1. Create Account
  2. Login
StudyUSA
Match Me
  • Create Account
  • Login
  • School Search
  • Resources
    • All Resources
    • Articles
    • Student Voices
    • Videos
    • Magazines
    • Podcasts
  • Services
    • All Services
    • Accommodation
    • Support
    • Career
    • Financial
    • Insurance
    • Testing
    • Other
  • Chat
  • Success Stories
  • TOEFL Testing

Want to Be a Dentist? How to Pursue a College and Career Path in Dentistry

Want to Be a Dentist? How to Pursue a College and Career Path in Dentistry

Sep 8, 2021

By Ginger Abbot

Have you been thinking about dentistry for your career? There are so many career paths in dentistry, but you need to know how to pursue a career path in dentistry before you get into dental care. It doesn’t happen overnight, but with some years of hard work and dedication, you’ll be able to have the career of your dreams!

Why should you go into dentistry?

The primary goal of being a dentist is to diagnose and treat many conditions that affect someone’s mouth, gums, or teeth. Dentists are in charge of completing things like root canals, cavity fillings and extractions, and giving oral care advice.

Additionally, if you open up your own practice, you can be your own boss. Dentists are essential in the healthcare system, so there is always a need for dentists, meaning you're pretty much guaranteed a job and a good salary. In any community, the dentist’s position is highly respected, and you'll be able to create lasting relationships with your patients.

If you think dentistry is for you, check out how to become a dentist below! Following the guide, you'll find some common dentist career paths — they include anything from dental assistants to dental researchers.

1. Earn a bachelor’s degree

First, you’ll need to get your high school diploma and then earn a bachelor’s degree, which dental schools require. There isn’t a specific pre-dental major, so a degree in the sciences usually works. You can choose courses in biology, chemistry, or even physics.

During your time in college, find internship opportunities and shadowing experiences. This will help you see what goes on in the life of a dentist. Plus, when you go to dental school, it’ll show that you’ve gained experience outside the classroom.

2. Take and pass the dental admission test

Once you’ve earned your bachelor’s degree, you can take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). This is a necessary step before going into dental school. The DAT helps the dental school assess whether you’re prepared for their dental program as it tests your knowledge and academic skills.

Most dental programs will need you to pass this with a minimum score. Besides the DAT, schools examine your grades from your bachelor’s degree, as well as letters of recommendation, interviews, and other testing scores. Once you pass the DAT, you can apply to dental schools.

3. Get your dental degree

After you pass the DAT and get into a dental program, you will begin to receive the necessary education and practical hands-on experience to pursue a career path in dentistry. Usually, these programs last around four years.

In the first year or two, you will learn about health and science related to dentistry. Most of this will be in the classroom. The final two years involve more clinical experience, so you'll be in a dental office under your instructors’ advisory. Upon completing dental school, you will earn a degree in dental hygiene and be either a Doctor of Dental Surgery or a Doctor of Dental Medicine.

4. Complete any license requirements

You're getting closer to becoming a dentist! Now, you have to complete the licensing requirements. These are given out by the state you'll be practicing in, so ensure you get the necessary licensure for your state, as the requirements vary.

To obtain your license, you'll have to complete exams that cover pretty much everything you learned in dental school. Other exams or certifications may be necessary depending on the state you live in, like first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificates.

5. Decide where you want to specialize

Many who go into dental school intend to specialize in general dentistry and start their practice. However, there are many other specialization options for you. During your time at dental school, you will go over each of those options.

No matter which option you choose, never stop learning. Things will change within dentistry as technology advances and researchers discover new techniques. If you decide to start your own practice, you might have to complete a year of residency.

Career options

Below are the 12 dentist career paths that the American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes:

  • Dental Public Health
  • Dental Anesthesiology
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
  • Endodontics
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
  • Orofacial Pain
  • Oral Medicine
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Periodontics
  • Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
  • Prosthodontics

You can also choose to become a researcher or participate in international health care. The variety of options is immense for one dental degree!

Take the steps to help others achieve a healthy smile

One of the most rewarding parts of dentistry is that you help people gain confidence in their smiles. Dentists are essential for everyone, and if you pursue this career path, you’ll gain so many benefits!

Follow us:
Written by

Ginger Abbot


Ginger Abbot is a lifestyle, learning, and career writer with a passion for studying abroad. Read more of her work on Classrooms.com.

