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Becoming a Dentist

Recent reports document that employment in the Dental industry is speculated to rise by twenty one percent from 2010-2020. Over the years, dentists have become an essential role for millions of people worldwide that include teenagers, adults and the elderly. With so many people, requiring assistance pertaining to oral health dental jobs are consistently in demand.

Dentists are qualified dental surgeons that hold doctoral or professional degrees and often offer treatment services through their own practices. Dentists specialize in treating common and irregular diseases that affect the overall oral health of the teeth and gums. Dentists play a valuable and essential role for society that come in for regular checkups and patients that seek further treatment pertaining to oral health. In addition, dentists assist patients by providing effective and useful communication to help patients maintain healthy teeth and gums.

The Benefits of Being a Dentist

  • One of the most essential benefits of being a dentist is that you can help many people. There are many people seeking a qualified trusted dentist to assist with oral health issues and provide useful advice on teeth and gums.
  • Secondly, dentists are well paid, with a rewarding income that may include bonuses.
  • With dental jobs on the rise, there are millions of people in need of quality oral care, so the prospects will be countless.
  • Dentists can be their own boss! If your just starting out you can gradually work your way up and open your own practice.

How to Become a Dentist?

High School Diploma - The first thing you will need to do is get your high school diploma and participate in as many science, biology, math and chemistry classes as you can.

Bachelor's Degree - Many dental institutions request that candidates have a bachelor’s degree, however there are dentists that work for other people that hold an associate’s degree. 

Master's Degree - A dentist can own their own practice with a bachelor's degree, however, the more degrees and specialties the more of an advantage, it is for you this will help to increase your salary.

Business Courses - If you plan to open your own practice, you may wish to participate in business courses to become knowledgeable on running your own practice.

Dental Admission Test - Before students can apply to a dental school a (DAT) Dental Admission Test is required. Some schools may have a score that students have to meet before being accepted, so be sure to get a passing grade. Check with the dental school or institution to get all the requirements needed for admissions.

Additional Good Standing Documents - Most dental schools require DAT scores, GPA, letters of recommendations and an interview with an admissions specialist. 

Upon successfully being accepted, into the school, it will take 4 years to receive a (DMD) Doctor of Dental Medicine or (DDS) Doctor of Dental Surgery. The American Dental Association may officially recognize the programs as meeting the essential requirements. However, some states request candidates to get their degree from approved programs in order to obtain a state license. So be sure to research your state's requirements as well.

Some states requirements differ, however all states require that candidates pass the National Board of Dentist Examinations. Candidates will also have to take a practical examination by the state's licensing board. The examination will consists of CPR certification, first aid certification and an interview with a background check.

There are nine specialties for candidates to choose from, if you consider to specialize, it will take 2-4 more years of studying. In addition, you may have to participate in a 2-year residency program to earn a specialty state license.

As of 2015, recent reports document the average salary for a dentist to be $146,925 annually. However, there are multiple factors to consider for wage increase, if a dentist holds multiple specialties, many years of experience and owns their own practice, then the dentist will be awarded with an increase in salary.


This post first appeared on Dentasource, please read the originial post: here

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Becoming a Dentist

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