How to become a dentist

Treating and preventing diseases of teeth, gums and mouths is the job of a dentist. In America, it takes eight years of college and dental school studies for an individual to become a dentist. After those eight years, you can earn the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.), or Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.). In order to obtain the practicing license, the dentists have to pass the state tests so they are eligible for practice in different states of the country.

Instructions

  • 1

    Becoming a dentist requires years of planning. One must be sure of his/her subjects once they start high school. If you want to become a dentist and you have made up your mind, then pick subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, health and mathematics. These courses fall under the category of science and you must be good in all of them since you will have to work on them a lot if you want to become a dentist. Make sure you maintain good grades in all these aforementioned subjects.

  • 2

    Your career counsellor might help you get the information regarding colleges that can help you finish up your pre-dental program in only two years. However, several pre-dental students first opt for a bachelor’s degree.

  • 3

    Once you know about all the colleges, don’t try to think about a dream college; in fact, try to apply in each and every college that is on the list. This will give you an opportunity to choose from different colleges and you might get into at least one of them.

  • 4

    Send catalogues to these colleges and apply before the deadline date.

  • 5

    Once you have been enrolled into college, make sure that you get high grades in science courses.

  • 6

    The American Dental Association will now help you get a list of four-year dental schools accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation. Apply for these dental schools and meet the admission criteria.

  • 7

    Take the DAT (Dental Admissions Test). The score, as usual, must be really high so you can easily qualify.

  • 8

    Once you have entered the dental college, you must know that the last two years are spend under the supervision of licensed dentists and you work under them in clinics.

  • 9

    Once you have managed to pass everything, you need to give one more exam for your license. Make sure you meet your state’s license requirements. It might take two to five years to get your practicing license, depending upon the state you are working in.

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