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Dentists help patients treat dental problems, eliminate pain, provide advice on maintaining good oral health and improve their smile. If these tasks sound like a rewarding career, consider pursuing a job in this field.
You may be wondering how long it takes to become a dentist. This article explores the steps you need to take to start your dental career and how long it usually takes from college enrollment to licensure application.
What is a dentist?
Dentists evaluate, diagnose and treat diseases and conditions involving the teeth, gums and mouth. They also teach patients to maintain oral health by taking proper care of their teeth and gums. Some dentists specialize in subfields such as pediatric dentistry or oral and maxillofacial surgery.
Accountability
The daily responsibilities of dentists often include:
- Performing examinations on patients to diagnose problems
- Filling cavities and removing caries from teeth
- Repair or removal of broken or damaged teeth
- Performing extractions, tissue transplants and other surgical procedures
- Protecting and improving the appearance of teeth using sealants or whitening agents
- Prescription drugs
- Delivery of anesthetics to reduce or eliminate pain during dental procedures
- Creating models for prostheses or other dental equipment
- Teaching patients how to maintain their dental health
Work environment
Dentists often work in private practices, and some dentists run their own offices. The hours of these professionals vary: Many work only during 9-5 business hours, while others offer evening and weekend hours for the patient’s convenience. Additionally, dentists may conduct research or teach students working in dental school clinics.
Impact of new technology
Dentists have many ways to help patients improve their health and quality of life. These professionals must stay abreast of industry innovations such as new technology or best practices. Completing continuing education credits and studying emerging technology allows dentists to incorporate new techniques and procedures into their patient care routines.
How to become a dentist
To practice dentistry you need a license. Obtaining a license requires several steps.
Educational requirements include a four-year bachelor’s degree and a four-year dental school degree. Cumulatively, it takes most dentists eight years to complete these requirements and earn both degrees. Some schools offer accelerated programs where students graduate in six or seven years. Pursuing a specialty can extend this time frame.
We go over the steps to becoming a dentist below. Note that each state’s dental board sets its own licensing requirements, so research the rules in the state where you plan to practice.
Step One: Earn a bachelor’s degree
In most cases, you need a bachelor’s degree before enrolling in dental school. Although dental schools typically do not require applicants to pursue specific majors, obtaining a degree in science fields such as chemistry or biology can help ensure that you complete the prerequisite courses. Some institutions offer a pre-dental curriculum that students take along with their major to ensure they take relevant classes such as anatomy and microbiology.
Students typically earn a bachelor’s degree in four years, although students with prior credits or students in accelerated programs may complete sooner.
Step Two: Take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT)
You must pass the DAT to get into dental school. The DAT is a multiple-choice test that surveys your knowledge of the natural sciences and assesses quantitative reasoning, perceptual ability, and reading comprehension.
Step Three: Earn a dental degree
You need a professional degree to become a dentist. Some dental schools offer doctor of dental surgery degrees, while others culminate in a doctor of dental medicine degree. These credentials have the same educational requirements. Licensing boards accept both degrees.
Dental programs typically include classroom and laboratory instruction, hands-on practice with models and mannequins, patient treatment under faculty supervision, and practice management courses. Most states require students to earn their dental degree with accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Step Four: Complete an internship
Completing an internship, clinical or field experience is a great way to prepare for your dental career. These opportunities provide experience in laboratory research and other areas of interest in the dental field. Internships are especially helpful if you plan to work in a specialty area of dentistry.
Step five: Pass a clinical examination
In most states, after you meet the educational requirements and pass the written exams, you must also pass a clinical exam. Clinical exams can take place throughout the final year of dental school or over two to three days, depending on your state’s requirements.
Step Six: Pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE®)
The INBDE is a two-day exam that assesses your clinical skills and basic knowledge to ensure you are ready to work as a dentist. The Joint National Board of Dental Examinations administers this exam. Results are valid throughout the United States.
Step Seven: Get the license
Once you have completed your education and exam requirements, you can apply for a license through your state’s licensing board. The American Dental Association (ADA) maintains a database of each jurisdiction’s dental licensing board.
Step Eight: Pursue a Specialty (Optional)
If you plan to work in a specialty, such as endodontics, orthodontics, or pediatric dentistry, you should complete a residency to learn more about your intended career path. These residencies typically last one to two years, but residencies for more complex specialties may require additional time. There are 12 certifying boards for dental specialties, and each board has its own certification requirements.
Dentist salary and job outlook
Dentists earned a median annual salary of $159,530 in 2022, according to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
However, median salaries vary by specialty and workplace: For example, in the same year, oral and maxillofacial surgeons earned a median annual salary of $239,200 or more, while orthodontists earned a median salary of $174,360. Dental professionals in dental offices earned a median annual salary of $159,530, while those in government roles earned a median salary of $190,400 in 2022.
The BLS projects employment for dentists will grow 4% from 2022 to 2032. This growth is in pace with the average growth projection for all occupations.
Specializations in Dentistry
ADA recognizes the following specialties:
- 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
Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about becoming a dentist
What is the fastest way you can become a dentist?
Becoming a dentist usually takes about eight years, including obtaining bachelor’s and professional degrees. Some schools offer accelerated programs that students can complete in six or seven years. Pursuing a specialization can extend the time it takes to complete a degree.
Is it harder to become a dentist than to become a doctor?
Becoming a doctor and becoming a dentist are both challenging processes that require rigorous education and training. Typically, it takes longer to become a doctor than to become a dentist.
