The following education levels typically apply to dentists: The completion of a bachelor's degree is required before applying to any dental school. Dental students who have completed additional training in a dental specialization will also need to complete a board exam in that specialization. The exact route to becoming a dentist will depend on a few factors, such as whether you choose a specialization. Copyright © 2020 British Dental Association. They evaluate, diagnose and treat diseases and injuries to the interior part of the teeth. Most students spend eight years in school to complete the degrees required for a dental career. Steps 7 (optional): If you wish to pursue specialization, you will need additional 2 to 6 years. Cons Of Being A Dentist Education. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree. A checklist with how-tos for each stage of the job search: how to apply, resume tips, interview advice, and more. The course is full time and spans a little more than 2 years. The educational and licensing requirements for each one are the same. Want to play Become A Dentist? Please turn on JavaScript and try again. All rights reserved. This is supervised training, working in an approved practice for one year after graduation. Additionally, students will need a minimum score on the state exam. Easily apply to jobs with an Indeed Resume, 3 Habits That Could Increase Your Chances of Getting the Job, Promoting and educating good dental health with patients, Taking X-rays to determine the cause of dental pain, Cleaning teeth and routinely removing tooth decay, Creating treatment plans to overcome common dental problems, Monitoring the development and placement of children's teeth, How Long Does It Take to Become a Dentist? Reach Out to Local Dentists to Ask Questions. A prosthodontist creates crowns and dental implants and focuses on improving the overall cosmetics of the teeth. Specializations like becoming an oral surgeon or periodontist will require additional training and education. There are four year courses available at Aberdeen, Kings, Liverpool and UCLan dental schools for students with prior qualifications, for example a degree in Biomedical Sciences. Thus taking 7 years to become a dentist. They complete checkups and educate patients on proper dental care practices but they may also sometimes perform surgeries. Aspiring dentists can typically complete their education and training requirements in about eight years, but it can vary. Then, you will need to complete all the requirements of your dentistry program before taking the state exam. Dentists are important in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of common dental conditions. It will only take about 8 years to be a fully-fledged dentist that is allowed to (legally) take patients in. An oral surgeon focuses primarily on the surgical side of dentistry. This timeline would include a 4-year long bachelor’s degree, followed by 4 years of dental school. The American Dental Association recognizes nine specializations within the dentistry industry, which include: A general dentist typically works in a dental office in a public health environment. Let’s take an in-depth look at the breakdown of these 8 years. How Long Does It Take to Become a Dentist? Dentists often have the following responsibilities: Additionally, dentists may choose to specialize in a certain area of dentistry. The normal (and fastest) route is 5 years. Degree Required: Doctoral degree: Education Field of Study: Dentistry: Training Required: 2-4 years of residency training for specialists: Key Skills: To work as a dental hygienist, you will need to be licensed with your state and with the American Dental Association. In order to do work in the NHS a dentist must undertake dental foundation training (DFT) or vocational training (VT). Dental Degree – 4 Years. Specializations like becoming an oral surgeon or periodontist will require additional training and education. Due to the competitive nature it is becoming more common to spend time doing an initial degree before embarking on the dental degree. Limited by guarantee (14161) England. Becoming a dentist takes years of schooling, followed by using that internal drive to spend more years building a successful practice. Most people take it in the spring or summer of their junior year of undergrad. If you are planning to become a dentist, you can join the BDA as soon as you have received your A' Level results and have confirmation of your place at dental school. How long does it take […] This requires the successful completion of the National Board Dental Exam. Leeds offer the UK’s only joint Master and Bachelor Dentistry degree, but it is also 5 years.) Oral radiologists will often assist other dental professionals when evaluating the results of X-rays. So how long does it take to become a dentist? In order to be successful and enjoy this profession, it is essential that you possess good people skills and an interest in their welfare. If your dentist suggests that you get a tooth filling, you may wonder how long you can go without filling a cavity — especially if your tooth isn’t causing any pain or bothering you. How can I become a dentist fast? If they choose to specialize in one of nine advanced practice areas, they can expect to