Career questions tagged dental
I want to go into dentistry, but I'm completely confused about the steps to become a dentist.
I’m a sophomore and rising junior in 2026–27, and my graduation year is 2028. By my senior year, I will have enough college credits to equal about two years of college. I’ve wanted to become a dentist for a while, but every time I research the steps, it feels complicated. Granted, I knew it would be hard, but I still feel confused. Right now, the steps I think I should take are: graduate from high school, go to college, major in biochemistry, join a dental program or do shadowing through my college if possible, graduate from college, and then go to dental school. I know that sounds choppy, which is why I’m trying to understand the process better. With the economy the way it is, I don’t want to struggle financially as a student. I also don’t really like science, but I think that may be because of my past teachers or my attitude toward school in general. Even so, I’m very good at science and have gotten all A’s for as long as I can remember, so I know I can handle the classes. One thing I’m really confused about is what other dentists’ paths looked like and how they reached their careers. I saw a comment about a college in Illinois that lets students become dental hygienists first and then continue on to become dentists. That route interests me, but I feel like there may be other options or similar opportunities too. I’ve especially been looking at HBCU colleges. Howard caught my attention because it also has a dental program. I want to have my plan set out clearly so I know what my next steps should be. If you haven’t noticed, I’m definitely a planner. Please help, and if you can share any tips, I would really appreciate it.
"I’ve got some free time this summer before starting as a pre-dental freshman. What would you suggest I do that could help me grow or prepare whether that’s related to dentistry, academics, or even broader skills?
I already have 30 shadowing hours under my belt, going into freshman year, and will continue shadowing. Besides shadowing, I do jiu-jitsu, and I know that doing meaningful things in the summer could help differentiate me in the future.
What was the hardest part of "struggling" through dental school, and what made it easier? Other than basic answers like flashcards and study tips, more lifestyle stuff and habits to pick up that will help in the long run. #Spring26
Going into college as a freshman in the fall, planning on going to dental school afterwards.
What is the best way to gain knolage and experiance as a softmore ?
- softmore in high school - between health & dental - looking for the best way to learn
How hard were the classes involved with dental hygienist program and what are some good studying tips for them?
Planning on applying for this fall so any advice is helpful. Love any tips and ideas for it as well.
How can I land a good dental hygiene job after graduation How can I know that what I will be offered is good enough considering my lack of experience in the field? #Spring26?
Question about getting a good job in dental field
How to be successful in dental hygiene school?
I just got accepted into my dream dental hygiene program! I have been a dental assistant for the past five years, and was attending school half-time to complete my prerequisite courses. So I am expecting a drastic schedule change as the program is full-time. Hygienists I've worked with in the past recommended staying on top of the content and leaning on members of my cohort for support. But any specific tips that helped you be successful? Is it possible to work part-time? #Spring26
How can I ask dental offices in my area for a part-time office job as highschool/running start student??
I am aspiring to become a dental hygienist in the future and I would love more experience in a dental setting and maybe work as a front desk or a receptionist position as a high school student/running start. My schedule can be flexible as I am a running start student. I am wondering how I can reach out best and maximize my chances at getting hired or positive feedback from different offices. The dental hygiene program is extremely competitive so I would love to get a head start on doing as much as I can.
Dental Hygienist Interview?
Hi! I'm looking for dental hygienists willing to answer a few questions: 1. Can you tell me about the types of tasks you are responsible for on a day-to-day basis? 2. What do you enjoy most about your career? 3. What is most challenging about your career? 4. What are some skills and personality traits necessary to perform your job? 5. What are some misconceptions about your career? 6. How well do you manage your work-life balance? 7. How is your career any different from doctors? 8. How long is your shift? 9. Do you wish anything around your work place was different? If so then what? 10. What was it like when you first started your career? Please answer the questions. Thank You! *Note: Edited by admin to adhere to guidelines
What is something you wish more people knew about starting college?
I am a senior in high school, and I'm going to be the first in my family to go to college. I still feel like I haven't gotten to know all I need to about college. I'm also thinking of going into pre-dentistry or dental hygiene.
What is your most memorable working experience?
What is an event or experience that has stuck with you, and what did you learn from it?
Dentistry?
Hello, I'm considering a career as a dentist. What are some good tips you might have?
To dental hygienists, what study methods did you utilize to prepare for tests And which courses were the most difficult?
As a first gen, I'm very nervous on what to expect for higher education. How did you manage your workload with outside life as a dental hygienist student?
Would it be possible to work towards as a dental assistant requiring visa sponsorhip ?
I am a general dentist from Mexico, and I am interested in moving to Texas through legal means. My goal is to gain dental experience in the United States, with the intention of pursuing a dentistry revalidation in the future. I bring experience and a strong understanding of the dental field. I would like to know what steps I can take to increase the chances that someone would be willing to hire me. I am fully prepared to cover all expenses related to the visa process myself. Any guidance or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Would it be possible to work towards an Associates and Bachelors at the same time??
Hi, I'm a rising junior interested in becoming an orthodontist and I want to know how much I'll be able to take on once I go to college. I've heard you can get some Associates degrees online, which is something I've recently become interested in. My question is could I get an Associates in Dental Assisting online whilst simultaneously working towards a Bachelors Degree (bio or chem) in person? If not, I'll settle with a Bachelors, but I'm curious if both are attainable as I don't want to spend more time than I have to. Thank you!
Any advice on classes to take in high school in preparation for dentistry?
Hi, I'm a rising junior in high school and I'm interested in the dental field, more specifically being an orthodontist. 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, thank you!
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.