How to Become a Dentist in the USA: My Honest, Step-by-Step Guide

By a dental school graduate, reviewed by Dr. Joe Dental

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Why I Picked Dentistry

If you’re reading this, you’ve probably at least thought about being a dentist. I remember sitting in my college advisor’s office, asking myself if it would all be worth it. Let me be real — becoming a dentist in the USA isn’t easy, but it’s the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever done. In this guide, I’ll show you each big step, let you know what surprised me, what was tough, and help you decide if this road is right for you.

2. Step 1: Laying My School Foundation — College

Picking What to Study

I first thought I had to major in biology or chemistry. The truth is, U.S. dental schools don’t need a certain major, but they do want you to get through the tough science classes. My advisor, who was super helpful, got me to focus on biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry. I also took some anatomy, stats, and microbiology. I chose biology not just for the classes, but because I liked learning about tiny living things.

Grades, Hard Work, and Real Experience

Here’s something people don’t say enough: your GPA never leaves you. Most dental programs want you to keep a GPA around 3.50–3.75, and your science classes just as good. Did I sometimes mess up? Yep. But working hard the whole time matters the most.

You also need real-world experience. Dental schools want to see you in action — I did about 160 hours of shadowing dentists, mostly on weekends. Doing volunteer work and things that need careful hand skills (like playing music or building tiny models) also helps. Working in a community dental clinic showed me things I never could have learned from just books, like how to talk with patients and help people when they’re nervous.

Pro tip: Find your campus pre-dental club and a good advisor. They saved me many times.

3. Step 2: Facing the Dental Admission Test (DAT)

The Dental Admission Test, or DAT, is not just another test. I did tons of practice questions on my phone riding the bus, and spent weekends taking sample exams. The DAT has four parts: Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability (think tricky shapes and puzzles), Reading, and Math.

Study and Surviving It

I gave myself three months, using study books, practice tests online, and group study. Most students who get in score a 20 or more out of 30. Don’t let one score make you feel bad — just take it seriously. For me, having a good study plan and giving myself little rewards kept me going.

What Helped Me

Playing puzzle games and building models made the Perceptual part a lot easier for me. Also, doing whole practice tests taught me how to use my time better — when the real DAT comes, being under time pressure is a whole different story.

4. Step 3: Getting Through the Dental School Application

The AADSAS Application

I thought applying to college was rough, but the AADSAS (big application system for dental schools) was even more. I uploaded all my grades, DAT scores, shadow hours, and wrote a personal statement.

Writing a Good Personal Statement

Staring at a blank page is scary. My first try was boring. It only got good when I told the real story — the time I struggled with a tough patient at the clinic. Writing honestly, and really showing why you want to be a dentist, is what matters.

Letters and Interviews

Schools usually want letters from your science teachers, dentists you’ve watched, or maybe a research leader. My best letter was from my organic chemistry professor — she knew I struggled, watched me improve, and wrote about it honestly.

For interviews, I practiced talking through answers with friends, thought about questions about patient care, and put on my best (even if uncomfortable) suit. They mostly check if you are easy to talk to and mature — not just smart.

5. Step 4: Dental School — The Real Work Starts

Picking the Right School

When I finally got in (cue happy tears), I had to pick a school. Money and reputation both count, but so does how you feel at the school. Every school in the USA must be approved (CODA). Your degree will be DDS or DMD — they mean the same thing.

What Dental School Feels Like

First two years? Mostly books, labs, and long hours — learning all about the human body, practicing with fake teeth, and lots of lectures. Last two years, things change — you start seeing real patients with a teacher close by, trying to balance your book work with actual dental work.

I made mistakes. Once, I messed up while working on a crown and had to fix it myself (ouch). You’ll learn how to do fillings, dentures, and even harder stuff like implants. It’s hard, but seeing what you can really do is amazing.

The Big Test: INBDE

You need to pass the Integrated National Board Dental Exam (INBDE) — it replaced the old two-part test. This one mixes science, case stories, and ethical questions. Studying is everything — I joined study groups, used lots of flashcards, and drank even more coffee.

6. Step 5: Getting Licensed and Specializing — Finishing Up

State Licenses

Even after school, you’re not done. Every state has its own test. Some want the ADEX exam, others the WREB, CRDTS, or something else. These aren’t just paper tests — you do real dental work on people or dummies. Don’t forget you’ll also have to pass background checks and a law test about state rules.

Specializing

If general dentistry isn’t for you, about one in five people go on to specialize: things like braces, gum work, or surgery. You’ll need even more years in school (from one to six). If you want to try work in a crown and bridge lab or do more complex procedures, this opens more doors. But it’s hard and you’ll have to go through interviews and more tests.

Specialists can earn more, but there’s more school and you really have to like your field.

7. Step 6: Starting Out as a Dentist

What Happens After Graduation

Once you’re licensed, you can: join a practice as a helper, open your own clinic, join the military, or work in public health. I spent my first year in a busy clinic as an assistant dentist before thinking about starting my own place.

Each way has good and bad points. Being your own boss can earn more money, but you also have to know about running a business. Working in public clinics can feel good if you want to help people who need it most.

You Keep Learning

Dentistry never stops. Every state wants you to keep learning by taking classes every year. I still sign up for workshops to stay up-to-date, especially on new tech like 3D dental lab tools. If you want to do the best, always keep learning.

8. Money Facts on the Dental Path

How Much Does It Cost?

Here’s the tough part: dental school is expensive. I had to borrow over $300,000 to pay for classes and living. State (public) schools can be cheaper ($40,000–$75,000 a year), but private ones can be $60,000–$90,000 or even more each year. Multiply by four years — and it adds up fast.

Handling Debt

I had to use federal loans. A few grants and scholarships helped. Some classmates joined the military or got help from special loan programs for public service. It took me a few years of careful spending and budgeting to pay off my debts.

The good news is most dentists, once set up, make $130,000–$200,000 or more each year. Specialists can make $250,000–$400,000, but they spend more years training.

Is It Still Worth It?

The money stress was tough, but in the end, I think it’s worth it — both for the paycheck and for the feelings that come from really helping people.

9. Is Dentistry for You? A Look at the Tough Parts

Dentistry is not just about drilling teeth; it’s science, art, kindness, and fixing problems. My hardest days were when a procedure went wrong, or a patient was tough to deal with. But every happy patient made up for it, and I felt proud.

But be ready — it takes a lot of time, hard work, good grades, studying for the DAT, practice, and the guts to try again when things don’t go right. Both your hands and your heart need to work together all the time.

If you want a specialty handling tricky cases, learning about dental ceramics lab work or staying up on new tricks in a digital lab can help you get ahead. Tech changes fast, and those who keep up succeed.

10. Key Data, Stats, and One Last Reality Check

Quick Reference Table

(Stats checked for 2023–2024, verified by Dr. Joe Dental)

What Now?

If you finished this article, you really care about your future — and that’s the right attitude! Learn hard in science, meet real dentists, and give your time to helping people. When things get tough (and they will), remember you’re joining a respected job that always changes and always matters.

If you want a peek into the hands-on side of dentistry, checking out processes at a china dental lab or seeing tech at a 3D lab can help you see how much things change in our field.

My story is just one way. I hope my experience saves you a few stumbles. Ask yourself: Do I want the challenge, the learning, and the responsibility? If yes—welcome! Dentistry is hard, but I promise: every step is worth it.

Reviewed by Dr. Joe Dental, DDS | Last checked: 2024. No part of this may be copied without written okay.