What are the educational requirements for a dentist?

Answer:
  • Complete an Undergraduate Education: Before future dentists can begin their professional training, they need to earn a bachelor's degree at an accredited college or university.* There's no specific 'pre-dentistry' undergraduate major, but many students hoping to go on to dental school choose to major in biology, chemistry or another science.
  • Apply to Dental School: Hopeful future dentists must achieve good scores on the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) and have an above-average undergraduate academic record in order to be accepted at one of the nation's 56 accredited dental schools. Competition is fierce, so most applicants apply to several schools at the same time.
  • Attend Dental School: Dental school lasts four years and includes instruction in biochemistry, anatomy, physiology and clinical science, as well as a lengthy clinical component in which students attend to patients under the supervision of licensed dentists. Upon completion of dental school, future dentists are awarded either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree.
  • Earn State Licensure: Before beginning practice, all dentists must become licensed by the state in which they hope to work. Licensure exams comprise written and practical components; the written portion can be completed by achieving a passing score on the National Board Dental Examinations. In 17 states, dentists who choose to specialize must also become licensed in their specializations.
First answer by ID1150850234. Last edit by Elfie2420. Contributor trust: 2 [recommend contributor recommended]. Question popularity: 2 [recommend question].