What’s Involved in Becoming a Dentist?

One of our patients recently asked us what it takes to become a dentist. We gave them a quick answer classroom education, real-world internships, rigorous testing and a desire to help others but thought we might provide a more complete overview in our blog.
So here is what it takes to become a dentist.
Dentists complete eight years of college, including earning an undergraduate degree and graduating from a dental school. Getting into dental school is not easy. Often, less than 10 percent of the applicants each year are admitted. To apply, you have to earn an undergraduate degree (usually in the basic sciences) and pass the DAT – Dental Admissions Test. Most dental schools require a heavy class load when you are an undergraduate in biology, chemistry, physical science and organic chemistry. Plus you have to have an outstanding GPA as an undergraduate and multiple letters of recommendation.
Most dental schools are four-year programs. Schools either award a DDS, known as a doctor of dental surgery degree; or a DMD, a doctor of medicine in dentistry degree. The two degrees are the same, according to the American Dental Association. Typically, the first two years of dental school are focused on coursework and the second two years are focused on hands-on clinical training treating patients. Most students in dental schools have thousands of hours of patient experience by the time they graduate.
To officially become a dentist after dental school, a student needs to take and pass a series of examinations. The National Board of Dental Examinations (NBDE) issues a two-part written test every hopeful dentist needs to pass. Additionally, Minnesota has a clinical examination requirement that needs to be met before a dentist can practice there along with the Minnesota Jurisprudence Examination covering the statutes and rules of the Minnesota Board of Dentistry.
Finally, licensed dentists in Minnesota must take 50 hours of professional development courses to keep their clinical skills sharp and to stay current with recent advances in the profession.
At Personal Care Dentistry, both Dr. Walter Hunt and Dr. Teo Baylon are graduates of the University of Minnesota dental school. Dr. Kyle Hunt is a graduate of the University of Illinois (Chicago) dental school.
 
SOURCES: Colgate.com, Mykoolsmiles.com, Minnesota Board of Dentistry