9 answers
Evannah
Student
Holland, Ohio
1
Question
Asked
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What is the total number of years in school that one must take to finally become a dentist?
And also, once one becomes a dentist, how can I branch out and start my own clinic??
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9 answers
Karissa Helton
Teacher
205
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
4 years in undergraduate school and 4 years in dental school. If you take as many AP classes as possible in high school you could get to undergraduate school and only need 3 years. Also, you save money by taking AP classes because the test is cheaper than the undergraduate course that you get credit for. You will not be able to work during dental school so being able to save as much money as possible is a goal. You can take out student loans in dental school but it will not cover things like car insurance or unlimited data cell phone plans.
Tracy Swift, RDH, BSDH, MEd
Assistant Professor
4
Answers
Albany, Georgia
Updated
Tracy’s Answer
You will need to get a Bachelors degree (4 years) in Biology or some related science major (check the requirements of the dental school you want to apply to) and then apply to dental school onve you are close to that degree being completed. To be a general dentist, dental school is an additional 4 years. If you want to be a specialist, such as an orthodontist (apply braces) or pedodontist ( treats kids), it is an additional 2 years after that.
Lirio Delgado
201
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Lirio’s Answer
To become a dentist, you’ll need about eight years of education after high school. This includes four years of college to earn a Bachelor’s degree, followed by four years in dental school where you earn a DDS or DMD.
Once you’re ready to start your own dental clinic, first gain some experience by working in an established practice. This will help you understand how a dental office runs. Next, create a business plan that outlines your clinic’s goals and strategies for success. It’s important to obtain the necessary licenses to practice in your area.
After that, secure funding for your clinic, whether through loans or investors. Choosing a good location is crucial, so look for a place that’s accessible to potential patients. Marketing your clinic will help attract patients, so consider strategies like social media and local advertising. You’ll also need to hire staff, including dental hygienists and administrative personnel.
Finally, set up your office with the necessary equipment and create a welcoming environment. Don’t forget to stay updated with continuing education in the field. Starting your own clinic requires dedication, but it can be a rewarding career!
Once you’re ready to start your own dental clinic, first gain some experience by working in an established practice. This will help you understand how a dental office runs. Next, create a business plan that outlines your clinic’s goals and strategies for success. It’s important to obtain the necessary licenses to practice in your area.
After that, secure funding for your clinic, whether through loans or investors. Choosing a good location is crucial, so look for a place that’s accessible to potential patients. Marketing your clinic will help attract patients, so consider strategies like social media and local advertising. You’ll also need to hire staff, including dental hygienists and administrative personnel.
Finally, set up your office with the necessary equipment and create a welcoming environment. Don’t forget to stay updated with continuing education in the field. Starting your own clinic requires dedication, but it can be a rewarding career!
Brett Jones
Sr Analyst
3
Answers
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Updated
Brett’s Answer
It takes eight years of schooling for most people to become a dentist — four years of undergraduate school and another four for dental school.
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1616
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
It takes eight years of schooling for most people to become a dentist — four years of undergraduate school and another four for dental school.
4-YEARS OF COLLEGE
Most students enroll in a pre-dentistry program for their undergraduate degrees. A pre-dentistry program is not required but helps by removing the burden of figuring out what courses you will need to qualify for dental school admission. Having the courses planned out for you ahead of time means you won’t overlook any requirements, such as biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, or physics. Many students choose to major in biology or chemistry, although that is not required as long as all prerequisite classes are passed.
4-YEARS OF DENTAL SCHOOL
A traditional dentistry program lasts four years and results in a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry, depending on the school. (They are essentially the same.) Admission requires a solid score on the Dental Admission Test. Having a strong GPA and recommendations from your professors can also give you a boost. Many schools value a holistic approach to admission, meaning grades and test scores represent just one aspect of your application. Volunteer or work experience is considered along with extracurricular accomplishments, proven leadership skills, and any time spent shadowing a working dentist.
Hope this was helpful Evannah
Now, let’s take a closer look at how to become a dental hygienist. All states require dental hygienists to be licensed, though the specific requirements vary. That said, the minimum level of education you need to earn your license in any state is an associate’s degree. Depending on your career goals, you might choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree.
4-YEARS OF COLLEGE
Most students enroll in a pre-dentistry program for their undergraduate degrees. A pre-dentistry program is not required but helps by removing the burden of figuring out what courses you will need to qualify for dental school admission. Having the courses planned out for you ahead of time means you won’t overlook any requirements, such as biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, or physics. Many students choose to major in biology or chemistry, although that is not required as long as all prerequisite classes are passed.
