How Does One Become a General Dentist

How Does One Become a General Dentist from Dentistry on Park, LLC in Stoughton, MAA general dentist is a professional in a position of enormous trust. A dentist's duties include diagnosing and sometimes treating conditions of the mouth to relieve oral pain, as well as performing prophylactic treatment to prevent dental conditions. Becoming a dentist involves meeting requirements set by the state to obtain a dental license. To get to that point, a person wishing to become a dentist must undergo extensive education and training to receive an advanced degree.

General dentist requirements

It is illegal to practice dentistry without a license issued by the state in which one works. While each state has its own individual licensing requirements, there are some steps that are essentially universal.

Education

To be eligible for a license to practice dentistry, a person must receive either a Doctor Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Apart from the names, the two degrees are identical. Each program typically lasts four years and involves clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed dentist during the latter half. The first half of the program is devoted to classroom and laboratory studies:

  • Oral pathology
  • Radiology
  • Orthodontics
  • Periodontics
  • Pharmacology

Some states require that a person earn the DDS or DMD degree from a program with the accreditation of the American Dental Association.

Many dental schools require a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite for admission. Others allow a person to finish the bachelor's degree concomitantly with dental school courses. In either case, the individual does not need to major in a specific pre-dental field. However, coursework in sciences such as chemistry and biology may be helpful.

Assessments

After completing the required undergraduate work, a person must pass the Dental Admission Test as part of the application to dental school. The DAT assesses scientific knowledge and academic capacity. Dental schools may set a minimum score that students must attain to be eligible for admittance.

Upon completing one's DMD or DDS, students must pass the National Board Dental Examinations to be eligible for licensure. The written exam assesses knowledge of clinical procedures, dental sciences, and ethics. It is taken in two parts.

Preparatory opportunities

Some aspiring dental students may have the opportunity to enroll in programs that provide additional training and mentoring. For example, selected college and university campuses host a six-week dental school preparation program during the summer. Students get a firsthand look at dental work in the setting of a clinic. They also gain academic enrichment, financial advice, and career development. The American Student Dental Association offers a mentoring program that provides guidance through the process of gaining admission to dental school.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
General Dentist in Stoughton, MA

Conclusion

Becoming a dentist is a long process starting with undergraduate coursework, which may or may not focus on the sciences, before gaining admittance to a dental school. Upon completion of a four-year DDS or DMD program, dental students must pass national board exams and meet other requirements set by the state to become eligible for a dental license to practice as a general dentist.

Request an appointment or call Dentistry on Park, LLC at 781-443-8131 for an appointment in our Stoughton office.

Recent Posts

General Dentistry: 4 Daily Habits For Your Oral Health Recommended By A Dentist

Practicing good oral hygiene is essential to keeping your teeth strong. From using the correct oral care products to seeking a general dentist regularly, there are plenty of steps you can take to achieve a healthy smile. Here are four daily habits that you should implement into your daily routine.Brushing your teeth is one of…

General Dentist FAQs: Answers To Your Dental Concerns

Seeing a general dentist for regular checkups should be part of your dental care routine. This dental professional can help maintain and even improve your teeth and gum health. Asking the right questions can help you know more about proper oral care. Below are some of the questions you can ask your general dentist during…

A General Dentist Talks Tooth Extractions

Patients may be alarmed if a general dentist mentions that a tooth extraction may be needed during a routine appointment. A dentist’s primary goal is to preserve the teeth, but there some cases where a tooth cannot be saved using normal procedures. Understanding what situations can result in tooth removal and knowing the options available…

Recent Posts

Treating Gum Disease With Tooth Extraction

Treating Gum Disease With Tooth Extraction

General dentists, like any dental professional, strive to help patients keep all of their natural teeth. However, tooth extraction may be the only solution when gum disease becomes severe. A dentist can perform this oral health-saving procedure and recommend options to restore fullness to a patient's smile.Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an oral health…

Denture Repair When They Break

Denture Repair When They Break

A denture repair should be your top priority when your denture breaks or becomes damaged. This prosthetic device fills out all the empty spaces in your mouth. It is crucial to care for your denture since the missing teeth can compromise your eating habits, speech, and appearance. This dental device is durable enough to handle…