What things will one need to learn in school to become a dentist?

Answer 1

You will need to have 4 years of college and 4 years of dental school. When you finally become a dentist you will need to have 16 hours per year of training to maintain the state license. :]

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Actually, it depends on the school. Most dentists do get a bachelor level degree before applying to dental school to be more competitive, but it is not required. There is a list of prerequisites for dental school, which can be completed in around two years. The prerequisites are mainly Biology and chemistry based, although you will also need a little college algebra and a minimum number of hours (depends on the school). In addition to the prerequisites, to be accepted for dental school, you need to take the DAT (dental aptitude test) which has 4 major sections. They are: 1) reading comprehension - you read and answer questions -- 2) math - covers college algebra, geometry, and the like -- 3) science - which has a general chemistry section, an organic chemistry section, and a biology section and 4) a series of spatial type tests - which has a variety of paper based tests that are supposed to show whether you have a mechanical aptitude (which is critical if you plan on working with your hands all day on people's teeth). Some schools also like you to take the GRE, and you will also need to interview in person.

All these things are what it takes to get INTO dental school.

But to answer the question that was asked - what skills do you need? That answer is a bit different. There are a variety of skills that aren't addressed on the entrance tests. For example, you need to be good with people, you will need to have compassion and be able to explain procedures and diagnosis. You should have a high level of integrity and a sincere drive to complete the courses once you start. If you plan to have a private practice, you will need to have at least a basic understanding of business and the skills to run a business. You also need a good helping of common sense. You also need a little artistic inclination, and good eyes. Believe it or not, the technical aspects, the hand skills and the science may be hard initially - but the part that is really important to being a good dentist is the people part, which turns out to be the hardest part in the end, since the technical aspects get easier with practice. Before you decide you want to be a dentist, go visit a couple of offices, try your hand at a little dental lab work, and make sure you really want to do it. It is far harder than you think, and you will have to work at it to be successful - but if you think you can do it, and you want it, then go for it.

Answer 2

Well, before college it's best to focus on learning science. Biology is very important if you'd like to work in healthcare. Human Anatomy is definitely important. Chemistry and Physics also help you understand the subjects you will study later, in college and dental school.

While you're in college, it would also be a good idea to major in science. Biology again would be a good bet.

In dental school you will begin your studies with Human Anatomy and Physiology. You will also study Microbiology and Biochemistry. Later you will move onto Pathology and subjects directly related to dentistry: diseases of the teeth and mouth, treating cavities, oral surgery.

Answer 3

you need to know math like phisics,algebra science and if your going to college you can ask the teacher or principle about what classes you need to take