Dentists diagnose and treat problems in the mouth related to teeth and promote oral hygiene. They also perform a variety of other tasks including repair of decayed teeth, tooth removal, and dental care instruction. Some dentists are specialists practicing in areas such as orthodontics (teeth straightening), oral surgery, periodontics (treatment of gums), endodontics (root canals), prosthodontics (tooth replacement), pediatric dentistry, oral pathology (study of mouth disease), and public health.
Prospective dentists must complete a Doctorate in Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctorate in dental Surgery (DDS). Although the degree names are different, the course of study is similar and either degree will lead students to becoming dentist. A doctorate in dentistry typically requires four years of study beyond the bachelor's degree. Many dentists also complete two to five years of advanced training. Dentists must obtain a license from the state in which they intend to practice.
During the first two years of dental school, students will typically study related sciences such as microbiology, biochemistry, anatomy, and physiology. During the following two years of dental school, students will often begin to treat patients under the supervision of a licensed dentist. Programs vary from school to school; some schools have students begin clinical rotations during their first year. To practice as a dentist, a state license must be obtained. A board examination is often required for state licensure.
When students decide they will apply to dental school, they automatically become pre-dental students. There is no prescribed major for pre-dental students; however students need to be certain they are completing all of the courses required by the school they plan to attend. Students should chose their major based on their interests, strengths, and alternative career choices.
Entrance requirements vary among dental schools. Students should check the admissions requirements at all schools they are considering. While some schools will accept students who have not completed a degree, a bachelor's degree is generally recommended. A few of the prerequisite courses generally required by dental schools include General Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry. Some schools will give preference to students who have taken science courses beyond the required courses. Specific requirements can be found by contacting the dental schools of interest.
More students apply to dental schools than there are available spaces. Admissions committees look at a variety of factors to determine which applicants will be admitted. Academic achievement of candidates is an important to admissions committees because they want to know that the students are capable of the rigorous coursework required of dental students. Academic achievement is typically determined by students' overall grade point average (GPA), science GPA, and score on the Dental School Admissions Test. This test is designed to measure general scientific understanding, reading comprehension, mathematical skills, and perceptual ability. Admissions committees also use letters of recommendations to determine the candidates' ability to complete dental school.
A lot of what dentists do requires the use of their hands. Prospective dental students must also provide "evidence of manual dexterity." The perceptual ability section of the Dental School Admissions Test measures manual dexterity.
When deciding if dentistry is for you, there are a few questions you can ask yourself:
- Do I care about the oral health of people?
- Am I good with my hands?
- Do I enjoy studying sciences?
- Am I willing to invest the time, money, and energy necessary?
