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Dentists diagnose and treat mouth, tooth and gum conditions. In addition to performing extractions, root canals and other procedures, dentists provide preventative care and oral hygiene advice. Four years of undergraduate study and four years of dental school are typically required to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). Step 1: Complete a Bachelor's Degree Individuals interested in becoming a dentist must earn a bachelor's degree. Although no specific major is required of aspiring dentists, bachelor's degrees in the sciences, such as chemistry or biology, provide relevant preparation for dental school. Some colleges and universities offer undergraduate pre-dental concentrations within a science major, which meet most dental school course prerequisites. All candidates, no matter the major, need to complete prerequisites in physics, biology, chemistry, biochemistry and statistics. Step 2: Pass the Dental Admission Test All dental schools require applicants to complete the Dental Admission Test (DAT), administered by the American Dental Association (ADA). Dental schools use DAT scores, GPAs and letters of recommendation to make admittance decisions. The DAT may take more than four hours to complete and consists of four sections covering quantitative reasoning, natural sciences, reading comprehension and perceptual ability. Step 3: Complete Dental School To become a dentist, individuals must earn a DDS at a 4-year dental school certified by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. During the first two years, students focus on coursework and lab studies. Courses include dental anatomy, occlusion, radiology, prosthodontics, dental anesthesiology and periodontics. Students participate in lab sessions, during which they practice and demonstrate dental techniques learned in class. The last two years of dental school emphasize clinical practice, engaging students in the diagnosis and treatment of patients under the supervision of dental instructors. Step 4: Take the National Board Dental Examination All prospective dentists must pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) to obtain a state license. The ADA administers the 2-part exam. Part one covers basic health topics, such as physiology, gross anatomy, dental anatomy, biochemistry and occlusion. Part two tests candidates' knowledge in specific dental areas, including pediatric dentistry, oral diagnosis, pharmacology and operative dentistry. Additionally, most states administer their own practical and written exams that individuals must pass to obtain a state license, though some award licensure to candidates who pass the NBDE. Step 5: Start a Practice or Join a Partnership The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the majority of dentists are general practitioners who work in private practices. These dentists are commonly partners in or sole proprietors of their practices and may employ a small number of associates or assistants. The bureau also indicates that the number of employed dentists is expected to increase by 16% between 2008-2018. Employment is projected to rise due to increasing demand for dental treatment by aging populations, the continuing popularity of preventive care and trend among insurance companies to include dental coverage in health plans. In May 2008, dentists earned a median annual salary of $142,870. Becoming a dentist is a wonderful opportunity to help people in need. So start your education today so you can one day become a member of noteworthy practices such as TMJ Dentistry. Education Portal. “How to Become a Dentist.” March 2011.
http://education-portal.com/how_to_become_a_dentist.html
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