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The below information is correct, but the bottom line is that you can major in just about anything at the bachelors level, as long as you take the required prerequisites. You will still need to take the DAT (and do well), have roughly 2 years of college, do well on your interview and have a strong science background. We had a wide variety of backgrounds represented in my dental school class -- it is not a show stopper to have a "non traditional" pre-dental degree such as business or education.
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High school and college students who want to become dentists should take courses in Biology, chemistry, physics, health, and mathematics. College undergraduates planning on applying to dental school are required to take many science courses. Because of this, some choose a major in a science, such as biology or chemistry, while others take the required science coursework while pursuing a major in another subject. Business and communication skills are often also needed in private practice.
Medical Licensing of Dentists
All 50 States and the District of Columbia require dentists to be licensed. To qualify for a license in most States, candidates must graduate from an accredited dental school and pass written and practical examinations.
Education and training : In 2006, there were 56 dental schools accredited by the American Dental Association's (ADA's) Commission on Dental Accreditation. Dental schools require a minimum of 2 years of college-level predental education prior to admittance. Most dental students have at least a bachelor's degree before entering dental school, although a few applicants are accepted to dental school after 2 or 3 years of college and complete their bachelor's degree while attending dental school.
All dental schools require applicants to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). When selecting students, schools consider scores earned on the DAT, applicants' grade point averages, and information gathered through recommendations and interviews. Competition for admission to dental school is keen.
Dental school usually lasts 4 academic years. Studies begin with classroom instruction and laboratory work in science, including anatomy, microbiology, biochemistry, and physiology. Beginning courses in clinical sciences, including laboratory techniques, are also completed. During the last 2 years, students treat patients, usually in dental clinics, under the supervision of licensed dentists. Most dental schools award the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). Others award an equivalent degree, Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
Some dental school graduates work for established dentists as associates for 1 to 2 years to gain experience and save money to equip an office of their own. Most dental school graduates, however, purchase an established practice or open a new one immediately after graduation.
Licensure : Licensing is required to practice as a dentist. In most States, licensure requires passing written and practical examinations in addition to having a degree from an accredited dental school. Candidates may fulfill the written part of the State licensing requirements by passing the National Board Dental Examinations. Individual States or regional testing agencies administer the written or practical examinations.
In 2006, 17 States licensed or certified dentists who intended to practice in a specialty area. Requirements include 2 to 4 years of postgraduate education and, in some cases, the completion of a special State examination. Most State licenses permit dentists to engage in both general and specialized practice.
Other qualifications : Dentistry requires diagnostic ability and manual skills. Dentists should have good visual memory, excellent judgment regarding space, shape, and color, a high degree of manual dexterity, and scientific ability. Good business sense, self-discipline, and good communication skills are helpful for success in private practice.
Advancement : Dentists who want to teach or conduct research usually spend an additional 2 to 5 years in advanced dental training, in programs operated by dental schools or hospitals. A recent survey by the American Dental Education Association showed that 11 percent of new graduates enrolled in postgraduate training programs to prepare for a dental specialty.
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What else can I help you with?
What experience do you need to become a dentist?
four years of college with a science degree, then dental school for four years with an intership
Is schooling needed to be a dentist?
go to college and go to college to become a dentist
What college major do you need to become a fashion designer?
fashion . the art instuite has it
Do you need a math degree to become a dentist?
No.
How many years of college do I need to attend to be a dentist?
To become a dentist it takes at least 3 years of undergrad study (but a Bachelor's degree is preferred) and then another 4 years to work on the denistry degree.
What classes should you take at a commutniy college if you want to become a dentist?
In most schools, you need the advanced courses of biology, mathematics, physics and chemistry.
How many credits do you need to become a dentist?
5
What level of eduaction do you need to become a dentist?
PhD.
Why do you need physics to become a dentist?
u don't...i am a dentist in Canada and i didnt take it in grade 11 or 12 its not necessary ! chem and bio is all you truly need
What do you need to major in to become a pediatric oncologist?
If you are interested in working as a pediatric oncologist, or any kind of physician, you should major in biology in college. If your college has a pre-med major, you should choose that major.
What aptitudes do you need to become a dentist?
You need to get good grades in dental school and be a detail oriented person to become a dentist. You also need to have good social and customer service skills as many people are afraid of the dentist.
What do you need to do to start to become a dentist?
To become an dentist, first you must be gifted in very good in eye and hand cordination. It takes a lot of science and math learning also. You would go to normal college first, then transfer to dental college. Total of 8 yrs, then you would intern with an another dentist for about 300 or more or less hours so you can practice with patients. Then you can start your own practice or you can team up with someone.
