4 answers
Ameera
Student
Elk Grove, California
1
Question
Asked
1690 views
How exactly do I be a dentist?
I have been thinking about becoming a dentist, but I have like no idea how college really works. I was thinking of going to sac state or sac city college by majoring in biology or biological sciences, and then transferring to UC Davis after 2 years. What should my schedule be like to be on the right track? Is there extra steps I need to do?
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4 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1796
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
As an aspiring dentist Ameera, you can major in whatever subject you wish. However, individuals who want to practice dentistry will eventually need to attend dental school to earn a DDS or DMD degree. Most dental schools require applicants to first earn a bachelor’s degree from a four-year institution.
🎓 EARN YOUR BACHELOR'S DEGREE
A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite to attending dental school. Dental schools require coursework in biology, chemistry, and physics. These subjects are all popular majors for pre-dental students. Majoring in biology is also a particularly strong choice for students interested in healthcare. You'll learn fundamental sciences in these programs and often have opportunities to gain real-world experience. Since junior colleges and universities do not offer a dedicated pre-dental track. You should speak with your academic advisor. In many cases, a pre-medical track will guide you to the same prerequisite coursework and help you connect with supplemental learning experiences.
📜 EARN YOUR DOCTOR OF DENTAL MEDICINE (DDM) OR DENTAL SURGERY (DDS) DEGREE
When selecting dental schools to apply to, consider the cost, location, curriculum, and career placement results. Dental schools use a central application system, the ADEA AADSAS, to consider various factors, including your grades, Dental Admissions Test scores, and extracurricular activities. A dental degree takes 4-years to complete. A DDS and DDM degree follow the same curriculum and have the same intensity.
🦷 COMPLETE A RESIDENCY PROGRAM
Dentists can immediately begin independent practice once they receive their dental degree. However, for some specialties, dentists must receive additional training through a residency program. These programs typically last 2-3 years and train dentists in specialized techniques. These programs often charge high tuition rates. However, residencies can be a good fit for students interested in complex specialties or specific populations, such as pediatric dentistry.
CONCLUSION
Practical experience in dentistry can help you determine if a career as a dentist is right for you. Many dental schools consider this experience vital and judge applicants on their experience. Common types of practical experience include internships, shadowing, and volunteering. Generally, schools favor experiences where students interact with patients directly. School career offices can help you find shadowing and internship opportunities. Many schools have pre-medical and pre-dental clubs that can connect you with experiences.
🎓 EARN YOUR BACHELOR'S DEGREE
A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite to attending dental school. Dental schools require coursework in biology, chemistry, and physics. These subjects are all popular majors for pre-dental students. Majoring in biology is also a particularly strong choice for students interested in healthcare. You'll learn fundamental sciences in these programs and often have opportunities to gain real-world experience. Since junior colleges and universities do not offer a dedicated pre-dental track. You should speak with your academic advisor. In many cases, a pre-medical track will guide you to the same prerequisite coursework and help you connect with supplemental learning experiences.
📜 EARN YOUR DOCTOR OF DENTAL MEDICINE (DDM) OR DENTAL SURGERY (DDS) DEGREE
When selecting dental schools to apply to, consider the cost, location, curriculum, and career placement results. Dental schools use a central application system, the ADEA AADSAS, to consider various factors, including your grades, Dental Admissions Test scores, and extracurricular activities. A dental degree takes 4-years to complete. A DDS and DDM degree follow the same curriculum and have the same intensity.
🦷 COMPLETE A RESIDENCY PROGRAM
Dentists can immediately begin independent practice once they receive their dental degree. However, for some specialties, dentists must receive additional training through a residency program. These programs typically last 2-3 years and train dentists in specialized techniques. These programs often charge high tuition rates. However, residencies can be a good fit for students interested in complex specialties or specific populations, such as pediatric dentistry.
CONCLUSION
Practical experience in dentistry can help you determine if a career as a dentist is right for you. Many dental schools consider this experience vital and judge applicants on their experience. Common types of practical experience include internships, shadowing, and volunteering. Generally, schools favor experiences where students interact with patients directly. School career offices can help you find shadowing and internship opportunities. Many schools have pre-medical and pre-dental clubs that can connect you with experiences.
Thank You Shawn, The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.
Doc Frick
Wow! That was alot of information thank you so much! I had no idea that being a dentist would require such a heavy commitment. Another comment advised me to go through with the sac city route as a dental assistant before transferring to davis! I would love to know your thoughts on that, thank you!
