The Path to Becoming a Dentist
Becoming a dentist takes between 10 and 12 years of education and training after high school. You will need a bachelor's degree, completion of dental school (four years), and a state license. Most dentists also complete a one- to two-year residency in a specialty like orthodontics or oral surgery, though this is optional for general practice dentistry.
The timeline is long, but the steps are straightforward: undergraduate education, the Dental Admission Test (DAT), dental school, licensing exams, and state licensure. Each step has specific requirements, and missing one delays the entire sequence. This guide walks through what each stage involves and what to expect.
Key Takeaways
- You must complete a bachelor's degree in any major, but you will need to take prerequisite science courses (biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics) that dental schools require.
- The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is required by nearly all dental schools and tests your knowledge of the science prerequisites and reading comprehension.
- Dental school is four years and costs between $200,000 and $400,000 depending on whether you attend a public or private school.
- After dental school, you must pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Part I and Part II, then obtain a state license through your state's dental board.
- Most states require a regional clinical exam in addition to the national board exams before you can practice independently.
Complete Your Bachelor's Degree and Prerequisites
You can major in any subject for your bachelor's degree, but dental schools require you to complete specific prerequisite courses before you explore. These courses are: biology (one year with lab), general chemistry (one year with lab), organic chemistry (one year with lab), biochemistry, and physics (one year with lab). Some schools also require microbiology and anatomy. Check the prerequisites for the dental schools you are interested in, because requirements vary slightly.
Take these courses seriously. Dental schools look at your grades in prerequisite courses more closely than your overall GPA. A strong performance in chemistry and biology matters more than your grade in an elective. Many students take prerequisites during their first two years of college, then use their final two years to complete their major and build a strong overall record.
Beyond coursework, dental schools expect you to have dental experience. Volunteer or work as a dental assistant, dental hygienist, or in a dental office for at least 50 to 100 hours. This shows you understand what dentistry involves and are committed to the field. Many dental schools will not consider your process without this experience.
Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT)
The DAT is a standardized test required by nearly all dental schools in the United States. It tests your knowledge of the science prerequisites, reading comprehension, and perceptual ability (spatial reasoning). The test takes about five hours and costs around $200 to $250.
You can take the DAT once you have completed your prerequisite courses, though most students take it during their junior or senior year of college. Plan to study for two to four months. Many students use study guides, online courses, or prep classes to prepare. Your score is valid for two years, so if you do not get into dental school on your first process, you can explore again without retaking the test.
Dental schools use your DAT score along with your GPA, dental experience, and personal statement to decide whether to interview you. A competitive DAT score varies by school, but most schools that are selective look for scores in the upper half of test-takers.
explore to and Complete Dental School
You explore to dental schools through the Associated American Dental Schools process Service (AADSAS). The process opens in June and closes in February of the following year, though schools review applications on a rolling basis. Submit your process early—schools fill their classes from the top of the process queue.
Dental school costs between $200,000 and $400,000 total, depending on whether you attend a public or private school and whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student. Public schools are usually less expensive. Many students take out federal loans to cover tuition. The Free process for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens in October each year and determines your may be able to access for federal loans and grants.
Dental school is four years. The first two years focus on classroom learning and lab work in oral anatomy, pharmacology, pathology, and other sciences. The last two years include clinical work where you treat patients under supervision. By the end of dental school, you will have treated hundreds of patients and completed thousands of hours of clinical work.
Pass Licensing Exams and Obtain Your License
After dental school, you must pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Part I and Part II to practice dentistry. Part I covers the basic sciences and is usually taken during dental school. Part II covers clinical dentistry and is taken after graduation. Both exams are multiple-choice and test your knowledge of dental science and practice.
In addition to the national board exams, most states require a regional clinical exam. These exams test your ability to perform actual dental procedures on patients or mannequins. The six regional exam boards are the Northeast Regional Board Dental Examination (NERB), the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS), the Southern Regional Examining Board (SREB), the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB), the Council of Interstate Testing Agencies (CITA), and the Canadian National Dental Examining Board (CNDB). You take the exam in the region where you plan to practice.
After passing the national and regional exams, you explore for a state license through your state's dental board. Each state has its own board and its own requirements, but all require proof that you passed the national and regional exams. Some states require additional paperwork or fees. Once your state approves your process, you receive your license and can practice dentistry independently.
Consider a Dental Specialty Residency
After dental school and licensure, you can practice as a general dentist when ready. However, many dentists complete a one- to two-year residency in a specialty. The main specialties are orthodontics (straightening teeth), periodontics (gum disease), oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, endodontics (root canals), prosthodontics (crowns and bridges), and public health dentistry.
Specialty residencies are competitive and require a strong academic record and board exam scores. You explore through the National Matching Services (NMS) during your final year of dental school. Residencies are usually paid positions, though the salary is lower than what you would earn as a general dentist. After completing a residency, you take a specialty board exam to become board-certified in that field.
Specializing takes additional time and money, but it can lead to higher income and more focused work. Many dentists practice as general dentists for several years, then pursue a specialty later in their career.
Maintain Your License and Stay Current
Once you are licensed, you must renew your license every one to three years, depending on your state. Renewal usually requires paying a fee and completing continuing education credits. The number of credits required varies by state, but most states require between 12 and 40 hours of continuing education per renewal period.
Continuing education keeps you current with new techniques, materials, and research in dentistry. You can earn credits through courses, conferences, webinars, or study groups. Many dental organizations, including the American Dental Association (ADA), offer continuing education programs. Your state dental board publishes a list of approved providers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total cost of becoming a dentist?
Dental school costs between $200,000 and $400,000 depending on the school. Add the cost of your bachelor's degree, which varies widely. Many dentists graduate with $250,000 to $500,000 in total student debt. Costs vary by school, location, and whether you attend public or private institutions.
How long does it take to become a dentist?
It takes 10 to 12 years after high school: four years for a bachelor's degree, four years for dental school, and one to two years for licensing exams and state licensure. If you pursue a specialty residency, add one to two more years. Some students complete prerequisites faster or slower, which changes the timeline.
Do I need a specific major for my bachelor's degree?
No. You can major in any subject, but you must complete the prerequisite science courses that dental schools require. Many students major in biology, chemistry, or health sciences because these majors include the prerequisites, but a major in English, business, or another field works if you take the required science courses.
Can I work while in dental school?
Most dental schools do not recommend working during school because the coursework and clinical requirements are demanding. Some students work part-time during the first year or two, but most find it difficult to balance work and school. Many dental schools offer financial aid and loans to help cover costs.
What if I do not pass the licensing exams?
You can retake the exams. There is no limit to how many times you can attempt the NBDE or regional clinical exam, though you must pay the exam fee each time. Most students pass on their first attempt, but retaking is an option if you do not.