5 answers
john
Student
Savannah, Georgia
1
Question
Asked
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What does it take to become a dentist?
Grade 11 in high school and would like to attend a four year college afterwards
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5 answers
Scott Herman
Dentist
4
Answers
DeKalb, Illinois
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Hello. I will begin by saying wise choice in choosing Dentistry as a career path! I am a retired dentist and I have lived it from wanting to be a dentist in grade school to retiring from my dream occupation. Your question, "What does it take to become a dentist" is an intriguing question as it provokes many different ways this could be answered. I would say the most important answer is after you
doing some true in-depth research on what a dentist does and doesn't do, what he can and cannot do, and after that spend more time researching. Go to a local dental society meeting and seriously question dentists, meet one you bond with, and shadow him for a few hours over the course of a few days to see and feel what you can about the true nature of the profession. So, the commitment is key to trying to obtain a DDS or DMD degree. The 4 years of undergraduate (college) and then 4 years of Dental school are arduous and trying and a significant amount of money. Also, the demand is significant as it is one of the highest regarded professions according to many polls, and the last I heard one school had 20,000 applicants for less than 100 positions. Therefore your grades and extracurricular activities must also be top notch. I purposely made this sound difficult, as it is a difficult decision, and must be a commitment. The rewards are all so worthwhile, as I made a good living, worked 4 days per week, and was able to be with my three children growing up to be supporting them with their activities and sports which was very important to me. I had my own office, built how I wanted, the staff I wanted, therefore going to work was for the most part not working so much as enjoying my life and profession.
doing some true in-depth research on what a dentist does and doesn't do, what he can and cannot do, and after that spend more time researching. Go to a local dental society meeting and seriously question dentists, meet one you bond with, and shadow him for a few hours over the course of a few days to see and feel what you can about the true nature of the profession. So, the commitment is key to trying to obtain a DDS or DMD degree. The 4 years of undergraduate (college) and then 4 years of Dental school are arduous and trying and a significant amount of money. Also, the demand is significant as it is one of the highest regarded professions according to many polls, and the last I heard one school had 20,000 applicants for less than 100 positions. Therefore your grades and extracurricular activities must also be top notch. I purposely made this sound difficult, as it is a difficult decision, and must be a commitment. The rewards are all so worthwhile, as I made a good living, worked 4 days per week, and was able to be with my three children growing up to be supporting them with their activities and sports which was very important to me. I had my own office, built how I wanted, the staff I wanted, therefore going to work was for the most part not working so much as enjoying my life and profession.
Mark Evans
Industrial Arts STEM Teacher
21
Answers
Crete, Illinois
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Dentists have a DDS degree, A Doctorate in Dental Surgery, A doctorate is one step above a Masters degree. very similar to a medical doctors degree.
Tracy Swift, RDH, BSDH, MEd
Assistant Professor
3
Answers
Albany, Georgia
Updated
Tracy’s Answer
Start with a Bachelors in Biology. Then apply for Dental school. It's 4 years total
Dr Niharika
2
Answers
Baltimore, Maryland
Updated
Dr’s Answer
It's a Great journey to consider dentistry as your career path.Academic Preparation: Focus on excelling in science and math courses, as these are foundational for a career in dentistry. Take advanced science classes such as biology, chemistry, and physics to build a strong academic background.
Extracurricular Involvement: Participate in activities related to healthcare or dentistry, such as volunteering at a dental clinic, shadowing a dentist, or joining clubs like Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) or Future Healthcare Professionals. These experiences can provide valuable insights and strengthen your college application.
Standardized Tests: Plan to take the SAT or ACT exams and consider taking the SAT Subject Tests in biology and chemistry to showcase your proficiency in these subjects, which are relevant to dentistry.
College Research: Look for colleges with strong pre-dental or pre-health programs. Consider factors like research opportunities, pre-dental advising, and connections to dental schools for future studies.
Letters of Recommendation: Build relationships with teachers, especially those in science or healthcare-related subjects, who can write strong letters of recommendation highlighting your academic abilities, dedication to dentistry, and relevant skills.
Dental Experience: Seek opportunities to gain hands-on experience in dentistry, such as volunteering at dental camps, assisting in dental offices, or participating in dental internships or summer programs for high school students.
Financial Planning: Explore scholarships, grants, and financial aid options specifically available for students pursuing healthcare careers. Research tuition costs and consider the affordability of colleges offering strong pre-dental programs.
Application Process: Familiarize yourself with the Dental Admission Test (DAT) required for dental school admission. Understand the prerequisites for dental school, which often include coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and English.
Extracurricular Involvement: Participate in activities related to healthcare or dentistry, such as volunteering at a dental clinic, shadowing a dentist, or joining clubs like Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) or Future Healthcare Professionals. These experiences can provide valuable insights and strengthen your college application.
Standardized Tests: Plan to take the SAT or ACT exams and consider taking the SAT Subject Tests in biology and chemistry to showcase your proficiency in these subjects, which are relevant to dentistry.
College Research: Look for colleges with strong pre-dental or pre-health programs. Consider factors like research opportunities, pre-dental advising, and connections to dental schools for future studies.
Letters of Recommendation: Build relationships with teachers, especially those in science or healthcare-related subjects, who can write strong letters of recommendation highlighting your academic abilities, dedication to dentistry, and relevant skills.
Dental Experience: Seek opportunities to gain hands-on experience in dentistry, such as volunteering at dental camps, assisting in dental offices, or participating in dental internships or summer programs for high school students.
Financial Planning: Explore scholarships, grants, and financial aid options specifically available for students pursuing healthcare careers. Research tuition costs and consider the affordability of colleges offering strong pre-dental programs.
Application Process: Familiarize yourself with the Dental Admission Test (DAT) required for dental school admission. Understand the prerequisites for dental school, which often include coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and English.
Raquel de Oliveira Lopes
Adjunct Professor
1
Answer
Santa Cruz do Sul, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
Updated
Raquel’s Answer
Hello everything is fine? Firstly, you have to enjoy the health sector, taking care of people and not fainting at the sight of blood. I went to dental school in Brazil.