Ameera
Excellent, becoming a dental assistant as a stepping stone to a dental career, will allow you to learn the basic procedures and patient interaction firsthand before taking on the more advanced responsibilities of becoming a dentist and your income as a dental assistant will help pay for dental school. Make shure to work with your academic advisor at Sacramento City College so your eventual transfer to UC Davis goes smoothly.
Doc Frick
thank you so much for your help, i don’t know what i would do without this website haha
Ameera
Michelle M.
Actress
2335
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Ameera !
It actually looks like you know the thing to do ! Don't underestimate yourself. I'd love to give you advice !
While at Sac City, you can do their Dental Assistant or Dental Hygiene Program - either one will help you get into Davis. You will also have the hands on experience working on patients in Sac City's dental clinic which fulfills one part of what Davis requires for admission to their dental school. They want you to have experience before dental school. Remember that Davis is the sister college to Sac State so no worries about transferring credits.
You will have to choose between Sac State for the biological sciences with labs or Sac City to become a Dental Assistant. It's difficult to advise you as to exactly what to do because you need to make that decision. Any courses you take at Sac City and Sac State have a guarantee transfer to Davis. Consider these paths :
Sacramento City College - Associate Degree in Dental Assistant ----> Sac State, Bachelors Degree in Biology or Chemistry ----> UC Davis Dental School
Sac State, Bachelors Degree in Chemistry or Biology ----> UC Davis Dental School
I keep wanting to advise the Sac City path because Davis, for admissions to their dental school, likes it if students have experience and you would get that at Sac City's Dental Clinic. Talk it over with your parents and see if they agree to what you've decided on. Also go for orientations at all three colleges and see that dental clinic at Sac City. Touring the campuses may help you make a decision.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
It actually looks like you know the thing to do ! Don't underestimate yourself. I'd love to give you advice !
While at Sac City, you can do their Dental Assistant or Dental Hygiene Program - either one will help you get into Davis. You will also have the hands on experience working on patients in Sac City's dental clinic which fulfills one part of what Davis requires for admission to their dental school. They want you to have experience before dental school. Remember that Davis is the sister college to Sac State so no worries about transferring credits.
You will have to choose between Sac State for the biological sciences with labs or Sac City to become a Dental Assistant. It's difficult to advise you as to exactly what to do because you need to make that decision. Any courses you take at Sac City and Sac State have a guarantee transfer to Davis. Consider these paths :
Sacramento City College - Associate Degree in Dental Assistant ----> Sac State, Bachelors Degree in Biology or Chemistry ----> UC Davis Dental School
Sac State, Bachelors Degree in Chemistry or Biology ----> UC Davis Dental School
I keep wanting to advise the Sac City path because Davis, for admissions to their dental school, likes it if students have experience and you would get that at Sac City's Dental Clinic. Talk it over with your parents and see if they agree to what you've decided on. Also go for orientations at all three colleges and see that dental clinic at Sac City. Touring the campuses may help you make a decision.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Hi thank you so much for your help :((! This whole career thing has been super scary and stressful, so I am super glad to have found this website! What i’m worried about is the transferring process over to UC Davis. I know sac city is a community college and follows the tag program which guarantees admission. But i don’t know how sac state works, will it be harder to get into uc davis that way? Im leaning towards sac city because im a bit uneducated and so far hold the belief that the transferring process over to UC davis will be much eaiswr. do you tbink i could successfully reach the point of being a dentist if i started off to be a dental assistant through sac city? sorry if this is alot thank you so much!
Ameera
@Ameera ~ I was thinking that Sac City is good before you attend Sac State because Sac City has the dental clinic that you can get experience at and Davis will like it if they see you've already worked at a dental clinic. Sac State's units will transfer over to Davis, too. I went to and graduated from Sac State, by the way. I had many friends that did their Bachelors at Sac State and did their Masters at Davis. It's not going to be a problem at all.
Michelle M.
Thank you so much! I was under the belief that transferring over form sac state to Uc davis was harder and not as easy as sac city! I will go over this route with my school counselor hopefully soon and i appreciate your help so much
Ameera
You're welcome ! And about your practical experience in Dental School, it's part of the path - either an internship or rotations. A friend of mine started out working at a Dental Clinic for low income patients and new citizens in NYC decades ago. Soon enough she had her own high end practice. I wouldn't worry about that part just yet, but it's so that you can get the full fledged experience before you go on your own. All of the community colleges in Sac and Sac State have guaranteed transfer to UC Davis.
Michelle M.
Martin Schoen
APRN
310
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
You will need to complete college and apply to a dental school. Both will take approximately 8 years.
Thank you for your help Mr. Schoen! I will keep this in mind.