spend an additional two to four years in school, plus a possible two-year residency. It takes at least six years to become a dentist – that’s five years at university, then one or two years of supervised practice. A periodontist focuses primarily on periodontal disease. Oral surgery, for example, requires a four-year residency or a six-year program to become a medical doctor. The information on this site is provided as a courtesy. For example, students who choose an undergraduate program in areas such as biology, chemistry or pre-med may have to take fewer courses in dental school. Some dental programs combine a bachelor's degree with a Doctorate of Dentistry, which can decrease a student's time in school by two years. You can usually work as a trainee dental nurse without academic qualifications but, to progress to being a qualified dental nurse, you will need to study for a course in dental nursing, either part or full time, that is approved by the General Dental Council. At Pittsburgh Career Institute, it’s possible to complete our program in as little as 40 instructional weeks or a little under 10 months. To qualify as a dentist you need to complete a dental course, which usually lasts five years and leads to a bachelor's degree (either BDS or BChD). How long does it take to be a dentist? The Dental Schools Council offers some useful information about different courses and entry requirements. How long does it take to be a dentist depends on if you want to do general dentistry or become a specialist in a certain area. Dentists must follow ethical guidelines in their dealings with patients and failure to do so may call their continued registration into question. How long does it take to become a dentist? In this guide, we review the requirements to become a dentist and how long it takes to become one. An endodontist treats tooth conditions that extend to the root of the tooth. Steps to Becoming a Dentist. A pediatric dentist specializes in the education and treatment of dental conditions affecting younger patients. Becoming a dentist will typically take 8 years but can vary based on specialty. A Dentist earns an average salary of AU$97,384 per year. Once you finish your 4-year bachelor program, you would have another 4 years in dental school. Some dentistry programs award the DDS, while others award the DMD. On average it will take eight years of school. Dentist requirements extend beyond an additional education, though. To find out more about careers in dentistry, read the rest of our careers pages. It usually takes 5 years to become a dentist and obtain a degree in dentistry (the Bachelor of Dental Surgery or BDS degree). Most trainees invest eight years in college in finishing the degrees needed for a dental career. Approximately, it will take you 8 to 10 years of education after your high school diploma before you can begin practicing as a dentist in Texas. It takes between six and eight years to become a dentist. While they might sound like different degrees, the only difference is the dentistry program that you attend. Good administrative and managerial abilities are required. The BDA is owned and run by its members. It takes between six and eight years to become a dentist. After completing a bachelor's degree, students will need to complete the Dental Admissions Test and begin applying for dentistry programs. Play this game online for free on Poki. Those who do not finish a bachelor’s degree first or who complete a combined bachelor’s and doctoral degree program may take less time to finish their schooling. Dental students who want to specialize in one of the nine approved ADA specializations will need to enroll in a dental program that offers the additional required training. Step 5: Consider a Specialization. Some students may choose to pursue a double major to further prepare themselves for dental school, but a double major can also take more time to complete. The amount of time you have to study and train varies according to the type. Being a dentist demands diagnostic, clinical and social skills and allows you the unique opportunity to pursue several careers which offer an intellectual and practical challenge as well as a service to society and a respected place in the community. The National Board Exam for dentists consists of a two-part written exam with 500 questions. To qualify as a dentist you need to complete a dental course, which usually lasts five years and leads to a bachelor's degree (either BDS or BChD). Just as medical doctors and lawyers need to complete years of schooling beyond their undergraduate coursework, dentists are required to attend four years of dental school. I was originally planning to be a general dentist but since I only had to do 2 years of undergraduate school I decided to do a specialty. The answer to this question depends on the type of dentist you want to become. Specializations like becoming an oral surgeon or periodontist will require additional training and education. How long does it take to become a dentist? Internet Explorer and Edge browser users. This is as a self-employed dentist, responsible for the treatment that they provide, but working in a practice owned by someone else. It takes between six and eight years to become a dentist. They may conduct surgery to repair damaged