4 answers
Deborah
Student
Cresskill, New Jersey
1
Question
Updated
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What does it take to become a dentist (e.g. mentally, financially, physically, educationally)?
I am a rising high school senior that has a lot of English-related extracurriculars, but now I'm not sure that I want a career in English, journalism, or media. So, I have been looking into what being a dental associate would be like, and it seems like a hands-on, stable, rewarding job. Beyond my surface-level understanding, what does it take to become a dentist, especially considering that I'm not sure in what I want to major in?
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4 answers
Andrew Fan
Deals Advisory Associate
13
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
As someone who once considered dentistry as a potential career path myself, here are the insights that I gained from discussing with dental students that I knew at the time:
1. Educations commitment
- You will need an undergraduate degree that is traditionally 4 years. But keep in mind that you don't need to major in science (like biology or chemistry), but you do need to complete specific pre-dental course work. Many students major in sciences because it overlaps with those pre-dental requirements, but some major in non-science fields too! You don't have to decide your major right now, but start thinking about colleges that offer strong pre-health or pre-dental advising.
- You will need to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). This is a standardized test that you will need to take when applying to dental school. It's usually taken during your junior year of college and it tests science knowledge, perceptual ability (3D visual skills), reading comprehension, and math.
- Of course, then there's four years of dental School. Usually very hands-on and intense. You'll learn topics like anatomy, pathology, radiology, ethics, and clinical practice with the last few years usually focused on patient care in a supervised setting.
2. Financial Investment
Undergrad + dental school tuition can add up with dental school tuition costing around $200,000-500,000 depending on the school. Many students do take out loans and repay them over time once they're working. Definitely consider applying for scholarships and use federal loans before finding private loans. There is the hope of a return on this investment. Dentists generally have strong earning potential once licensed and as experience increases.
3. Mentally/Physically
You will need strong attention to detail, patience, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and a steady mindset. Working with patients requires empathy and communication skills. Physically, dentistry is very hands-on and repetitive. Good posture, hand-eye coordination, and endurance are essential. Prior to all of this, you will need the mental energy to get through all the schooling and exams but if this is something you are passionate about, then it won't be a problem.
Best of luck!
1. Educations commitment
- You will need an undergraduate degree that is traditionally 4 years. But keep in mind that you don't need to major in science (like biology or chemistry), but you do need to complete specific pre-dental course work. Many students major in sciences because it overlaps with those pre-dental requirements, but some major in non-science fields too! You don't have to decide your major right now, but start thinking about colleges that offer strong pre-health or pre-dental advising.
- You will need to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). This is a standardized test that you will need to take when applying to dental school. It's usually taken during your junior year of college and it tests science knowledge, perceptual ability (3D visual skills), reading comprehension, and math.
- Of course, then there's four years of dental School. Usually very hands-on and intense. You'll learn topics like anatomy, pathology, radiology, ethics, and clinical practice with the last few years usually focused on patient care in a supervised setting.
2. Financial Investment
Undergrad + dental school tuition can add up with dental school tuition costing around $200,000-500,000 depending on the school. Many students do take out loans and repay them over time once they're working. Definitely consider applying for scholarships and use federal loans before finding private loans. There is the hope of a return on this investment. Dentists generally have strong earning potential once licensed and as experience increases.
3. Mentally/Physically
You will need strong attention to detail, patience, the ability to stay calm under pressure, and a steady mindset. Working with patients requires empathy and communication skills. Physically, dentistry is very hands-on and repetitive. Good posture, hand-eye coordination, and endurance are essential. Prior to all of this, you will need the mental energy to get through all the schooling and exams but if this is something you are passionate about, then it won't be a problem.
Best of luck!
Thanks for the in-depth answer!
Deborah
Steven Bornfeld
dentistry
26
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Andrew hit most of the high points. I would emphasize that while it's certainly possible to qualify for dental school with any major, having a non-science major will probably make fulfilling all the physical science requirements more difficult.
When you say "rising senior" can I assume you mean in high school? It certainly is late if you're a senior in college.
You may wish to contact a guidance counselor to discuss the financial landscape for dental school. The tuition at my dental school (NYU College of Dentistry) has been pushing $100K/year lately. As a result, many students are graduating under a mountain of debt. As a result of this the traditional path to graduating and hanging out your shingle and opening an office has become pretty daunting, so more students are thinking of looking for a group practice or working for a dental management company (or specializing!)