Get matched to the best program for you

Let us know what you're looking for so we can find the best school for you.

Get matched
Call to action background image. Decorative.

Useful Articles

Main image for the article titled Studying Biomedical Engineering at the Florida Institute of Technology
Studying Biomedical Engineering at the Florida Institute of Technology
Main image for the article titled Beyond the Textbook: Holiday Idioms Every International Student Should Know
Beyond the Textbook: Holiday Idioms Every International Student Should Know
Main image for the article titled International Student Finds a New Home in Brooklyn
International Student Finds a New Home in Brooklyn
Main image for the article titled TOEFL Takes Your Questions – Live!
TOEFL Takes Your Questions – Live!
Read more

Check Out These Schools

Independence Community College

Independence Community College

$5,000—$10,000 Semester

Undergraduate Certificate/Short Term 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Contact
DePaul University School of Theatre

DePaul University School of Theatre

$45,000—$50,000 Year

Masters Bachelor Degree Undergraduate
Contact
Northern State University International Undergraduate Admissions

Northern State University

$10,000 — $15,000 Semester

Bachelor Degree Masters Undergraduate
Contact

Featured Programs

East Los Angeles College

Typical cost per Semester: $10,000 — $15,000

Bachelor Degree English Programs 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Learn More

Southwestern Community College District

Typical cost per Semester: $5,000—$10,000

Summer English Programs 2yr/Community College - 2+2 Programs
Learn More

Berkeley Global

Typical cost per Semester: $15,000—$20,000

Bachelor Degree Masters Secondary/Boarding
Learn More

Related Stories

Read Study in the USA E-Magazines!

Main image for the article titled Read Study in the USA E-Magazines!
Where Can I Study English in New York, New York?

Main image for the article titled Where Can I Study English in New York, New York?

Start your U.S. adventure with Study in the USA

What's your dream? We can guide, advise, and connect you with your perfect U.S. school. We can also help you with the application process.
More about us
Partner Services

Learn About U.S. education financing, housing, and more

Partner service logo for TestDEN Ultimate TOEFL Test Prep Online Course

TestDEN Ultimate TOEFL Test Prep Online Course

TestDEN's Online TOEFL Test Prep is just what you need to quickly and effectively prepare for the TOEFL test. Since 1998, TestDEN has helped tens of thousands of students raise their TOEFL scores.

Read more
Partner service logo for Student loan for international students? Yes, it is real!

Student loan for international students? Yes, it is real!

MPOWER Financing is the top-rated lender offering international student loans without cosigners, collateral, or credit history for global citizens, PLUS international student scholarships & career coaching! Fully online application, 96% customer...

Read more
Partner service logo for A cheaper, faster way to send money abroad

A cheaper, faster way to send money abroad

Join over 6 million people and businesses who get a better deal when they send money with the real exchange rate.

Read more

Resources

Learn about American culture and education direct from our experts at Study in the USA. Read more

Achieving Your Goal
Admissions and Placement Testing
Beyond the Basics
Education System in the USA
Financing Your U.S. Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Life in the USA
Resources
Student Experiences
For students age 10-18
Study in Canada
Podcasts
Magazines
Videos
Student Voices
Ask StudyUSA.com

Subscribe to get the latest from Study in the USA

You can unsubscribe at any time.


StudyUSA
Explore

  • School Search
  • Resources
  •   Articles
  •   Student Voices
  •   Videos
  •   Magazines
  • Partner Services
  •   Accommodation
  •   Career
  •   Financial
  •   Insurance
  •   Other
  •   Support
  •   Testing
  • TOEFL Testing
  • Apply
  • Chat
Information

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Course Index
  • Featured Programs
  • Article Index
  • Create account
  • Sign in
  • For Educators & Institutions
Match Me
  • English
    العربيـة English Español Français Bahasa Indonesia 日本語 한국어 Português Русский ภาษาไทย Türkçe Tiếng Việt 简体中文 繁體中文

  • Privacy & Policy
  • /
  • Terms

Study in the USA logo

© 2023 Study in the USA. All Rights Reserved.

Global Study logo
A member of the Global Study network

When you visit or interact with our sites, services or tools, we or our authorised service providers may use cookies for storing information to help provide you with a better, faster and safer experience and for marketing purposes.