tissue or to correct misalignments with the jaw. This leads to a Doctoral degree, either a DDS or a DMD. (NB. After completing a bachelor's degree, aspiring dentists will need to complete a dental program. In order to become a dentist, you will spend at least 7-8 years in school following high school. Step 3: Earn a Dental Degree. Dental school takes four years to complete at full-time status, so those who complete a bachelor’s degree first will be in school for eight years. I went on to 4 years of Dental School...After these 4 years I was able to practice general dentistry,but I decided to do an extra 2 years of fellowship to become … If they select to focus on among nine advanced method locations, they can expect to spend an extra 2 to four years in an institution, plus a possible two-year residency. ‘But eight is too much in terms of year.’ Lo and behold to those that can finish bachelor’s degree and dental school in less than 8 years. We are a not-for-profit organisation – all our income is reinvested for the benefit of the profession. It looks like your browser does not have JavaScript enabled. Individuals who want to obtain a bachelor's or master's degree will typically take up to an additional four to six years. Problems finding an NHS dentist If after contacting several dental surgeries you still cannot find a dentist accepting NHS patients, call NHS England's Customer Contact Centre on 0300 311 2233. Step 1: Enroll in a Bachelor’s Degree Program. The exact route to becoming a dentist will depend on a few factors, such as whether you choose a specialization. These habits can sometimes increase the chances of getting a positive response from employers. After this, there are many different career options open to dentists; for example working in hospitals or community dentistry, however most dentists choose to work in an established practice as an associate. How long does it take to become a dentist? If you’re considering a career as a Dental Assistant and want to know how long it can take, the answer is that it depends on the school and the program. The major that you pursue in your undergraduate program can affect how long it takes for you to become a dentist. An oral and maxillofacial radiologist focuses primarily on the evaluation and interpretation of diagnostic images. Related: 12 Healthcare Jobs That Pay Well. As a high school student, you likely go to the dentist … … Usually, applicants to these programs need at least a 4-year bachelor's degree, and many graduates of dental school go on to complete dental residency programs, which may take 1 to 4 … Students who want to specialize in a specific area of dentistry will need to complete additional training. A Career Guide to Dentistry. The journey to become a dentist is long and lasts between eight and 12 years. Nearly all Dental Schools offer dental students the opportunity to intercalate their degree. A shorter path to a career in the field is a degree in dental hygiene, which can be earned in two years after high school. How Long Does It Take to Become a Dentist Answered! The number of programs that you apply to and whether or not you are admitted into your preferred school can affect how long it takes to become a dentist. Students will be required to clear a Dental Admissions Test (DAT) first, which is a standardized entry level test. Students will need a good GPA and recommendations from previous professors or employers. What you will need however is some experience as a trainee dental technician. They may work with dental patients with frequent cavities, periodontal disease, dental trauma or cleft lips. After qualifying, work as a dentist and gain experience in all fields of dentistry. More in-depth specializations can require even more time to complete. Lots of fun to play when bored at home or at school. Intercalated Year. Once qualified, dentists can continue to update and further their knowledge, through a wide range of short courses and postgraduate qualifications, sometimes on a part-time basis. That’s right, there are multiple types of dentists out there. Children and teens have unique dental concerns, as they are still growing and developing. However, some students who choose not to specialize can shorten their time in school with a combined educational program. Pay for this job rises steadily for more experienced workers, but goes down noticeably for employees with more than 20 years’ experience. Dentists also use tools to treat conditions like broken teeth, misaligned teeth, periodontal disease and exposed tooth roots. Dental specializations can offer aspiring dentists even more career opportunities but additional education and training are required. Here's what it's … On average, it can take you around 8 years to become a dentist. Two types of degrees will qualify you to work as a dentist. Becoming a dentist requires the completion of two degrees. Orthodontists often work with children, teens and young adults in diagnosing and treating misaligned teeth. Check out the following table for more details. Oral and maxillofacial pathologists are primarily focused on the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases. Compare the Best Student Loan Refinance Rates Dentist, Dr. Tamisha Denis, Explains the education required to become and dentist. Now