How to Become a Dentist: Steps, Benefits, & Career Tips

Key Takeaways

• Becoming a dentist involves several key steps: earning a college degree, taking the DAT exam, attending dental school, and obtaining a license before beginning professional practice.
• Doing well in school is very important, especially in science subjects like Biology and Chemistry.
• Dentists often enjoy steady job opportunities and high salaries, with general dentists making about $179,000 per year.
• Successful dentists usually have steady hands, strong interpersonal skills, and a passion for science and learning.

Dentistry, also known as dental medicine, is a branch of healthcare focused on the health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. Gum disease, oral infections, and tooth decay are some of the conditions that dentists prevent, diagnose, and treat. In addition to improving your smile, dentists are crucial to preserving your general health because many medical conditions first appear in the mouth.

If you enjoy working with people, have a passion for science, and are looking for a respected and rewarding career, becoming a dentist might be the perfect path for you. In this guide, we’ll walk through the steps to become a dentist, the benefits of the profession, and helpful career tips to get you started.

Steps to Become a Dentist

Becoming a dentist involves several essential steps and requires a significant investment of time. Most students begin by earning a bachelor’s degree to build a strong foundation in science and other relevant subjects. Following that, they must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT), which is required for applying to dental school.

After passing the DAT, students can attend dental school, where they spend several years learning about oral health and patient care. The final stage is to obtain a license to practice dentistry. 

Let’s take a closer look at each step to help you prepare for a successful career in dentistry.

Earn a bachelor’s degree

To apply to dental school, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree — a mandatory step in becoming a dentist. While dental schools welcome applicants from various academic backgrounds, most students major in fields like biology, chemistry, or health sciences, as these include the foundational science courses required by dental schools.

Maintaining a good GPA is particularly important, as top dental schools typically prefer applicants with GPAs between 3.3 and 3.7 or higher.

If you’re still considering different paths in healthcare, you might want to explore the MD program at the American University of Antigua (AUA). We provide a strong scientific foundation and can open doors to careers in both medicine and dentistry.

Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT)

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a standardized exam that you need to take if you want to get into dental schools in the United States. It assesses your knowledge and skills in science, math, and reading to determine if you’re ready for dental school. 

Most students take the DAT during their third year of college, after completing core science courses like biology and chemistry. The exam includes sections on perceptual ability (shape and pattern recognition), reading comprehension, biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and quantitative reasoning (basic math skills).

Preparing for the DAT takes time and dedication. Students use prep books, practice tests, and online tools. A strong DAT score can significantly enhance your dental school application.

Apply to dental school

When you’re ready to apply to dental school, most programs in the U.S. use a system called ADEA AADSAS, which stands for the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service. This centralized system allows you to submit your application to multiple dental schools.

The application usually opens in early July, and it’s a smart idea to apply early since many schools use a rolling admissions process, reviewing applications as they come in.

To complete your application, you’ll need to include a few important things: 

• Official transcripts from your undergraduate institution
• DAT scores
• Personal statement (explaining why you want to become a dentist)
• Letters of recommendation (3 to 4 letters from academic or professional references)
• Clinical experience (shadowing and volunteer hours) 

After reviewing your application, many schools will invite you for an interview, either in person or virtually. This is your chance to present yourself and learn more about each program. 

Complete dental school

Dental school usually takes four years to finish and is divided into two phases. The first two years focus on classroom instruction, covering foundational sciences such as anatomy and physiology, as well as dental-specific subjects like dental anatomy, dental materials, pharmacology, periodontics, oral biology, and radiography.

Before working with patients, students train on dental simulators, allowing them to practice and refine their techniques safely. Then, they begin treating real patients under the close supervision of experienced dentists, gaining essential hands-on experience. 

Get licensed and start practicing

Before dentists can start practicing, they must pass a few critical exams. First, they need to pass the INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination), which evaluates their knowledge across a range of dental topics.

