Dentistry Pathway—What steps should I follow?

Hey guys, this might sound like a long shot, but anybody here truly determined to become a dentist? I've always been intrigued with the dental field, but I'm having a bit of a tough time charting out a clear path from high school to working as a qualified dentist. Hoping to get some clarity on things like coursework in high school/college, major selection, and dental school expectations, the whole shebang. Thanks a ton!

Alright, let's get down to business. Becoming a dentist involves several key steps, but don't worry, we'll cover everything, from high school to dental practice.

Firstly, high school: You should aim for solid grounding in the sciences—biology, chemistry, and physics. If your school offers advanced courses such as AP Chemistry or AP Biology, definitely consider taking these. Mathematics is also important, so courses up to calculus would be beneficial. Besides academics, consider volunteering or shadowing opportunities at local dental clinics to gain hands-on experience and understand the reality of the profession.

Then comes undergraduate education: You can choose any major, but most aspiring dentists major in science-related fields as it's easier to fulfill pre-dental requirements. Generally, these include courses in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and some schools might also require biochemistry and/or microbiology. Maintaining a good GPA during undergrad is paramount (generally 3.5 or above) to remain competitive for dental schools.

Together with your GPA, you'll need to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) usually in your junior year. This test assesses your scientific knowledge and problem-solving abilities. A good DAT score is as important, if not more, as a stellar GPA for dental school admission.

Next, apply to dental school. Many students use the American Dental Education Association’s Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS), a centralized application service that allows you to apply to multiple dental schools at once. Many schools will require a few letters of recommendation, so foster strong relationships with your professors.

Dental school generally lasts four years and leads to a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. The two are equivalent—the difference is primarily semantic. The first two years generally involve classroom and lab instruction, while the latter two years focus on clinical practice.

At the conclusion of dental school, dentists must become licensed in the state in which they wish to work. Licensure usually involves a written and practical examination.

Finally, while not compulsory, some dentists opt for additional training through residency programs to specialize (like orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, etc.). These programs typically take two to six years to complete.

This might look like a daunting list, but the journey is taken one step at a time. Maintain your focus on your end goal, but also enjoy each stage of your education and training. It's a rewarding career, and the journey will give you invaluable experiences!