Jump Start Your Career With Dentistry School
If you’ve been looking for a fast growing, rewarding career in healthcare, look no further. According to the BLS, dentists make about $142,870 per year, and job prospects are good. As the general population ages, and existing dentists retire, more and more doors will open for dental school graduates. If you’re interested in becoming one of them, this guide will show you what you need to know.
Career Overview
- Median Annual Wage: $142,870 (BLS)
- Most Popular Specialty: Orthodontists (BLS)
- Education Required: 2 Years of College, Plus 4 Years of Dental School (BLS)
In order to become a successful dentist, you will need to excel at communication, have excellent eye-hand coordination, and diagnose problems quickly. Before applying to dental school, interested individuals must complete at least two years of college. Coursework should lean toward science, math, and health. Science majors can be very beneficial. (BLS)
After completing the prerequisite education, the Dental Admissions Test must be passed. The ADA Department of Testing Services administers the test. It measures both academics and science comprehension. The DAT score, along with GPA, and transcripts must be excellent in order to compete for admission to dental school. (BLS)
During their four years of dental school, students cover topics such as anatomy, biochemistry, and science lab work. The last two years of dental school consist of supervised treatment of patients.
Once the Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine degree has been earned, graduates must pass the National Board of Dental Examinations. The examinations consist of three parts and are administered by the ADA. Topics include dental hygiene science, problem-solving, and practical application, among others.
After licensing, dentists are ready to diagnose and treat patients. They educate patients about oral health and preventive care. Dentists have the ability to administer anesthesia and write prescriptions when needed. Most dentists work in private practice as general practitioners. Some choose to specialize in the following areas (BLS):
- Dental Public Health
- Endodontology
- Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
- Oral Pathology
- Orthodontia
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Periodontistry
- Prosthodontology