Ameera
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1333
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Ameera! 🦷 So, you’re thinking about becoming a dentist, but not sure what the road to that perfect smile looks like? Don’t worry, I got your back (and your teeth 😉).
First off, shoutout to Doc Frick for dropping some major knowledge about the whole dental journey! 👏 Becoming a dentist is like signing up for a mission to save smiles, and while it’s a bit of a ride, it’s totally worth it.
Here’s a breakdown of the journey with a few fun twists:
1. Start with a Solid Major
Yes, you can major in biology, like you were thinking! 🧬 It’s a great choice because it covers a lot of the basic science stuff you’ll need. But honestly, if you’re passionate about something else, like chemistry, physics, or even health sciences, go for it! Just make sure you get those prerequisite courses like biology, chemistry, and physics (your future patients’ teeth will thank you 😉).
Now you don’t have to love chemistry at first, but get cozy with it. It's your future dental bestie. 💥
2. Shadow & Intern Like a Pro
Doc Frick hit the nail on the head here: shadowing and interning are key! Think of this as your opportunity to be a dental ninja—learning without anyone noticing. 🥷 Watch dentists in action and get a feel for the daily grind. This is your backstage pass into the world of dentistry, and it will look awesome on your applications.
So try to get a mix of general dentistry and specialized areas. And remember, sometimes you might have to suit up and wear scrubs (but hey, you'll look so cool). 😎
3. Dental School (Brace Yourself!)
You’re going to need that bachelor’s degree, and once you’ve completed your undergrad, it’s time to get that DDS or DMD degree! 🏫 Dental school is like the Hogwarts for future dentists—it’s 4 years of intense learning and hands-on training. You’ll be doing everything from root canal simulations to filling cavities, and maybe even learning some cool dental jargon that will make you sound like a superhero.
Just Keep your energy up, because dental school can be a marathon. Coffee is your friend. ☕ But remember, you’re in it to help people (and make those pearly whites shine).
4. Residency (If You’re Extra Special)
Okay, if you want to dive deep into a dental specialty (like pediatric dentistry or orthodontics), that’s where a residency comes in! 🏥 It’s like level 2 of your superhero journey—extra training to become a master of one area. But don’t worry, if you just want to be a general dentist, you can jump right into practicing after school.
If you’re going into a specialty, get ready to geek out on that specific area—because everyone will ask you about it. 🤓
Bonus Steps to Stand Out! Because I want to see you standing brighter that that white coat future Dr. Dentist.
Now, there are a few things Doc Frick didn’t mention, but they’ll totally help you stand out when applying to dental school:
1. Get Involved in Pre-Dental Clubs: They’re packed with people who get your passion for teeth. You can network, attend cool events, and maybe even snag some sweet volunteer gigs! 💪
2. Volunteer & Build Your Communication Skills: As a dentist, you’ll be talking to patients A LOT. Get comfortable talking to people in stressful situations by volunteering or working customer service. The smoother you are, the better your patients will feel when they’re in the chair. 🗣️
3. Don’t Forget Your GPA & DAT Scores: I know, I know...everyone talks about them, but here’s the thing—they matter. Aim high, and stay organized to keep those grades and test scores sharp. 📚
Final Tip which is very very important: Don’t Stress
You’re in the driver’s seat of your future—just remember to buckle up and have fun with the process. 🚗💨 Whether you’re working with teeth or doing something else, you’re shaping the career that’s right for you. Keep exploring, asking questions, and, most importantly, keep smiling! 😁 You’ve got this, future dentist! 🦷
And remember: Every tooth matters especially mine!! 😄 I am good thanks!
First off, shoutout to Doc Frick for dropping some major knowledge about the whole dental journey! 👏 Becoming a dentist is like signing up for a mission to save smiles, and while it’s a bit of a ride, it’s totally worth it.
Here’s a breakdown of the journey with a few fun twists:
1. Start with a Solid Major
Yes, you can major in biology, like you were thinking! 🧬 It’s a great choice because it covers a lot of the basic science stuff you’ll need. But honestly, if you’re passionate about something else, like chemistry, physics, or even health sciences, go for it! Just make sure you get those prerequisite courses like biology, chemistry, and physics (your future patients’ teeth will thank you 😉).
Now you don’t have to love chemistry at first, but get cozy with it. It's your future dental bestie. 💥
2. Shadow & Intern Like a Pro
Doc Frick hit the nail on the head here: shadowing and interning are key! Think of this as your opportunity to be a dental ninja—learning without anyone noticing. 🥷 Watch dentists in action and get a feel for the daily grind. This is your backstage pass into the world of dentistry, and it will look awesome on your applications.