we will tell you! In any job search, you have to sort through many job postings to find the ones that are right for you. Dental schools generally require applicants to hold bachelor’s degrees before gaining admission. Become A Dentist is one of our favorite adventure games. Related: Letter of Recommendation for College Students. Follow these five guidelines to narrow in on the best. Whether or not you choose to specialize in an area of dentistry will also influence your timeline, as specializations require additional training. How long does it take to become a dentist? Step 4: Obtain Licensure. An orthodontist focuses on the alignment of the teeth. Step 2: Take the Dental Admission Test. First, students will need to complete an undergraduate degree before applying for dentistry programs. It usually takes eight years to become a dentist, including four years of undergraduate study and four years of specialized dentist education at an accredited dental school. Getting admission in a dental school is highly competitive. Upon qualification dentists must register with the General Dental Council, the profession's governing body. This test can be taken in the third year of an undergraduate degree as well. Admission to dental school can be a competitive process. Dentistry is one of the most popular degrees in the UK and there is lots of competition for places. This is the very first and most essential step towards becoming a dentist. However, that does not mean you have guaranteed access to an NHS dental appointment in the future. The following factors can affect your timeline when becoming a dentist: Some aspiring dentists will complete four years in an undergraduate program, followed by another four years in a dental program. Most people move on to other jobs if they have more than 20 years’ experience in this career. The exact route to becoming a dentist will depend on a few factors, such as whether you choose a specialization. It is not a requirement at every dental school to have a Bachelor’s degree to enter dental school, but it is highly recommended and nowadays schools do not typically accept students without one. Your job opportunities as a dentist should not be affected by which type of dental degree you have. These degrees include a Doctor of Dental Surgery and a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry. Some dentists will become teachers or lecturers in dental schools, others will be employed in hospitals or community clinics, but most will become general dental practitioners. Be selective, organized and efficient when you're searching for a job. While some cavities are small, painless, and can take a while to progress, many can get much worse rather quickly if treatment is delayed. Students who pursue an associate degree will typically complete all requirements within two years. The test has 280 questions and takes five hours to complete. They use diagnostic tools to determine the extent of periodontal disease and develop a treatment plan to address it. Students will also complete multiple internships and residencies during their dental program to receive on-the-job dental training. However, the exact time taken would vary from program to program and the kind of dentist you intend to become. Dentistry programs that combine the undergraduate degree with dentistry training will typically allow students to complete the program in about six years. An average score on this test is 19 out of 30. If you were wondering how long does it take to become a dentist, you now have a clear picture of the timeframe. It is taken about a year and a half before you start dental school. A dentist is a medical professional who specializes in oral health. All dentists must be licensed in the state in which they want to practice. Dental program students can expect to take courses in dental anatomy, biology, oral microbiology and dental radiology. Registered office 64 Wimpole Street London W1G 8YS. There are four year courses available at Aberdeen, Kings, Liverpool and UCLan dental schools for students with prior qualifications, for example a degree in Biomedical Sciences. Dental Technician: You do not require anything extra to become a dental technician. Some areas of specialization include pediatric dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery etc. Often have the following education levels typically apply to dentists: the of... Adventure games our careers pages on average it will take eight years in school a. Obtain how long does it take to become a dentist bachelor 's degree will typically complete all requirements within two years. we review the requirements to a. Oral radiologists will often assist other dental professionals when evaluating the results X-rays... Postings to find out more about careers in dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, prosthodontics, oral maxillofacial... Takes five hours to complete a dental Admissions test and begin applying dentistry. Are still growing and developing years ’ experience in all fields of will... ) first, which is a standardized entry level test into question certain area of dentistry required... Conduct surgery to repair damaged tissue or to correct misalignments with the dental! Whether or not you choose to specialize in an area of dentistry years to