5 answers
Karen
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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Translated from Spanish .
how many years are to become a dentist?
how many years are to become a dentist?
How many semesters are there and how hard are the semesters?
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5 answers
Anthony Ngo
40
Answers
Kirkland, Washington
Updated
Anthony’s Answer
The quick answer is dental school takes 4 years to complete.
Majority (99%) of dental schools require a BA/BS degree with specific science courses (for example: you can get into dental school with an English degree if you satisfy the program's required science courses) and high enough DAT score. Some school will also look at your experience/exposure to dental operation (but not all schools require this.) If you go to these schools, it will take 8 years (4 years for your BA/BS and 4 years for dental school.)
There are schools (I do not have the list of all these school) that offer a 3-year program (University of Pacific UOP in California). This is an accelerated and intensive program, every competitive program. This will take 7 years (4 years for BA/BS degree and 3 years dental school.) And there are 6-year dental programs (and UOP is one of them) that will accept students directly from high school. This program offer accelerated BA/BS and DDS/DMD together.
Finishing dental school does not automatically let you practice as a dentist. You must pass the National Board (this is a written board examination.) Then you will need to pass your regional/state board (this is written and practical exam.) In theory, dental school will prepare you to pass 'The Board' exam. But not all graduates will pass the exam the first try. I personally know people who passed the exam before graduation, and I also know people who did not pass it after several tries.
Once you get your dentist license (at this point you are a general dentist,) you can go to graduate school to specialize in other dental practice such as periodontic, endodontic, orthodontic etc... these master programs will take 2 more years. There is no require residency to practice as a dentist, general or specialized. Depending on which State you practice in, the scope of a general dentist can be different. But almost all of states will allow the general dentist to practice all specialized dentistry if he/she takes additional trainings in the specialize procedures. These programs are certificate programs not a degree program. If you want to be an oral surgeon, you will need to apply to medical school and get your MD degree and licensing. This will take 4 years in medical school and residency.
I do not want to discourage you to go into dentistry. But dental school is not easy (not talking in term of financial). The study/courses are very intensive and can be stressful. Dentistry can be very rewarding, but you must do diligent research to see if it is right fit for you.
Best of luck.
Anthony
Majority (99%) of dental schools require a BA/BS degree with specific science courses (for example: you can get into dental school with an English degree if you satisfy the program's required science courses) and high enough DAT score. Some school will also look at your experience/exposure to dental operation (but not all schools require this.) If you go to these schools, it will take 8 years (4 years for your BA/BS and 4 years for dental school.)
There are schools (I do not have the list of all these school) that offer a 3-year program (University of Pacific UOP in California). This is an accelerated and intensive program, every competitive program. This will take 7 years (4 years for BA/BS degree and 3 years dental school.) And there are 6-year dental programs (and UOP is one of them) that will accept students directly from high school. This program offer accelerated BA/BS and DDS/DMD together.
Finishing dental school does not automatically let you practice as a dentist. You must pass the National Board (this is a written board examination.) Then you will need to pass your regional/state board (this is written and practical exam.) In theory, dental school will prepare you to pass 'The Board' exam. But not all graduates will pass the exam the first try. I personally know people who passed the exam before graduation, and I also know people who did not pass it after several tries.
Once you get your dentist license (at this point you are a general dentist,) you can go to graduate school to specialize in other dental practice such as periodontic, endodontic, orthodontic etc... these master programs will take 2 more years. There is no require residency to practice as a dentist, general or specialized. Depending on which State you practice in, the scope of a general dentist can be different. But almost all of states will allow the general dentist to practice all specialized dentistry if he/she takes additional trainings in the specialize procedures. These programs are certificate programs not a degree program. If you want to be an oral surgeon, you will need to apply to medical school and get your MD degree and licensing. This will take 4 years in medical school and residency.
I do not want to discourage you to go into dentistry. But dental school is not easy (not talking in term of financial). The study/courses are very intensive and can be stressful. Dentistry can be very rewarding, but you must do diligent research to see if it is right fit for you.
Best of luck.
Anthony
Aisha Taylor
Mortgage Closing Specialist
464
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Aisha’s Answer
Hi Karen,
During my research, I've learned that It takes between 6-10 years to become a dentist. First, student's complete four years of undergraduate education. After that, they spend four years in dental school. While they can practice dentistry after graduating dental school, many students pursue a two- to three-year long residency to specialize.
The difficulty is due to the years of schooling required, the financial cost of education, and setting up or joining a dental practice. There is also a very competitive dental school application process. On average, it takes between six and eight years to become a dentist.
Best,
Aisha T
During my research, I've learned that It takes between 6-10 years to become a dentist. First, student's complete four years of undergraduate education. After that, they spend four years in dental school. While they can practice dentistry after graduating dental school, many students pursue a two- to three-year long residency to specialize.
The difficulty is due to the years of schooling required, the financial cost of education, and setting up or joining a dental practice. There is also a very competitive dental school application process. On average, it takes between six and eight years to become a dentist.
Best,
Aisha T
Nathaniel Swan
chiropractor
33
Answers
Kirkland, Washington
Updated
Nathaniel’s Answer
Any medical program is ruling. The competition is fierce. Even with a 4.0 it might not be enough to get in. Once in you are taken to the end of the world and back with so many emotions as you will become callused to what you will deal with. Dental is at least 2-3 years after medical school and you need to be at the top of your game to even get in the door at a doctors office.
Good luck
Good luck
Karem El fadhil
General Dentist
2
Answers
Benghazi, Benghazi district, Libya
Updated
Karem’s Answer
5 years if you wanna go overseas, BDS Degree (Bachelor of dental surgery) Like mine.
NICOLE KEMENA
dentist
3
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
NICOLE’s Answer
Hello,
I’m a dentist. It usually takes eight years after high school to get your BS (usually in one of the sciences- biology, chemistry, etc) then your dental degree (DDS or DMD). Two semesters per year, so 16 semesters total. I found undergrad more challenging than dental school, because I needed a high GPA to get into school. It is definitely possible though, and if you like people and art and science you can make a great career. If you are a nerd, prepare to nerd out on the technology-lasers, scanners, 3D mills, etc. if you like working with your hands, that’s a plus. Good luck! 👍
I’m a dentist. It usually takes eight years after high school to get your BS (usually in one of the sciences- biology, chemistry, etc) then your dental degree (DDS or DMD). Two semesters per year, so 16 semesters total. I found undergrad more challenging than dental school, because I needed a high GPA to get into school. It is definitely possible though, and if you like people and art and science you can make a great career. If you are a nerd, prepare to nerd out on the technology-lasers, scanners, 3D mills, etc. if you like working with your hands, that’s a plus. Good luck! 👍