The path to becoming a dentist takes 8 to 10 years after high school
To become a dentist, you need a bachelor's degree, a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from an accredited dental school, and a state license. Most programs take four years of dental school after completing your undergraduate degree. Before dental school, you must pass the Dental Admission Test (DAT), maintain strong grades in science courses, and build clinical experience through shadowing or dental assistant work.
The timeline is straightforward but demanding. High school graduates spend four years earning a bachelor's degree, usually with a focus on biology, chemistry, and organic chemistry. Dental school itself takes four years. After graduation, you take licensing exams and may complete a residency if you want to specialize. Most dentists are ready to practice independently within 8 to 10 years of starting college.
Key Takeaways
- You need a bachelor's degree with strong performance in chemistry, biology, and organic chemistry before you can attend dental school.
- The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is required for admission to dental schools and typically taken in your junior or senior year of college.
- Dental school lasts four years and leads to either a DDS or DMD degree, which are equivalent credentials with different names.
- After dental school, you must pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) and your state's licensing exam to practice as a dentist.
- Specializations like orthodontics or oral surgery require an additional 2 to 4 years of residency training after dental school.
Undergraduate degree and prerequisite courses
Your first step is earning a bachelor's degree from any accredited college or university. You do not need to major in biology or chemistry, but you must complete specific prerequisite courses that dental schools require. These courses almost always include general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, biochemistry, physics, and sometimes anatomy or physiology. Most dental schools also want to see English and mathematics courses on your transcript.
Dental schools are competitive, and your grades in these science courses matter more than your overall GPA. Aim for a B or higher in each prerequisite, though many successful applicants have A's in science. Use your four years to take these courses, maintain your grades, and gain experience in a dental setting. Many students work as dental assistants or shadow dentists during college to show they understand what the profession involves.
Dental Admission Test (DAT) and process timeline
The DAT is a standardized exam that dental schools use to evaluate your readiness for dental education. It covers biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and reading comprehension. Most students take the DAT in their junior or senior year of college, after completing their prerequisite courses. You register through the American Dental Association (ADA) website, and test dates are available year-round at testing centers across the country.
Plan to take the DAT at least six months before you want to start dental school, since applications open in the summer and schools review them on a rolling basis. A competitive DAT score is typically 17 or higher on a scale of 1 to 30, though this varies by school. After you receive your score, you submit your dental school applications through the Associated American Dental Schools process Service (AADSAS). This centralized system sends your transcripts, DAT scores, and personal statement to the schools you choose.
Dental school: four years of classroom and clinical training
Dental school combines classroom instruction, laboratory work, and patient care under supervision. The first two years focus on dental sciences—anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and oral biology. You spend time in labs learning to prepare teeth, place fillings, and work with dental materials. The second two years shift toward clinical practice, where you treat actual patients in the dental school clinic under faculty supervision.
All dental schools award either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree. The two degrees are equivalent and recognized equally by licensing boards and employers. The choice of letters depends on the school's tradition, not the quality of education. By the end of dental school, you will have completed hundreds of patient visits and passed comprehensive exams in both classroom and clinical work.
Licensing exams and state dental board requirements
After dental school, you must pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE), which has two parts. Part 1 covers dental sciences and is usually taken during dental school. Part 2 covers clinical dentistry and patient management and is taken after graduation. Both parts are computer-based exams administered by the ADA.
In addition to the NBDE, you must pass your state's licensing exam, which includes a written component and a clinical component where you demonstrate procedures on a patient or mannequin. Some states accept regional clinical exams instead of their own. After you pass both the NBDE and your state exam, you receive your dental license and can practice as a general dentist. The entire licensing process typically takes two to four months after graduation.
Specialization options and additional training
If you want to specialize in a field like orthodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, or periodontics, you enter a dental residency program after earning your DDS or DMD. Residencies last 2 to 4 years depending on the specialty. Orthodontics and pediatric dentistry typically take 2 to 3 years, while oral and maxillofacial surgery can take 4 to 6 years. You explore to residency programs during your final year of dental school, similar to how you applied to dental school itself.
Specialization increases your earning potential and allows you to focus on a specific area of dentistry. However, it also means additional years of training and education costs. Many dentists practice as general dentists without specializing, treating patients of all ages and handling a wide range of dental needs. Both paths are viable, and the choice depends on your interests and career goals.
Cost and financial planning
Dental school is expensive. Tuition and fees at public dental schools range widely by state and institution, and private schools typically cost more. When you add living expenses, books, and equipment, the total cost of four years of dental school can reach $200,000 to $400,000 or more. Many students borrow through federal student loans, private loans, or a combination of both.
During your undergraduate years, keep costs down by attending a public university if possible and living at home or with roommates. Some dental schools offer scholarships or grants based on merit or financial need, though these are competitive. The Health Professions Student Loan (HPSL) and Stafford Loans are federal options available to dental students. After you graduate and begin practicing, you can explore loan forgiveness programs if you work in underserved areas or for certain types of employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to major in biology or chemistry to become a dentist?
No. You can major in any subject as long as you complete the required prerequisite courses in chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and physics. Many successful dental students major in business, psychology, or other fields while taking science courses as electives or through careful planning.
What is the difference between a DDS and a DMD degree?
There is no practical difference. DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery and DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. Both are equivalent degrees that prepare you to practice dentistry. The choice of letters is based on the school's tradition and history, not the quality or focus of the education.
Can I work as a dental assistant while in dental school?
Most dental schools do not allow students to work during the program because the course load and clinical requirements are full-time. Some schools may permit limited work during breaks or summers. Check with the specific dental schools you are considering about their policies on outside employment.
How long does it take to become an oral surgeon?
Oral surgery requires four years of dental school plus 4 to 6 years of residency training, for a total of 8 to 10 years after high school. This is longer than general dentistry because oral surgeons perform complex surgical procedures and must complete extensive additional training in anesthesia, surgical technique, and hospital protocols.
What happens if I do not pass the licensing exam on my first try?
You can retake the exam. Most states allow you to retake the NBDE and clinical exam if you do not pass. You will need to pay the exam fee again and schedule a new test date. Many students who do not pass on the first attempt pass on their second or third try after additional study or practice.