How to Become a Dentist
If you don't mind spending the day in other peoples' mouths, dentistry is the career for you.
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You Will Need
- An undergraduate degree
- Application fees
- Passing test scores
- A dental school degree
- A state license to practice
Steps
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Step 1
Take science classes
Take chemistry, math, and other science classes in high school and maintain a high grade point average.
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Step 2
Get an undergraduate degree
Earn a college degree with pre-dental courses.
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Step 3
Search for dental schools
Look for dental schools accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and learn their admittance requirements.
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Step 4
Take the Dental Admissions Test
Pay the application fee and pass the Dental Admissions Test.
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Follow all rules and regulations for the test; otherwise your scores may be voided and you'll have to wait two years to retest.
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Step 5
Complete dental school
Finish two years of classroom and lab work and two years of supervised clinical work.
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Step 6
Obtain your license
Take the appropriate exams in the state where you wish to practice dentistry. Before taking the test, find out the state licensing requirements.
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The first evidence of dentistry appeared 9,000 years ago.
