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What steps I have to follow to become a dentist?

I'm a high school student and I'm interested in becoming a dentist specialized in oral and maxillofacial surgery. But it's a little confusing on what I'm supposed to do to become a dentist. I need some advices.

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Thank you comment icon Another good option especially if you're concerned about the cost is the military. They will pay you and pay for your school. ShayLee Helquist
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Michelle’s Answer

Try this website:
https://www.adea.org/GoDental/Application_Prep/Preparing_for_Dental_School/Prerequisites.aspx

Some local Drs. might let you shadow in their office.
Thank you comment icon This was super helpful, thank you! Maryuri
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Shannon’s Answer

First of all, you may want to select a school you want to go to and consider the location unless you want to be relocating after your BS. There are many good dental schools nationwide. The University of Connecticut (UCONN) in Storrs, CT has a fantastic dental program. Columbia, NYU, Harvard. There are many. However, you need to get your BS first. I would suggest a background strong in science, biology, chemistry, and nutrition. There are many options that will give you a good background with which to apply towards dental school.

Also, many people do a 4-year program for dental hygiene! This is a great way to hone your chairside clinical skills before you even delve into dental school. You will gain some serious patient interpersonal skills there. Again, there are many schools that provide this. The first one in the nation is the University of Bridgeport (UB). Ohio State has a great hygiene program. There are several in the Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia (aka DMV) area.

Take some tours of campuses. Look at websites. Talk to some oral surgeons who you admire. Maybe they can point you in a more personally-specific way because they know you.

Best of luck,
Shannon
Thank you comment icon Thank u for your advice, I'll keep it in mind. It was helpful. Maryuri
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Karen’s Answer

You may want to start first with your dental home professional. If you already have a relationship with your personal provider, asking them a few questions about their experience would be a good place to start( What interested them in becoming a dentist, where did they go to school etc.). Most providers like myself, are usually quite accommodating to patients who may want to explore our profession as a career. If Oral Surgery is of particular interest, ask your pediatric or general dentist for a referred Oral Surgeon whom you can speak with. Before getting involved in the prep courses that can help boost your application post completion of undergrad education, you want to make sure you see day in and day out what people in that field actually do.
Thank you comment icon Thank you! Maryuri
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