Career questions tagged dentistry
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 about becoming a dentist, and what would you do differently if you could start over? #Spring26
I am High School Senior interested in going into dentistry after undergrad and have been taking all the necessary steps and want to know how I can maximize my opportunities early on in my career.
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 are some of you best study methods for majoring in Chemistry or Biology? What is your best study method for preparing for the DAT, and when to start preparing?
I'm a college undergraduate, planning to major in Chemistry with an end goal of Orthodontology or something regarding dentistry.
How often are temporary hygienists employed full time?
Hi! I am a student wanting to go into dental hygiene, I want to figure out the best way to be a mom and a hygienist at the same time.
How do you find out what you will major in? What are the advantages of going to college as undecided as an incoming college freshman
What are the risks you need to take to dual or even triple major. I am going to college undecided and I have a wide range of interests and I am really overwhelmed by what the future holds. I am passionate about math and biology; however, I really don't know how to utilize my likes into an actual profession. I would like to major in biology and finance while minoring in language and business. I might even major in other subjects that are not listed above. I would like to know what the hardships and hard parts of learning each course in college are and the fun and interesting aspects of it. I want to get the answer from an actual person who has gone through the process of figuring what they want to major in and people who have seen what it takes to be in either finance, business, anesthesiology, dentistry, and many more. Thank you ! #Spring26
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 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 are my options for majors if I wanted to do something in the dentistry field?
I am currently a sophomore in high school and want to do something in the dentistry field. If I major in biology over public health do I get less or more internship opportunities related to dentistry? Do certain majors limit options for job opportunities or career options in the future in the healthcare field?
What dual enrollment classes should I take to be prepared for dental school or an undergrad major in biology?
What dual enrollment classes should I take to be prepared for dental school or an undergrad major in biology?
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 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.
Why are dental assistants treated and paid unfairly (with a assoc. degree)?
I'm currently in college taking my pre-requisites for dental hygiene. I will be on my second year in 2026. I've always been interested in dental. I've done volunteer work at a dental office as a dental assistant trainee. During that time, it opened my eyes to see that Dental assistants get paid and treated unfairly. To be frank, they are the ones who glues the dental office together. Without them the dental office would crumble. #Fall25
What is the best college route to follow to in order to pursue my goal of dental residency ? #fall25
I know I need to meet pre-reqs in order to get into either med/dent. school and the best way is through majoring in a science like Biochem. but after that is there other advice you have that is more specific that someone wouldn't just know? #fall25
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?
What is the hardest part about taking dentistry for a major in college?
As someone who is thinking about taking dentistry as a major. I just wanted to know what was the hardest sections of taking dentistry so I could be prepared for it.
What is your advice on on getting into Dentistry School?
I really want to get into Dentistry, specifically at Iowa. What is your advice on getting into dental school. Shadowing hours, jobs, internships, etc.
Any residency application advice?
Hello! I am a current dentist (for about 3 years now) and am interested in applying for an orthodontic residency. However, I did not get in the last cycle. Any recommendations or advice on how to improve an application? I am at a complete loss. Thank you!
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.