Next, they must pass a clinical board exam, like the ADEX or a state-specific version, to demonstrate their ability to perform dental procedures. Some states also require a jurisprudence exam, which tests knowledge of local dental laws and regulations.

After passing all required exams, dentists need to obtain malpractice insurance to protect themselves legally. They may also need to go through credentialing if they plan to work in group practices or with insurance companies. 

Once they’re licensed, general dentists can begin practicing immediately. However, some choose to pursue additional training through a residency program, like a General Practice Residency (GPR) or Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD). Others may specialize in areas like orthodontics, oral surgery, or other dental specialties.

Benefits of Becoming a Dentist

Becoming a dentist offers many rewarding benefits. Dentists enjoy strong income potential, job stability, and the ability to make a positive impact on their patients’ health. The profession also provides a good work-life balance, with many dentists having the flexibility to set their own schedules or work in private practices. 

Additionally, dentistry offers opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth. In the following paragraphs, we’ll explore the salary potential and job outlook for dentists, highlighting why the profession can be both financially and personally rewarding.

Salary

As of 2025, the average salary for a general dentist in the United States is about $179,402 per year, with total compensation reaching approximately $240,441, according to Glassdoor. However, this amount can vary depending on factors like location, experience, and the type of practice. 

Dentists who specialize in certain areas typically earn more. For example, oral surgeons have an average annual salary of $301,344, with total pay reaching about $434,271. Orthodontists also earn well, with an average salary of $198,878 per year and a total pay of around $259,536. 

Job outlook

The number of dentist jobs in the U.S. is expected to grow by 5% from 2023 to 2023, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations. This growth is projected to create approximately 4,900 job openings each year, largely due to retirements or career changes. 

Key drivers of this growth include:

• Aging population: As people get older, they need more dental care, especially for age-related dental issues. 
• Increased awareness of oral health: More people are realizing how important oral health is to their overall health, leading to more dental visits.
• Retirement of current dentists: Many dentists are retiring, which creates openings for new ones to take their place.
• Expansion of dental coverage: More people now have dental insurance or Medicaid, which helps them afford dental care, increasing demand for such services.

Is a Career in Dental Medicine Right for You?

Becoming a dentist can be incredibly rewarding, but it also requires a combination of skills, interests, and personal qualities. Dentists need to have excellent hand-eye coordination and pay close attention to details, as they often perform precise procedures in small, delicate areas of the mouth. 

Equally important are communication and empathy. Patients may feel anxious and nervous during dental visits, so successful dentists are those who can put people at ease and explain procedures clearly and compassionately. 

Dentistry is ideal for individuals who enjoy science and healthcare and are committed to lifelong learning, as the field constantly evolves with new technologies and techniques.

This career can offer great personal and professional fulfillment – you help people feel better and more confident, and it often comes with competitive pay and job stability. However, it also comes with challenges. Dentists often work long hours on their feet or in seated positions, and those in private practice must also manage the business aspects of their office.

If you’re passionate about helping others, comfortable with science and technology, and ready to balance rewards with responsibilities, a career in dental medicine could be an excellent path for you.

Conclusion

A career in dentistry offers a fulfilling and meaningful path that requires dedication, education, and a clear plan. From earning a bachelor’s degree and taking the DAT to completing dental school and passing licensing exams, each step helps prepare you for a successful and meaningful career in dental medicine. Dentists benefit from high salaries, job stability, and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. 

If you’re passionate about healthcare and ready to take the next step, explore the MD program at the American University of Antigua (AUA). AUA offers a solid foundation in the sciences and can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to pursue your dream of becoming a dentist.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a dentist?

Becoming a dentist takes about 8 years: 4 years to earn a bachelor’s degree and another 4 years to complete dental school.

Is becoming a dentist very hard?

Becoming a dentist can be challenging due to competitive admissions, rigorous coursework, and clinical training. However, with determination and the right preparation, it’s definitely achievable.

Is 30 too late to become a dentist?

Not at all. Many people start dental school later in life. What matters most is your commitment, preparation, and passion for the field.