Wondering how to become a dentist? It’s a career that offers steady pay, real job security, and the chance to do work that matters. Dentists don’t just fix teeth; they deal with real health issues, build long-term relationships with patients, and often run their own businesses. But let’s be honest: getting there isn’t quick or easy.
Dentists are in demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects about 160,600 job openings for dentists every year through 2033, mostly from people retiring or leaving the field. So if you’re serious about this path, there’s a strong chance you’ll find work once you get there.
This guide breaks down what it takes. Whether you’re still in high school or thinking about a career change, here are the 10 steps to get you from where you are now to running your own dental chair.
Step 1: Decide Early and Know What You’re Signing Up For
Before you dive in, get clear on what the career involves. Dentists do much more than clean teeth. They diagnose oral diseases, perform surgery, manage complex treatments, and deal with anxious patients. You’ll need a strong stomach, good hand-eye coordination, and solid people skills.
If you’re serious about learning how to become a dental doctor, start researching now. Talk to dentists, read up on dental school programs, and shadow professionals in the field. Make sure it’s something you can actually see yourself doing long-term.
Step 2: Take Science Seriously in High School
Your journey starts well before college. High school is where you build the academic foundation for everything that comes next.
Focus on classes like:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Algebra and calculus
If available, take Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) science courses. Join health-related clubs or volunteer in clinics. These early moves matter if you’re committed to becoming a dentist.
Step 3: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
You’ll need a four-year undergraduate degree to get into dental school. There’s no official “pre-dental” major, but most students go with biology, chemistry, or something similar. These majors make it easier to meet dental school prerequisites.
Courses you’ll need include:
- General and organic chemistry
- Biology and microbiology
- Physics
- Anatomy and physiology
- English or communication
Keep your GPA high. A 3.5 or better (especially in science courses) will give you a competitive edge.
Step 4: Get Clinical and Shadowing Experience
Dental schools want more than just good grades. They expect hands-on experience in the field. That means shadowing dentists in different specialties and settings.
Aim for 100–150 hours of shadowing at minimum. Look for general dentists, orthodontists, and pediatric dentists to see a range of work.
Volunteering in dental clinics or public health programs also looks great on your application. It shows you’re not just in it for the paycheck, you understand what the work really involves.
Step 5: Crush the Dental Admission Test (DAT)
The DAT is a big deal. It’s a standardized test that dental schools use to measure your academic and problem-solving skills. You’ll be tested in:
- Natural Sciences (biology, general/organic chemistry)
- Perceptual Ability
- Reading Comprehension
- Quantitative Reasoning
Start studying early, ideally 3 to 6 months before your test date. Most students take the DAT after their third year of college. A strong score (20–22 out of 30 per section) boosts your chances of getting into top schools.
Step 6: Apply to Dental School
Now that you’ve nailed your classes, gained experience, and passed the DAT, it’s time to apply.
Most U.S. dental schools use the AADSAS system. Your application needs to include:
- College transcripts
- DAT scores
- Personal statement
- Letters of recommendation (from professors and dentists)
- Shadowing and volunteer experiences
If selected, you’ll be invited to interviews. Be ready to talk clearly about what does it take to become a dentist and why you’re personally drawn to this profession.
Step 7: Complete Four Years of Dental School
Dental school is intense. You’ll spend the first two years in labs and classrooms, studying topics like:
- Oral anatomy
- Dental materials
- Pharmacology
- Pathology
- Radiology
The last two years are clinical, meaning you’ll work with real patients under supervision. You’ll learn to perform cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, and more.
When you graduate, you’ll earn either a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) or a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery). They’re functionally the same degree, just different titles depending on the school.
Step 8: Get Licensed in Your State
After dental school, you can’t just start practicing. First, you need to get licensed. That means passing:
- The INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) or the old NBDE Parts I and II
- A clinical board exam, such as the ADEX or one run by your regional board
- A jurisprudence exam, depending on your state (this covers laws and ethics)
Check your state’s dental board site for specific requirements. Licensing is one of the most crucial steps to become a dentist, and it’s not something you can skip or delay.
Step 9: Decide Between General Dentistry or Specialization
Once you’re licensed, you can start practicing as a general dentist. Or you can apply for a residency and specialize.
Popular specialties include:
- Orthodontics
- Periodontics
- Endodontics
- Pediatric dentistry
- Oral surgery
- Prosthodontics
Specializing takes 2–6 additional years of training, depending on the field. It also requires another competitive application process, often with additional board exams.
Step 10: Keep Learning, and Consider Owning a Practice
Even after all this, your education isn’t over. Most states require continuing education (CE) each year to keep your license active. Topics change constantly, digital dentistry, implant techniques, pain management, and more.
After gaining some experience, you might want to open your own dental practice. That involves:
- Business skills (HR, accounting, insurance)
- Real estate and equipment decisions
- Marketing and patient retention
It’s a lot of responsibility, but it offers more freedom and income potential long-term.
The Real Deal Behind Becoming a Dentist
Becoming a dentist goes beyond following steps, it’s a lifelong journey of learning and growth. Beyond classes and tests, you’ll need patience, skill, and a real interest in helping people. The career can be tough, but it’s also rewarding when you see the difference you make.
If you want to know how to become a dentist, focus not just on the process but on the kind of dentist you want to be. That mindset will help you push through the hard parts and enjoy the work for years to come.