Career questions tagged dental


Any advice on classes to take in highschool in preparation for dentistry?
Hi, I'm a rising junior in high school and I'm interested in the dental field, most likely as an orthodontist, maybe prosthodontist. I'm very curious about getting started but it's hard to find any information about what I need, what classes to take now, etc. I don't know where to start at all, so any tips or advice on colleges or the career itself would help greatly!

Can you become a dentist right after finishing dental school or is specialization needed ?
17 year old, high school senior, about to be in college for major in biology

What are the required courses for dental school, and how do they fit with my Nutrition major?
I am an incoming freshman at The University of Alabama majoring in Nutrition on a Pre-Dental.

How to find dental internships?
I am going to be attending community college in the fall and then transferring, likely to a UC but may apply out of state as well. What is the best way I would be able to find internships this summer, or in the near future, in the dental industry without being enrolled in dental school?

What is the basic things I should know to become a dentist?
I’m interested in a dentistry already about 2 years. I love to go to dentist and always pay attention on how they doing all things. I want to become the first dentist in my family and help everyone to have health teeth.

What was the hardest part about Dental Hygiene school #Spring25?
What was the hardest part about Dental Hygiene school? #Spring25

What is the most rewarding part of your career in dental hygiene?
I am a dental hygiene student in my 2nd year, and I felt inspired to pursue this career after hearing from a loved one that she was very satisfied with her choice. #Spring25


What is something that can prepare me to get into the dental field, especially like dental hygiene?
I'm in college getting a BA in Dental Hygiene. I have some experience from a Dental class that I took in high school. I want to know what all there is to know about the field. The mental, physical struggles. Google does provide information, but that's from a search engine and not from a known experience.

Can you describe a moment during your dental hygiene education or career that tested your commitment to the field, and how you worked through it? #Spring25
I’m honored to share that I’ve been accepted into the Blinn Dental Hygiene program! I’ve worked very hard to get to this point, and being accepted into this program means a great deal to me. Becoming a dental hygienist has been a goal of mine for a long time, and I’m proud to be one step closer. I would greatly appreciate any advice on how I can stand out not only as a student but also in the field of dental hygiene. I want to do my best, learn as much as I can, and find ways to go above and beyond. Thank you so much for this opportunity and for supporting students like me.

How big is the social aspect while being an Orthodontist?
I am a sophomore at Antwerp Local Highschool. I am interested in going to college for Orthodontics. I am unsure yet whether or not I would like to only be an assistant, but these are the types of questions that might sway my opinions.

What programs or jobs are recommended to make becoming an Orthodontist easier?
I am a sophomore at Antwerp Local Highschool. I am interested in the dental field, specifically orthodontics though. I would love to go to college (or participate in programs or internships) within the states of Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.

What’s one thing that helps you connect with patients who process the world differently , how do you make sure they feel seen and respected during a difficult dental procedure like a filling ?
Hello, I am currently A dental assistant that specializes in giving care to the ID or IDD (special needs) population that is about to start the EFDA (expanded fundamental dental assistant ) Dental program. Going into this field has already been such an amazing eye-opening experience for me and I would like to continue giving my best care to these individuals so I am seeking advice considering I am going into a new position and would like to get more support on how to 1. make the patient feel at most comfortable and 2.provide my most Gold standard care so that I know that their restorations/fillings will be grade A.

How do dentists balance providing essential care and necessary treatments while considering patients' financial limitations?
As an aspiring dentist, I have shadowed dental practitioners in their practices and observed firsthand how they navigate treatment plan discussions with patients. One challenge that stands out is the financial tension that often arises.

What would be the best advice you could give an entering freshman to college who is wanting to have a career in the dental field? #Spring2025
I'm a high school senior just getting ready to graduate. I am planning on pursuing a major in Chemistry with a minor in Business Management. My goal is to have my own dental practice but I am not sure if I want to specialize in orthodontics or just general dentistry.

What is the most challenging part of becoming a Dental hygienist? The schooling, the job itself, not enough time to spend with family, etc?
Hi! I am curious on some of the things that may make being a dental hygienist a less desirable job, to see if I can overcome these things or do I have no chance at all? I am a sophomore and am homeschooled. I plan to go to UH Manoa for the dental hygiene course. I would like to know more about the responsibilities of a dental hygienist to see if it's a fit for me! thank you to all who answer!!


How do I know what to choose?
I'm not sure If I want to be a medical assistant then move my way up to see if the medical field is for me, or be a dental assistant.

What schooling do I need to take before entering a dental hygiene program?
Hi! I'm a sophomore and am homeschooled, recently i've been thinking on the career path of a dental hygienist. I'm curious on what I need schooling on before I take the dental hygiene course at my state uni (if I take this path). Such as pre reqs, or courses that I should major/minor in community college. Also do I need to be good at math? I am capable of it but it is not my strength. Thank you to everyone who answers!!

What do I do? I need advice please.
Hello, I'm here to receive some advise and just motivation. I need y'all to be 100% real with me. I'm 20 and I really want to pursue my dream of going to dental school and being a dentist but I keep holding myself back and just plan on doing dental hygiene. The perquisites for dental school scare me so bad I feel like I'm not smart enough to go through that path. I've been doing community college and I feel like I'm wasting time switching majors just to avoid my dream. I just need some advise please. Also let me know what majors would be good for the pre-dental track.

What are some things I should do in the first two years of college to prepare for dental school? What activities/extracurriculars look best on resumes for dental admissions?
Things that can be done while taking classes

Hello, I am a dental assistant in the state of Texas and an overseas dentist. I was wondering doing Masters program in public health would benefit my career in long run?
Hello, I am a dental assistant in the state of Texas and an overseas dentist. I was wondering doing Masters program in public health would benefit my career in long run?


where can I find more information bout dental assistants instead of Google?
"questions tips?"


How can I find a sponsor to help me pursue my dream of studying dental surgery at university?
I'm based in Garissa and would appreciate any guidance or opportunities.

What Steps should I be taking next as a high schooler to become a dental hygienist?
I am in the 10th grade and I am considering going into the medical field as fast as I can. I am considering becoming a dental hygienist due it only requiring at least an Associate Degree and I will be able to obtain next year if I am able to succeed in running start. What are the next steps after high school that I should be taking to eventually becoming a dental hygienist? And is there any programs or schools in Washington state that I should consider going too?

Is dental school worth it?
I am interested in going into the dental field, but dental school costs so much!! I was wondering if you guys think it is worth it. How much would you think it would cost for both undergraduate and dental school? So is it worth it??

How do I shadow someone in the career field I want to go into? (Multiple questions below)
I am a junior in high school and I really want to shadow a dentist and a sonographer because those are my top two choices. By shadowing it'll help me understand which career path I would rather go into. It would also give me some good experience. HOWEVER, my problem is no one is answering my emails. Has this happened to anyone? Is there anything else I should do? Is there something besides shadowing that will help me gain more insight?

How should I decide if I want to be a dentist or an ultrasound technician/sonographer?
I am a junior in high school and I'm having a hard time choosing what I want to become. My top choices are definitely a dentist or an ultrasound tech. However, I'm conflicted about which one to choose. Going the dentist route I'd be in school for longer, around 8 years while ultrasound tech would only take about 4. However, I wouldn't mind being in school for long (I hope). They both had good salaries too. Hence, why I am conflicted. PLEASEEE help me decide because I feel like I should make a choice soon so I know where I want to go to college.