So try to get a mix of general dentistry and specialized areas. And remember, sometimes you might have to suit up and wear scrubs (but hey, you'll look so cool). 😎
3. Dental School (Brace Yourself!)
You’re going to need that bachelor’s degree, and once you’ve completed your undergrad, it’s time to get that DDS or DMD degree! 🏫 Dental school is like the Hogwarts for future dentists—it’s 4 years of intense learning and hands-on training. You’ll be doing everything from root canal simulations to filling cavities, and maybe even learning some cool dental jargon that will make you sound like a superhero.
Just Keep your energy up, because dental school can be a marathon. Coffee is your friend. ☕ But remember, you’re in it to help people (and make those pearly whites shine).
4. Residency (If You’re Extra Special)
Okay, if you want to dive deep into a dental specialty (like pediatric dentistry or orthodontics), that’s where a residency comes in! 🏥 It’s like level 2 of your superhero journey—extra training to become a master of one area. But don’t worry, if you just want to be a general dentist, you can jump right into practicing after school.
If you’re going into a specialty, get ready to geek out on that specific area—because everyone will ask you about it. 🤓
Bonus Steps to Stand Out! Because I want to see you standing brighter that that white coat future Dr. Dentist.
Now, there are a few things Doc Frick didn’t mention, but they’ll totally help you stand out when applying to dental school:
1. Get Involved in Pre-Dental Clubs: They’re packed with people who get your passion for teeth. You can network, attend cool events, and maybe even snag some sweet volunteer gigs! 💪
2. Volunteer & Build Your Communication Skills: As a dentist, you’ll be talking to patients A LOT. Get comfortable talking to people in stressful situations by volunteering or working customer service. The smoother you are, the better your patients will feel when they’re in the chair. 🗣️
3. Don’t Forget Your GPA & DAT Scores: I know, I know...everyone talks about them, but here’s the thing—they matter. Aim high, and stay organized to keep those grades and test scores sharp. 📚
Final Tip which is very very important: Don’t Stress
You’re in the driver’s seat of your future—just remember to buckle up and have fun with the process. 🚗💨 Whether you’re working with teeth or doing something else, you’re shaping the career that’s right for you. Keep exploring, asking questions, and, most importantly, keep smiling! 😁 You’ve got this, future dentist! 🦷
And remember: Every tooth matters especially mine!! 😄 I am good thanks!
Wow that was alot of information, but super helpful. I feel alot more confident in this career path!! I was just wondering though, would you advise going down the path of residency? Does this ensure i will get a job faster or make more money?
Ameera
You are welcome Ameera loved your feedback. Now, Residency doesn’t necessarily guarantee a job faster, but it definitely improves your chances. Completing residency makes you a specialized professional, which makes you more appealing to employers in that specific field.
While some general positions might not require residency, most medical jobs—especially those in specialties—do, and having completed it can help you stand out when applying. Plus, during residency, you’ll likely network and gain job connections that might lead to offers once you’re done! So, while it’s not a magic fast-forward button, residency definitely sets you up for more opportunities.
Dr H
I can say yes you could go for it, if you're looking to specialize and want to maximize your job opportunities and earning potential in the long run! Residency is where you get the in-depth experience that makes you a skilled professional in your chosen field.
However, it’s important to know that it’s a big commitment, both in terms of time and energy. If you’re clear on what you want to specialize in and ready for the challenge, residency can open many doors and set you up for a successful and rewarding career in medicine.
Dr H
So here is just a scoop in short I can tell you this:
1. Job Opportunities: Residency lets you specialize (like cardiology or surgery), making you more marketable with hands-on experience.
2. Salary Potential: While residency pay isn’t huge, it sets you up for a higher salary once you’re done, especially in high-demand specialties! 💸
So, it might not make you a millionaire overnight, but it definitely helps land a solid job and boost earnings long-term! 🙌 Hope it was helpful do let me know if you need anything else Ameera I am so happy to to your confidence is boosting! 😎
Dr H
Thank you so much for your help i’m extremely grateful
Ameera
@Ameera - Check with Davis, I think in Dental School you'd be assigned as an Intern or do rotations which is part of the training. A residency, rotations or internship is usually part of a health care path. It's to give you that hands on experience and environment that you'd be working in. It doesn't have bearing on future jobs except that employers would expect you to have had that experience.
Michelle M.
You're very welcome, Ameera! 😊 I'm glad I could help! And Michelle makes a great point—dental school typically includes rotations or internships to give you real-world experience. Definitely check with Davis, and if you're looking for more insights, Michelle seems to have great advice too! 🦷✨
Dr H