At the same time, however, it can be very rewarding. Becoming a dentist requires a strict college curriculum, dental school and passing a licensing examination. Some schools even offer pre-dental programs that put you on track for heading off to dental school. The American Dental Association recommends applying for dental school a year in advance of your start date, as the process can be rigorous and you need to find a good fit.
Being a dentist can be a very demanding profession physically and mentally. While the unemployment rate for dentistry is very low, there are still quite a few things to consider when studying the field, and one of them is how hard it is to become a dentist. Also, it is important to note that some positions are much harder to get than others.
In fact, in dentistry, there is a fair share of employment opportunities. If you want to be a dentist, you are going to have to be determined and motivated about what you do. Another important point to consider is the fact that several factors might play against you and affect the time spent studying. You might be convinced to be a dentist now, but is it really the right path for you?
Sure, dentistry is interesting, however, you will need to be genuinely interested and dedicated to teeth and oral health in general. Also, if possible, go to a dental clinic or hospital to shadow a dentist. The first thing you should know is that it is not the easiest of professions. On average, it takes between six and eight years to become a dentist.
First of all, dental school alone takes 4 years. In addition, the number of years does it take to become a dentist depends on how much you want to be a dentist and how far you want to go in the field. Dental school applications.
Applications are often submitted around the time you begin your senior year at university. Are you going to narrow your field of study and specialize in one or two areas of dentistry? Clinical or live-patient examination. This is not required in every state, so this might not be something you have to do.
Build a professional resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Dentistry is a lucrative and in-demand profession. Dental assistants still provide patient care and can take x-rays as well as help dentists perform procedures.
Dental Hygienist. Dental hygienists are more concerned with preventative oral care and treating minor oral health conditions than fixing more significant oral issues. They clean teeth and notice any signs of damage or disease, after which they can provide recommendations or refer you to a dentist for more thorough treatment.
Dental Laboratory Technician. Dental laboratory technicians construct partial and complete dentures for patients who have lost teeth. They also create dvices that assist in corecting dental irregulatrieties. Dental Office Receptionist. Dental Office Manager. For some, this is the best path toward achieving their dental dreams. Yes, becoming a dentist is hard. After graduating from high school, there are four years for an undergraduate education and degree and then there are another four years of dental school required.
In addition to that, good grades are required to be accepted in dental school. Most dental school applicants require at least a B average, which is evidenced by the fact that the average GPA of dental school applicants is 3. Is becoming a dentist easier than becoming a doctor?
But if you decide to specialize in any area of dentistry, then it can become more difficult and more expensive, it all depends on the specialty you select. The education is similar for these two professions and can be equally grueling. But the final working conditions may be a bigger difference. How many total years does it take to become a dentist? The short answer to how many total years does it take to become a dentist is somewhere between six and eight years. Dental program students can expect to take courses in dental anatomy, biology, oral microbiology and dental radiology.
Students will also complete multiple internships and residencies during their dental program to receive on-the-job dental training. Students who want to specialize in a specific area of dentistry will need to complete additional training. This training usually takes place in the form of a residency, which often takes between one and two years to complete.
More in-depth specializations can require even more time to complete. Oral surgery, for example, requires a four-year residency or a six-year program to become a medical doctor. All dentists must be licensed in the state in which they want to practice. This requires the successful completion of the National Board Dental Exam. The National Board Exam for dentists consists of a two-part written exam with questions. Dental students who have completed additional training in a dental specialization will also need to complete a board exam in that specialization.
Related: Definitive Guide to Internships. Two types of degrees will qualify you to work as a dentist. The educational and licensing requirements for each one are the same. While they might sound like different degrees, the only difference is the dentistry program that you attend.
Your job opportunities as a dentist should not be affected by which type of dental degree you have. There are many careers to consider if you're interested in becoming a dentist or entering the medical field.
Here's a list of 10 jobs that are similar to dentists:. Dental hygienist. Medical biller. Dental assistant. Oral surgeon. Medical receptionist. Clinical researcher. Orthodontic assistant. Find jobs.
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