How Long Does It Take To Be A Dentist?

Dentistry is a fulfilling career that allows professionals to help individuals lead healthier and more confident lives.

In this article, you’ll discover how long it takes to become a dentist, the steps involved in the process, what dentists do, and explore various roles within the dental field.

Key Takeaways

• After high school graduation, it takes approximately 8 years to become a dentist, which includes 4 years of undergraduate education followed by 4 years in dental school.

• Accredited dental schools confer either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or a DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry), both of which are equivalent degrees.

• Most dental specialties require an additional 2-3 years of education and/or residency.

• Specializing in oral and maxillofacial surgery can take 4-6 additional years, making it the longest specialty training.

• The nationwide dental school acceptance rate is approximately 55%.

• The average GPA of accepted dental school applicants is around 3.57.

• The average DAT score for accepted dental school applicants is about 19AA, with no section below a score of 17.

• The average dentist salary is $134,000, with a projected job growth rate of 7% annually.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Dentist?

On average, becoming a dentist takes about eight years. However, this timeline can vary based on whether you are attending school full-time, pursuing a double major, or taking extra classes. Assuming you are a dedicated full-time college student, here’s a breakdown of the path to becoming a dentist.

• General Undergraduate Education. Most dental schools require applicants to have completed an undergraduate degree. This typically takes about four years if you are focused on your studies.

• Dental School. After obtaining your undergraduate degree, the next step is applying to and attending dental school for another four years, where the curriculum is entirely focused on dentistry.

  Upon graduation, you will earn either a DDS or DMD, which are equivalent degrees reflecting the same educational training.

• Specialization. If you plan to specialize, you will add 2-3 years of additional training for most specialties. The American Dental Academy lists several dental specialties, including:

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

• National Board Dental Examination. This two-part national exam must be passed before undertaking the clinical exam. Fortunately, most students take this exam during dental school, which typically does not extend the overall timeline.

• Clinical Examination. This is a live-patient examination that can also be taken during your final year of dental school or immediately afterward. It is not mandatory in every state, and if you do not pass, you can retake it without penalty.

In total, you are looking at roughly eight years post-high school to become a general dentist. If you choose to specialize, expect to add additional years for each specialty pursued.

The Steps to Becoming a Dentist

If you are still interested in pursuing dentistry, it’s essential to understand the steps necessary to succeed in this field. With such a lengthy educational path, ensuring you are on the right course early on is crucial.

• High School Preparation. While you don’t need to decide on a dental career in high school, taking health and science courses can be beneficial. Focus on achieving a strong GPA and networking with local dentists for mentorship opportunities.

• College. Most dental school applicants hold an undergraduate degree, though some exceptional candidates may be accepted with only two years of college. Ensure you meet dental school prerequisites, which usually include:

  • Biology and lab
  • Physics
  • General chemistry and lab
  • Organic chemistry and lab

  Some programs may have additional requirements, including:

  • Math (Calculus or Statistics)
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • English
  • Upper-level sciences (Biochemistry, Microbiology, or Genetics)

  There is no specific major required; choose one that interests you, as academic performance is crucial.

• Get Involved. Dental schools evaluate your extracurricular and volunteer experiences. They prefer applicants with exposure to dentistry, community service, and research experience. Having hands-on experience in a clinical setting, especially in a dental office, will enhance your application.

• Dental Admission Test (DAT). This test is critical for aspiring dentists. Aim to take it by September of your senior year, although earlier is preferable to allow ample study time.

• Recommendation Letters. Gather recommendation letters as part of your dental school application. Start early to ensure your writers can provide thoughtful and thorough letters. Requirements can vary by school but typically include:

  • Two letters from science faculty
  • One from a non-science college instructor
  • 1-2 letters from practicing dentists

• Dental School Applications. Applications are typically submitted through the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) during your senior year, requiring your DAT scores.

• Specialization. Decide early if you want to specialize in a particular area of dentistry, and tailor your education accordingly.

• National Board Dental Examination. Passing both parts of the NBDE is mandatory for all aspiring dentists in the U.S.

• Clinical Examination. This may not be required in every state, so check with your local dental board for specifics.

What Does a Dentist Do?

A dentist is a healthcare professional specializing in oral health, undergoing a training process similar to that of medical doctors but focused on dental care.

Dentists provide various services, including:

• Promoting good oral health
• Conducting regular examinations
• Taking and interpreting x-rays
• Diagnosing and treating dental and gum diseases
• Removing tooth decay and filling cavities
• Placing crowns and implants
• Extracting teeth that jeopardize patient health
• Monitoring children’s tooth development

Dentists can also choose to specialize in fields such as orthodontics or oral surgery.

Other Career Options in Dentistry

Dentistry is a highly rewarding and in-demand profession, though it requires extensive education and training. If you are interested in the dental field but prefer a shorter educational commitment, consider these alternative roles:

• Dental Assistant: Assists in patient care, takes x-rays, and supports dentists during procedures while performing clerical duties.

• Dental Hygienist: Focuses on preventive oral care and minor treatments, cleaning teeth and identifying signs of disease. This role requires less educational commitment compared to dentistry.

• Dental Laboratory Technician: Constructs dentures and devices for correcting dental irregularities, suited for those interested in the technical aspect of dentistry.

• Dental Office Receptionist
• Dental Office Manager
• Dental Office Billing Clerk
• Dental Office Medical Records Specialist

Working in a dental office can be an excellent stepping stone toward becoming a dentist, allowing you to gain clinical experience, make valuable connections, and prepare for dental school part-time.

Dentist FAQ

• Is becoming a dentist hard?

  Yes, becoming a dentist requires significant education, including four years of undergraduate study followed by four years in dental school. A competitive GPA, typically around 3.57, is necessary for acceptance into dental programs.

• Is becoming a dentist easier than becoming a doctor?

  Generally, it is considered easier to become a dentist because it does not require an internship and residency. However, specializing in dentistry can complicate this path. Consider your interests and lifestyle when choosing between these professions.

• How many total years does it take to become a dentist?

  The total time to become a dentist ranges from six to eight years, depending on the dental school and whether you pursue any specialties.

• How hard is dental school?

  Dental school is challenging, similar to medical school. Success often depends on the student’s dedication and interest in the field.

• Is it too late to become a dentist?

  No, it is never too late to pursue a career in dentistry. Age does not disqualify you from dental school or the profession.

Author

Kristin Kizer

Kristin Kizer is an award-winning writer, television and documentary producer, and content specialist who has worked on a wide variety of written, broadcast, and electronic publications. A former writer/producer for The Discovery Channel, she is now a freelance writer and delighted to be sharing her talents and time with the wonderful Zippia audience.