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What is best to major in when becoming a dentist? #Fall2025

I don't know if I want to go into dental hygiene or dentistry. I want to know what is best to major in if I decide on dentistry.

fall25 dentistry dentist dental-hygienist
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Adrienne’s Answer

Hello.

My best advice is to start by just taking the hygiene course. And. Starting there. It's a mid-level practitioner. You will obtain an Associate of Science. It sets you up and gets you read if you decide you want to go into dental school.

As a dental hygienist, I get to spend more one-on-one time with my patients. Give valuable education and advice to the patients. The hygienist is the one that a patient will spend the most time with.

And if you were interested, you could also look into teaching dental hygiene. I know in the state of Connecticut, you need a master's degree in order to do that. But that is another option.

Adrienne recommends the following next steps:

Research the responsibilities, scope of practice, and job duties of a dental hygienist in your state.
Research the responsibilities, scope of practice, and job duties of a dentist in your state.
Research and visit accredited dental hygiene schools in your state.
Research and visit accredited dental schools in your state.
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Ekta’s Answer

I completely agree with Steven. I also recommend doing an internship or observing at a dentist's office. This experience can help you see what it's like and decide if you want to become a dentist or hygienist.
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Steven’s Answer

Generally dental schools will require two years of chemistry, a year of biology and a year of physics. Physics will probably require you to take calculus. Theoretically you can have any major just so long as you fulfill the course requirements for admission. Realistically it will be easier to complete both the requirements for admission to dental school and your major if your major is in the physical or life sciences.
Dental hygiene is generally an associates (2 year) degree, although having a bachelors degree may set you up for more opportunities there too. Your best bet is to go to the websites of several dental or dental hygiene schools and look at the admission requirements there.
Good luck!
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