It takes time, commitment, and education to become a dentist As an educational foundation become a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant, by completing your undergrad, dental school, and possibly additional residency training.
It takes on average, 8 years to become a dentist (4 years for an undergraduate education and 4 years for dental school). However, if you decide to specialize, you may need to complete several more years of residency.
A career in dentistry takes many years of education and training. The length of schooling can vary whether one wants to become a dentist, dental hygienist or dental assistant.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Dentist?
Depending on whether you wish to study general dentistry or specialize, it takes an average of twelve to fourteen years to finally become a dentist. Here’s a breakdown:
Bachelor’s Degree (4 Years)
- Most students first receive their Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline (like biology or chemistry) before applying to dental school.
- A few programs provide a pre-dental track, which allows students to meet dental school requirements.
Dental School (4 Years)
- To be able to practice dentistry, you need at least a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree.
- Both degrees are similar and encompass classes in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and real-world clinical training.
Optional Dental Residency (2-6 Years, Depending on Specialization)
- Optional Dental Residency (2–6 Years, Dependent Upon Specialization)
- General dentists must not perform a residency.
- If you choose to specialize (e.g., orthodontics, oral surgery, endodontics) then residency programs require between 2 to 6 years of training.
Total Time to Become a Dentist
- General Dentist: 8 years (4 years of undergraduate + 4 years of dental school)
- Specialist Dentist: 10-14 years (residency included).
Dental School Requirements
Students are required to meet certain criteria regarding academic content and testing to be accepted into dental school.
Prerequisite Courses
Most dental schools require students to take courses in:
- Biology
- General and Organic Chemistry
- Physics
- Biochemistry
- Anatomy and Physiology
Dental Admission Test (DAT)
- The DAT (Dental Admission Test) is a standardized exam that tests a student on their knowledge of natural sciences, reading comprehension, and perceptual ability.
- A good DAT score is around 19-23 out of 30.
GPA and Application Process
- Competitive applicants would prefer a 3.5 minimum GPA or higher at most future dental schools.
- Applications are submitted through the ADEA portal.
Is Dental School Hard?
Dental school is indeed difficult, but students can achieve this if they put their hearts into it.
Academic Workload
- The initial two years of dental education involve theoretical knowledge that includes subjects such as oral biology, pathology, and pharmacology.
- The final two years are in clinical practice, treating actual patients under supervision.
Common Challenges
- Heavy workloads and vigorous academic schedules.
- Development of hand skills dentistry is an exercise in fine motor skills and precision.
- One must learn to communicate well a student needs to hone their interaction with the patient.
Dental school is, admittedly, a lot of work, but when you are organized with time management, driven to succeed with attention, and devoted to the field, you will survive and be rewarded.
What Do Dentists Study in Dental School?
Dental school is a rigorous and highly structured program that includes an extensive didactic curriculum but is also heavily weighted toward clinical training.
Year-by-Year Breakdown
First Two Years (Didactic & Preclinical Training):
- Human Anatomy & Physiology
- Oral Histology & Embryology
- Dental Materials Science
- Radiology and Diagnostic Sciences
Last Two Years (Clinical Training)
- Restorative Dentistry
- Endodontics (root canals)
- Periodontics (gum health)
- Tooth Rehab (Crowns & Dentures)
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (extractions & implants)
The third, or final, year provides students the opportunity to train on patients under the supervision of faculty.
Dental School vs Medical School: What’s the Difference?
Both professions call for their deal of education, but they differ in a couple of key areas.
| Factor | Dental School | Medical School |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years | 4 years (+ residency) |
| Focus | Oral health, teeth, and gums | General human body and diseases |
| Residency | Optional (except for specialists) | Required (3-7 years) |
| Career Options | General dentist, specialist, academic roles | Physician, surgeon, specialist |
Dental students focus very much on oral health and surgical practices, while medical students cover all body systems.
How Long is Dental Residency?
General dentists are not required to complete any residency, though those seeking specializations must undergo additional training.
Common Dental Specialties & Residency Duration
- Orthodontics – 2-3 years
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery – 4 to 6 years
- Pediatric Dentistry – 2 years
- Endodontics (Root Canals) – 2 to 3 years
- Prosthodontics (Crowns & Bridges) – 3 years
Residency programs are a form of advanced clinical training designed for specialists in complicated dental and medical areas.
What Happens After Dental School?
Following graduation from dental school, they are required to pass licensure examinations and select the direction they will take their careers.
Licensing Requirements
- Graduates get to take the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE).
- Some states require additional clinical exams or a Jurisprudence Exam (which tests familiarity with state laws).
Career Options After Dental School
- General Dentist – Your work in private practice, group practice, or corporate dentistry.
- To advance to specialist dentist status through residency training.
- Academic or Research Dentistry — Teach or perform research in dental school.
- Public Health Dentistry – Work in government programs that provide affordable dental care.
Top Dental Schools in the United States
If you are planning to become a doctor, you will have an improved education and career prospects if you attend a top-ranked dental school.
Best Dental Schools in the U.S. (2025 Rankings)
- Harvard University – Research-based training & clinical experience.
- UCLA – University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) – University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
- University of Michigan – Provides robust clinical practice and community service stations.
- New York University (NYU) – Largest dental school with a wide variety of cases
- University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) — A leader in dental and medical training integration
Both your career prospects and networking opportunities are enhanced by picking a respected dental school.
Conclusion
The path to becoming a dentist is long but rewarding. General dentists complete 8 years of training, whereas specialists can take up to 14 years. Dental school is difficult, but it provides students with the skills necessary to succeed in all things oral health.
Whether their direction be general dentistry or a specialty, dentists must stay committed to learning/caring for their patients. Lovers of dentistry know that the years of study will lead to a respected and fulfilling profession.
