The Basics
What's it like to be a dentist?
Overview
A dentist diagnoses and treats medical issues related to a patient’s mouth, such as their teeth and gums. They are responsible for educating adults and children on proper hygiene and preventative care and treatment. Dentists typically perform exams, fill cavities, remove decay from between teeth, and repair cracks or fractures. There are many specialties related to dentistry, such as orthodontics and endodontics which focus on specific skills and tasks.
Requirements
The first step towards becoming a dentist is obtaining a bachelor’s degree, usually in biology or chemistry. After, students must pass the Dental Admission Test in order to attend dental school. Many top dental schools require students to apply the year before they want to enroll so for those that are sure of pursuing dentistry, plan ahead. Once admitted, students are enrolled in dental school for 4 years before graduating with a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Some specialties may require the completion of residency, which is on-the-job training under the supervision of a senior medical clinician. This usually lasts for 2-3 years before students decide to start their own practice or begin working in a firm.
What Can High School Students Do?
- Sign up for upper-level high school science and math classes
- Introductory biology or chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Physics
- Calculus
- Take art classes and work with your hands
- Reach out to dentists near you for an internship or a job shadowing opportunity
- If you want to start your own practice, take business or marketing classes to understand the business aspect of this career
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