A doctorate in dental surgery or medicine (D.M.D.) is required for licensure to practice as a dentist. This four-year degree program typically requires the completion of a general undergraduate program and two additional years of post-graduate study. A dental school’s curriculum and licensure requirements are similar, so the preparation and time involved in becoming a dentist are identical. Here are some important things to consider when determining how long it takes to become a dentist.
Degrees awarded by dental schools
The DDS and DMD are the two most popular degrees granted by dental schools. Each one corresponds to a distinct sort of dental speciality. A DDS is a dentist who specialises in dental surgery, whereas a DMD is a dentist who specialises in dental medicine. A dentist who focuses in general dentistry is referred to as a DDS, whereas someone who specialises in oral surgery is referred to as a DMD.
Preparation required for dental school
The preparation required for dental school depends on the area of study you wish to pursue. If you want to concentrate in paediatrics, for example, you should take paediatrics and biochemistry courses before enrolling to dentistry school. To prepare for the DAT, you should have taken general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biology. It is also helpful to take a practice test early in your sophomore year, to determine which courses you need to take to score well on the exam. Once you’ve taken the practice test, it’s important to work with the pre-dental advising office and speak to alumni in the dental field to learn more about the specific requirements.
The prerequisites for dentistry school vary per institution, but general/inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics are all typical courses. Some schools also require predental science courses, such as biochemistry or anatomy. In general, though, students should earn mostly A’s in their pre-dental science courses. To be competitive for admission to dental school, you must also complete the prerequisite courses for your degree program.
National Board Dental Exam required for licensure as a dentist
To obtain licensure as a dentist, you must pass the National Board Dental Examination. It is required for initial licensure. You must complete a clinically based dental residency program prior to taking the exam. Beginning on December 31, 2006, you may no longer take clinical (practical) exams to qualify for initial licensure. The Department of Health will require verification of passing scores from the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. You must contact the examination agency for the appropriate forms.
The National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) has two parts. Part I is a one-day exam with a total administration time of twelve hours. Part II contains 400 discipline-based questions and 100 case-based questions. Candidates typically sit for the NBDE Part II exam during their final year of dental school. The INBDE is a single-part, 500-question examination administered over two days.
Getting into a dental school
When applying to dental school, there are a few important considerations to consider. A college student, for example, may be an excellent prospect, but his science GPA may be poor. And the professor from his undergrad school may not remember you at all! Regardless of the circumstances, you should still apply. Listed below are some of the best tips to get into a dental school.
Many people choose undergraduate majors to prepare themselves for dental school. But the truth is that dental schools are looking for well-rounded individuals. While your major is important, the best way to demonstrate your aptitude for science is to focus on your grades in core science courses. This way, your dental school application will be more appealing. And you can always change your major later, too, if you decide you do not want to take any more science courses.
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