So you want to become a dentist. Good choice! You can enjoy a rewarding career helping others and making a great living! Now all you have to do is follow the steps to do it! The five steps below will help you begin the process to becoming a dentist. With some hard work and adherence to this plan, you will be a dentist in no time!
1. Research the Dentist Career and Education Requirements. If you’re reading this article, you’re already on the right path to doing this. However, it can’t be understated how much you thought and investment you should put into this step. Becoming a Dentist is a lifetime investment. Talk to dentists, look up people who talk about their careers on the internet, and make sure that Dentistry is the right choice for you.
2. Prepare for Dental School and take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). There are plenty of universities that offer good pre-dental programs that prepare you for further dental studies. Getting into dental schools can be difficult, so these preparatory programs can be advantageous to getting you in the door. Most schools prefer to admit students who have a bachelor’s degree, and most require a minimum of two years’ college work. To get into Dental School you need to take the DAT which is used by Dental schools.
3. Complete the Program. Most schools take four years to complete. The first two years are spent in the classroom and in the lab, and the last two are generally spent treating patients while under the supervision of a Dentist.
4. Acquire a License to Practice. After obtaining a degree from an accredited dental school, you must still pass a practical and written examination to obtain a license. Most states require that candidates take the National Board Dental Examination administered by the ADA for the written portion. The state or regional agency will normally administer the practical exam.
5. Set up your own practice. Most dental school graduates set up their own private practice or take over an existing one. A few will join an existing practice as associates.
If you’ve made it this far, you’re serious about becoming a dentist. The path can be hard, but it’s worth the journey. Good luck on your career path!
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