I do believe it is the same as a doctor. 7 or 9
Dentists diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of the teeth, gums, and related oral structures. Pre-Dentistry is a two-year Associate of Arts degree program comprised of basic science courses. These courses can be transferred to a bachelor�s degree program designed to prepare students for admission to dental school. To become a dentist, a student must complete three or four years of additional schooling beyond the bachelor�s degree. He or she must pass a state board examination and is then awarded a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.D.M.)
Dental school takes a high school diploma followed by 3-4 years of undergrad education, a bachelors degree is preferred but not required, however, most 95%+ of dental students have received their diploma before entering dental school. Dental school is 4 years long (one school in CA is 3 yrs). Upon graduation you can practice dentistry without any residency once you pass a state or regional board. Dental specialties, ie: ortho, endodontics, oral surgery take 2-6 years of residency. So more than likely in 8 years after high school one is a dentist.