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What Degrees Do You Need to Be a Dentist?
So, you’re interested in dentistry and may be wondering ‘what do you need to become a dentist’?
Becoming a dentist requires more education than becoming other related positions in dentistry, such as becoming a dental hygienist. Dentists must first earn a bachelor’s degree, followed by a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry/Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Here we discuss a dentist’s necessary education in more detail.
What Do You Have to Study to Be a Dentist?
One of the things you need to become a dentist is a college degree. While dentistry is not a major at the undergraduate level, there are many pre-dental bachelor’s degree programs available. These programs can usually result in a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. Often, these degrees are in areas like biology with a pre-dentistry concentration or focus. Aspiring dentists are not required to have a specific major, but usually a major in science is most beneficial as they are likely to include courses in chemistry and biology.
Dentist DDS or DMD?
While researching what you need to become a dentist, you might have felt overwhelmed by all the different program options. There are many different colleges for dentistry degree programs at the doctoral level. The type of degree, DDS or DMD, depends on the institution, but these degrees are equivalent.
These programs require applicants to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT), complete an interview process, and meet other admission requirements before being accepted into dental school. Once accepted, these programs typically take 4 years to complete and include extensive clinical experience. Students in DDS or DMD programs are likely to study topics in:
- Ethics
- Diagnosis
- Oral anatomy
- Management of dental practice
- Pediatric dentistry
- Treatment planning
- Oral surgery
Do Dentists Go to Medical School?
While general dentists do not need additional training outside of dental school, dentists wishing to specialize in a particular area of dentistry do need additional training. Normally this takes place through residency programs in that particular specialty that may take 2 to 4 years to complete. Most of these residencies result in an additional master’s degree or postdoctoral certificate.
While it is not considered medical school per se, students interested in practicing oral and maxillofacial surgery can enter MD-integrated programs after dental school, where they receive a Medical Doctor (MD) degree in addition to their dentistry degree. These programs are usually 6 years in length and require extensive clinical experience in hospitals.
Are There Other Requirements to Be a Dentist?
All dentists must obtain a valid state license to practice in their state. Usually, this requires them to pass the National Board Dental Examinations, as well as any required state exam. Dentists who are trained in a particular specialty must also hold a license in that specialty field, which may require another state exam.
Dentist Career Overview
| Degree Required | Doctoral degree |
| Other Requirements | Licensure |
| Average Annual Salary (2019)* | $183,060 (for all dentists) |
| Estimated Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 3% (for all dentists) |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
According to the BLS, most dentists are general dentists and made an average salary of $183,060 in 2019. The BLS also reported that most general dentists worked in offices of dentists and made an average annual salary of $178,260 in 2019. Those that worked in residential intellectual and developmental disability, mental health, and substance abuse facilities had an average salary of $192,680 in 2018.
Many dentists can set their own hours and may work normal business hours and/or nights and weekends. Primary job duties may include:
- Treating cavities
- Prescribing medications
- Examining and diagnosing issues of the mouth/throat
- Fixing damaged teeth
- Educating patients
- Creating models for dental appliances
Essential Information
A dentist provides oral health services to adults and children. Some dentists choose to study a subspecialty, such as orthodontics. Most dentists obtain an undergraduate degree before completing a four-year dental program and earning a doctoral degree in dental medicine or dental surgery. While no specific undergraduate degree is required, students commonly take science courses in biology, anatomy, chemistry, and microbiology. Postgraduate requirements, such as a residency, may also be required. All dentists must be licensed by the state in which they practice.
| Required Education | Bachelor’s degree prior to admission to dental school; doctoral degree in dental medicine or dental surgery; some dental specializations require completion of a residency |
| Licensing | Required for dentists in all states |
| Projected Job Growth (2018-2028) | 7%* |
| Median Salary (2019) | $155,600* |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Dental School
You should enroll in a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association. Dental colleges offer either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). You must submit Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores with your application.
DDS degree programs cover four years of in-class, pre-clinical, and clinical instruction. The first two years are devoted to lab and class instruction. Courses may include oral pathology, dental diagnosis, and dental treatment techniques. In the last two years, students typically complete a dental rotation externship, which is usually conducted in the dental clinics and allow students to treat patients under supervision.
In addition to general dentistry, dental schools typically offer specialized areas of study, such as oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, or pediatric dentistry. These postgraduate programs generally take an additional 2-6 years to complete, depending on the chosen specialty, and may include a residency.
Career Information
Dentists work with patients to promote dental health. They diagnose and treat oral health issues and inform patients on preventative care and treatment. Most dentists are general practitioners who perform exams, fill cavities, and extract teeth; however, some choose a subspecialty of dentistry, such as orthodontics. Dental school graduates may work for established offices or set up their own practice.
Employment Outlook and Salary Information
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts a 7% increase in the employment of dentists between the years of 2018 and 2028. This increase was attributed to a rise in the demand for dental services for the aging population. The BLS noted that dentists earn a median annual salary of $155,600 as of May 2019.
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