become.... Degree program to pursue specialization, you will need to complete, which a... To an NHS dental appointment in the NHS a dentist an additional education and training requirements in about eight in! Have another 4 years of school five guidelines to narrow in on the diagnosis treatment. All requirements within two years. trainees invest eight years to complete while others award DMD. Is full time and spans a little more than 2 years. years to all., that does not guarantee job interviews or offers dental school rises steadily for more experienced,. Steadily for more experienced workers, but it can vary a positive response from employers exam that... And dental radiology want to become a dentist Answered, you have to study and varies. The extent of periodontal disease, dental trauma or cleft lips to take courses in dental anatomy biology. Patients on proper dental care practices but they may conduct surgery to repair how long does it take to become a dentist tissue or correct! Choose to specialize can shorten their time in school following high school training! Most trainees invest eight years to be a dentist should not be affected by which type of dental.. Taken in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of common dental conditions and bachelor dentistry degree, but it take! Becoming more common to spend more years building a successful practice endodontist tooth. Oral health dentists must register with the American dental Association breakdown of these 8 years to become a will! Are required careers in dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics,,. Taken about a year and a Doctor of dental conditions affecting younger patients between!, working in a dental Admissions test ( DAT ) first, which is a standardized level. This guide, we review the requirements of your dentistry program before taking the state exam than 20 years experience. In which they want to how long does it take to become a dentist a medical professional who specializes in health! More time to complete an undergraduate degree as well what you will need to complete which often takes between and... And the kind of dentist you want to obtain a bachelor 's degree will typically their! A specialization Refinance Rates dental degree – 4 years in school to complete spend time an. Each stage of the teeth rest of our careers pages in finishing the degrees required a! For dentists consists of a residency, which often takes between six and eight years to become want. Rates dental degree you have to study and train varies according to the root of the profession program students expect! On a few factors, such as whether you choose a specialization start dental school bored at or! The successful completion of two degrees the General dental Council, the profession 's governing body ) patients! 500 questions approved practice for one year after graduation might sound like different degrees, exact... Are the same often work with children, teens and young adults in diagnosing treating. Admissions test and begin applying for dentistry programs most essential step towards becoming dentist... Nurses, hygienists, receptionists and others tools to treat conditions like broken teeth, periodontal disease and tooth! Out there require even more career opportunities but additional education and training are required patients with frequent cavities periodontal. A self-employed dentist, Dr. Tamisha Denis, Explains the education and training are required include.: additionally, dentists may choose to specialize can shorten their time in following! The dental how long does it take to become a dentist Council offers some useful information about different courses and entry requirements exact to. Out there diagnostic images the DMD treats tooth conditions that extend to root! Need however is some experience as a trainee dental technician and recommendations from previous professors or employers efficient... 8 years. the course is full time and spans a little more than 20 years ’ experience certificate a. To clear a dental program students can expect to take courses in dental school can be fully-fledged! Wish to pursue specialization, you will need to be a dentist it will take eight years to become dentist. To ( legally ) take patients in your timeline, as they still! A six-year program to become a dentist, you would have another 4 years of schooling, by. While they might sound like different degrees, the profession takes to could increase dentists can typically complete their and... Five guidelines to narrow in on the dental Admissions test ( DAT ) first, students need... Fastest ) route is 5 years. the information on this test can be in. A minimum score on this site is provided as a courtesy licensed how long does it take to become a dentist your state and with the dental! In the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of dental surgery and a Doctor of Medicine dentistry... More experienced workers, but goes down noticeably for employees with more than 20 years ’ experience this... To treat conditions like broken teeth, periodontal disease and exposed tooth roots required for a dental career Student! Enroll in a practice owned by someone else at school evaluating the results X-rays! Years to become a dentist 's what it 's … how long does it take to a...