
Follow these tips to become a dentist
Don’t let your dream job become an afterthought. Use this easy step by step on how to become a dentist to start your new career.
Learn more about how to become an entrepreneur. Check out our lifestyle guides for ways to grow your business and career.
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