Career questions tagged dentist
Advice for picking between Orthodontist and Dental Hygienist?
Hi! I'm a rising senior that's been interested in dentistry for over a year now and I wanted some advice for which career to pick within it. For a while, I've wanted to be an orthodontist; however, after really looking into the huge amount of debt that comes with it, I'm not so sure if it's something I can manage. I am interested in becoming an orthodontist, but I'm not sure how doable it is, especially for paying off debt. I know there's also a huge difference between the years in school for an Orthodontist versus a Dental Hygienist, and I've heard very good things about both regarding their lifestyle. I'm looking for a career that will pay well, be stable long term, and preferably as least stressful as possible. Any advice is welcomed, thanks!
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.
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.
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
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.
What is the most important thing in your dental school application?
Also, how do I go about studying for the DAT? If I struggle with math, what should I study for the quantitative reasoning portion of the exam?
Dentistry?
Hello, I'm considering a career as a dentist. What are some good tips you might have?
How bad is dropping a class?
I am currently taking 17 units at crc (Biology major, wanting to be a dentist), ( I had previously written 18, but that ended up being very wrong) but I think I have undiagnosed ADHD, and it's been taking such a big mental toll on me. I also suffer from intense migraines daily, and I am going to see a neurologist soon for that. My point being, I am constantly stressed and unable to focus. I studied so hard for my math exam, only to fail my second exam. At this rate, I will most likely fail my math class. The class is a preparation for calculus class by the way. I want to transfer to UC Davis as soon as possible, so I feel as though Im putting alot of pressure on myself. If I drop the class, I will be at 11 (previously wrote 14) units. My insurance also can not find me a psychiatrist and hasn't reached out to me yet when I asked to find someone to check if I have ADHD. At this point, I know I do and need to be medicated because I literally can't function. This is kind of a cry for help, idk what to do and im stressed and scared.
What would be the best business major for someone going into dentistry?
Hi! I'm currently a junior in high school and I'm especially interested in dentistry as I'm aiming to become an orthodontist in the future. I've heard different things about suggested majors to choose while in undergrad, mainly bio or chem. I'm considering being a business major even if I need to take extra classes for pre-reqs as I think it'd be good preparation if I were to ever have my own dental practice so I'd at least know something about how to. Other options I'm heavily considering are Public Health and maybe (?) Microbiology? I'm really looking forward to pursuing this career, I'm just a little lost on where to start, so any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
What is the difference college wise between being a Dentist and a Dental Hygienist?
I'm a sophomore in high school and I'm trying to look at all of my options. I want to know if there's a difference in the schooling. If I take the Dental Hygienist course, would I be able to take a year or two of college more, or is it a whole different thing? Any answers would be much appreciated.
My dream is to become a dentist, but I have no clue where to start i don't know what the best college to apply too is. Can someone please let me know
I do want to stay in california but i am unaware of all my options.
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
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 was the most important factor or thing that you did that made you more competitive when applying to dental school?
Were there any clubs, activities, internships, etc. that made you stand out as an applicant and allowed you to get into the dental school of your choice?
When becoming a Dental Hygienist what are some things you may go through that aren’t the easiest? #Spring25
As a senior attending Needles High School, planning to attend the University of Nevada, Las Vegas I have decided to continue my education with Dental. I am not entirely sure how current Dental workers handle with inconveniences but I will love to learn so I can be prepared. #Spring25
How does dentist finance the necessary equipment needed when they first open their own practice?
I'm a High school Senior graduating in May 2025 and soon to be an incoming college freshman Majoring in Pre-Dental with interest of minoring in Business or Real Estate. After I earn my Bachelors degree and attend dental school I would like to go into residency to study Orthodontics.
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.
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.
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.