4-YEARS OF DENTAL SCHOOL
A traditional dentistry program lasts four years and results in a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry, depending on the school. (They are essentially the same.) Admission requires a solid score on the Dental Admission Test. Having a strong GPA and recommendations from your professors can also give you a boost. Many schools value a holistic approach to admission, meaning grades and test scores represent just one aspect of your application. Volunteer or work experience is considered along with extracurricular accomplishments, proven leadership skills, and any time spent shadowing a working dentist.
Hope this was helpful Evannah
Doc recommends the following next steps:
Steven Bornfeld
dentistry
24
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Some schools do not require a bachelors degree (my alma mater, NYU College of Dentistry does not), but realistically most applicants will have a bachelors degree. Likewise, it is not necessary to be a science major (in fact, some schools pay lip service to the value of humanities majors) so long as you fulfill the course requirements--generally 2 years of chemistry, a year of biology, a year of physics (which will likely require you also take calculus courses). But it will be easier to complete your course requirements in the context of a science major, so most entering students will be science majors.
Most dental school (DDS or DMD--the degrees are equivalent) are 4-year, but there are a few 3-year programs around. Also, an increasing number of states are requiring you complete a PGY-1 (1-year post-graduate year program) in order to get licensed. Many specialty programs are indeed 2-years after that, but training to become an OMFS (oral and maxillofacial surgeon) is generally 4 years.
There are many potential practice settings for a dentist. The traditional way of building an office from scratch has become increasingly out of reach because of the sheer cost and the debt load that graduating dentists generally carry. More dentists are being employed by large clinics run by management companies. There are also career opportunities in academia, public health, the military, and even in commercial research. You should take your time deciding what kind of career options are best for you.
Most dental school (DDS or DMD--the degrees are equivalent) are 4-year, but there are a few 3-year programs around. Also, an increasing number of states are requiring you complete a PGY-1 (1-year post-graduate year program) in order to get licensed. Many specialty programs are indeed 2-years after that, but training to become an OMFS (oral and maxillofacial surgeon) is generally 4 years.
There are many potential practice settings for a dentist. The traditional way of building an office from scratch has become increasingly out of reach because of the sheer cost and the debt load that graduating dentists generally carry. More dentists are being employed by large clinics run by management companies. There are also career opportunities in academia, public health, the military, and even in commercial research. You should take your time deciding what kind of career options are best for you.
Fazal Elahi
online assignment writer
48
Answers
Chitrāl, N.W.F.P
Updated
Fazal’s Answer
Hi
To become a dentist, you typically need about 8 years of education after high school:
1. **Undergraduate Degree**: 4 years (usually a bachelor's degree with a focus on sciences).
2. **Dental School**: 4 years (earning a DDS or DMD degree).
Some students may take additional time if they pursue advanced specialties, which can require additional years of training.
To become a dentist, you typically need about 8 years of education after high school:
1. **Undergraduate Degree**: 4 years (usually a bachelor's degree with a focus on sciences).
2. **Dental School**: 4 years (earning a DDS or DMD degree).
Some students may take additional time if they pursue advanced specialties, which can require additional years of training.
Aneeza V sukumaran
Dentist
1
Answer
Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India
Updated
Aneeza’s Answer
In india it will take about 5 nd half years
Dra Ana Carolina Reyes
General Dentist
8
Answers
Managua, Managua Department, Nicaragua
Updated
Dra Ana Carolina’s Answer
Hi Evannah! Actually, the number of years required to become a dentist depends on several factors, such as the country you’re studying in, the specific university, and even the program structure. In the United States, the most common path to becoming a dentist involves about 8 years.
Undergraduate Degree (4 years): Most students first complete a 4-year bachelor's degree with a focus on science courses (like biology and chemistry) and then Dental School (4 years): Afterward, students attend dental school, which takes another 4 years to complete and provides specialized training in dentistry.
In some cases, dental schools offer accelerated programs or dual-degree options that can slightly reduce the total time. If a dentist chooses to specialize further (like orthodontics or oral surgery), additional years of residency or specialty training (2-6 years) may be required.
Undergraduate Degree (4 years): Most students first complete a 4-year bachelor's degree with a focus on science courses (like biology and chemistry) and then Dental School (4 years): Afterward, students attend dental school, which takes another 4 years to complete and provides specialized training in dentistry.
In some cases, dental schools offer accelerated programs or dual-degree options that can slightly reduce the total time. If a dentist chooses to specialize further (like orthodontics or oral surgery), additional years of residency or specialty training (2-6 years) may be required.