When you say "rising senior" can I assume you mean in high school? It certainly is late if you're a senior in college.
You may wish to contact a guidance counselor to discuss the financial landscape for dental school. The tuition at my dental school (NYU College of Dentistry) has been pushing $100K/year lately. As a result, many students are graduating under a mountain of debt. As a result of this the traditional path to graduating and hanging out your shingle and opening an office has become pretty daunting, so more students are thinking of looking for a group practice or working for a dental management company (or specializing!)
Thanks for the perspective!
Deborah
Howard Edelman, DDS, FASD
Dentist / retired
1
Answer
Maple Glen, PA
Updated
Howard’s Answer
Hi Deborah,
As a high school student , do everything you can to get into a college that will give you the opportunity to see, do , and learn about numerous career paths. I started as an accounting major in my first 3 years of undergrad, then went on a co-op job and realized I did not really want to be an accountant. When I returned to the classroom I spoke with friends and different teachers and I realized I wanted to do something to help people make their lives better...it was not accounting. I got a part time job volunteering at a local hospital (after school) and I saw what physicians really did and the type of lives they had...it wasn't for me, but I did realize by working in a research lab in the hospital that I was good with my hands and enjoyed close , delicate work. That led me to the dental school path. Since I was 3 years into accounting, it took me another 2 years to pick up my science requirements to apply to dental school. Remember, you do not need to learn dentistry as an undergrad in college, dentistry is taught in dental school and the education and learning continues throughout your entire dental career after completing dental school.
As a dentist you are able to make people better almost immediately, we are a very important part of the health care industry, and once established you can run your own business, set your own hours, raise a family, and have a great standard of living. The options for a career path once graduating dental school are numerous...private practice, public health, military service, sports dentistry, teaching, hospital based practice and the list goes on.
I hope this is not to overwhelming, begin by doing all you can to get into a college that will allow you to see and experience all of your options. If you do decide on dentistry feel free to reach out to me any time in the future
As a high school student , do everything you can to get into a college that will give you the opportunity to see, do , and learn about numerous career paths. I started as an accounting major in my first 3 years of undergrad, then went on a co-op job and realized I did not really want to be an accountant. When I returned to the classroom I spoke with friends and different teachers and I realized I wanted to do something to help people make their lives better...it was not accounting. I got a part time job volunteering at a local hospital (after school) and I saw what physicians really did and the type of lives they had...it wasn't for me, but I did realize by working in a research lab in the hospital that I was good with my hands and enjoyed close , delicate work. That led me to the dental school path. Since I was 3 years into accounting, it took me another 2 years to pick up my science requirements to apply to dental school. Remember, you do not need to learn dentistry as an undergrad in college, dentistry is taught in dental school and the education and learning continues throughout your entire dental career after completing dental school.
As a dentist you are able to make people better almost immediately, we are a very important part of the health care industry, and once established you can run your own business, set your own hours, raise a family, and have a great standard of living. The options for a career path once graduating dental school are numerous...private practice, public health, military service, sports dentistry, teaching, hospital based practice and the list goes on.
I hope this is not to overwhelming, begin by doing all you can to get into a college that will allow you to see and experience all of your options. If you do decide on dentistry feel free to reach out to me any time in the future
Vrushali Fernandes
Excellence Manager
4
Answers
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Vrushali’s Answer
Hi Deborah,
When making career decisions, think about the industry you want to be part of. Dentistry is a fantastic choice because it's always in demand. People will always need dentists for cleanings, pain relief, procedures, and cosmetic changes. More people are now aware of the importance of oral health and go for regular checkups.
Consider taking courses in the medical field to enhance your skills in dentistry and cosmetic procedures. These will be valuable as you advance in your career.
If you're still interested in English media or journalism, you can pursue that too. There's a lot of competition, but there are also many opportunities to learn and grow in these fields.
Wishing you the best of luck!
When making career decisions, think about the industry you want to be part of. Dentistry is a fantastic choice because it's always in demand. People will always need dentists for cleanings, pain relief, procedures, and cosmetic changes. More people are now aware of the importance of oral health and go for regular checkups.
Consider taking courses in the medical field to enhance your skills in dentistry and cosmetic procedures. These will be valuable as you advance in your career.
If you're still interested in English media or journalism, you can pursue that too. There's a lot of competition, but there are also many opportunities to learn and grow in these fields.
Wishing you the best of luck!