Path to Becoming a Dentist: High School and Post-Secondary Steps

Becoming a dentist is a rewarding career path, both in terms of personal satisfaction and financial stability. However, the journey is long and requires careful planning. This guide outlines the key steps you should take during high school and beyond to pave the way towards a dental career.

Preparation in High School

To ensure a smooth transition into college and ultimately dental school, it is crucial to excel in high school. This means focusing on strong academic performance and maintaining a solid GPA. While there are no mandatory prerequisites, a majority of dental schools look for students with a strong background in the sciences.

Choosing the Right Courses

Here are some essential courses to consider taking:

Biology Microbiology General Chemistry Organic Chemistry Physics Anatomy and Physiology

Strong performance in these subjects will not only prepare you for college but also meet the prerequisites for dental school. Additionally, taking advanced classes like AP Biology or Chemistry can further boost your application.

College Planning

Once you reach college, your focus shifts to majoring in one of the sciences. This major will fulfill the prerequisite requirements for dental school, although it is not absolutely necessary. It is recommended to consult the websites of several dental schools to see their specific requirements. Each school has a different set of prerequisites, and it is important to understand these before making a decision.

Applying to Dental School

After completing your college education, the next step is to apply to dental school. Here are some key considerations:

Evaluating Prerequisites

Some of the essential prerequisites include:

Strong grades in biology, microbiology, and general and organic chemistry Good performance in physics Knowledge of anatomy and physiology

Additionally, you may need to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) to evaluate your readiness for dental school. Contacting the school to inquire about specific prerequisites is also a good idea, as each country and region has different requirements.

Manual Dexterity and Selection

Dentistry requires excellent manual dexterity. If you have doubts, consider a different career path. Manual dexterity is crucial for performing surgical and nonsurgical dental procedures effectively.

Duration of Training

After completing your dental degree, if you decide to specialize in areas such as oral surgery, you may need additional postdoctoral training.

Advisory and Guidance

Your college should have advisors to guide you through the application process and help you prepare for dental school. They can provide valuable insights into the application requirements, test preparation, and overall admissions process.

Pre-Med Curriculum and Additional Courses

In addition to the sciences, it is also beneficial to take art classes to develop hand skills and visualization abilities. This can be particularly useful when performing complex dental procedures.

Conclusion

Becoming a dentist is a rigorous but rewarding path. By excelling in high school, choosing the right college and major, and diligently preparing for dental school, you can set yourself up for success in the dental field.