Courses Needed to Become a Dentist
- Dental students are advised to enroll in programs that have been accredited by the American Dental Association. Dental students should complete at least 2-years of college level pre-dental education before enrolling into a dental program. Students wishing to enroll into dental programs should take courses like biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. Prior to being admitted into a dental program, students must pass the Dental Admissions Test or DAT. A general curriculum in dentistry should include topics like cariology, growth, development and aging, oral and systemic disease and periodontics. Dental training runs for 4-years and includes both classroom and practical training.
- Laboratory training in dentistry includes courses in anatomy and physiology, science, microbiology, biochemistry. Students must also complete the clinical portion of their training, which is comprised of hands-on training in laboratory techniques. During their senior year, students treat patients at dental clinics under the supervision of senior faculty who are licensed. Dental students who wish to specialize in dentistry must satisfy additional training requirements through a residency or advanced training program. Dentists who fulfill the requirements for their specialty training receive a certification of completion.
- Dentists must be licensed prior to starting their practice by taking the National Board Dental Examination. Depending on the state, dentists may be required to take a written or practical exam. Additional requirements to qualify for licensure include completion of a dental program from an accredited institution. In addition to being licensed as a general practitioner, dentists can also hold a license to practice any of the 9 specialties in dentistry. In most states, dentists can practice as both general and specialty practitioners.
- Similar to other medical professionals, dentists are required to be up to date on the latest developments in their field by taking continuing education and professional development courses. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends continuing education courses for dentists who wish to expand their practice and add new treatment options. Continuing education courses also help dentists fulfill their state licensure requirements. ADA offers online continuing education programs; course highlights cover topics related to anesthesia and oral sedation, ethics and law, esthetic dentistry and geriatric dentistry.
