How to Train to Be a Dentist: My Honest Step-by-Step Guide to Succeeding in the Dental Field

Table of Contents

1.1 Undergraduate Degree & Coursework Requirements

1.2 Gaining Hands-On Experience & Building My Profile

2.1 Understanding the DAT: Sections & Format

2.2 My Best DAT Preparation Strategies

3.1 Completing the Dental School Application

3.2 Writing a Strong Personal Statement

3.3 Securing Powerful Letters of Recommendation

3.4 Preparing for the Dental School Interview

4.1 What I Encountered in Dental School

4.2 DDS vs. DMD: Clearing Up the Confusion

4.3 Managing the Financial Investment

4.4 Life as a Dental Student: Challenges & Rewards

5.1 National Board Dental Examinations

5.2 State Licensure Requirements

5.3 Post-Graduate Training & Specializations

6.1 General Dentist vs. Dental Specialist

6.2 Exploring Work Environments

6.3 Job Outlook & Salary Expectations

7.1 Essential Qualities for Success

7.2 Pros and Cons of the Profession

7.3 Next Steps to Start Your Journey

The Pre-Dental Journey: Laying the Foundation

Undergraduate Degree & Coursework Requirements

When I first thought about becoming a dentist, I had a lot of questions: Which major should I pick? What classes do I need? Can I change my mind later? After talking to lots of people (including Dr. Joe Dental, who checked my plans), I found out my major didn’t have to be “Pre-Dental”—but I did have to take certain science classes.

I chose Biology, but I had friends who did Chemistry or even Psychology. Every dental school I checked wanted about the same classes:

• One year each of Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry (with labs)
• Physics
• English
• Math (usually calculus or statistics)
• Some top schools also liked to see classes like Microbiology, Anatomy, Physiology, and Biochemistry

That’s a good amount of work. But it’s important for your application and what you’ll learn in the future. If you aren’t sure what you still need, most schools have a pre-dental advisor. That was a big help to me.

Gaining Hands-On Experience & Building My Profile

Dentistry is not just about good grades and test scores. You need to be good with your hands, feel comfortable in a clinic, and really care about patients. Early on, I spent weekends watching dentists work (and not just family dentists—I checked out orthodontists and oral surgeons too). It helps a ton.

I also volunteered at local clinics, helping with paperwork, talking to patients, and seeing dental workers as a team. I honestly learned more about people in those hours than in a semester of classes.

Research was another thing I did, but you don’t have to be in a lab all the time. Even a little bit of research looks good, showing you like the science behind dentistry. Want to specialize someday? Research can help.

I also did things like Pre-Dental Club, helping out as a mentor, and giving presentations about dental hygiene. Do whatever you’re good at.

Tackling the Dental Admission Test (DAT): My Gateway to Dental School

Understanding the DAT: Sections & Format

The Dental Admission Test is a big part of the dental school application. When I took the DAT, I realized it’s a hard test. It has:

• Survey of Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry)
• Perceptual Ability Test (PAT)
• Reading Comprehension
• Quantitative Reasoning

Most test prep books suggest trying for a score of 20 or higher in both Academic Average (AA) and Perceptual Ability Test (PAT). The average score is about 19-21, so try to get above that to stand out.

My Best DAT Preparation Strategies

I gave myself about six months to study. Studying a little bit, many times, is better than last-minute cramming. I used things like Kaplan and Chad’s Prep to work on my weak spots, with online practice and full tests. DAT Bootcamp was super helpful for the PAT, since those questions are tricky.

What worked for me:

• Set up a study plan and keep at it
• Took practice tests with a timer every few weeks (helps you get used to the real thing)
• Joined a study group—teaching other people is a good way to learn
• Went over mistakes until I saw what I did wrong

Test day was stressful, but steady practice really helped.

Applying to Dental School: Navigating the Admissions Process

Completing the Dental School Application

Applications usually open in June, using the ADEA AADSAS system. You’ll want to have your grades, DAT scores, a draft essay, and letters of reference ready.

Applying early helps a lot. I sent in my application during the first month, and I saw many classmates hurry as the deadline got close. Dental school has rolling admissions, so turning things in early is a big tip.

Writing a Strong Personal Statement

This is your moment to talk about your journey: why dentistry, what you learned while shadowing or volunteering, and how you want to help in the dental field. In my essay, I wrote about seeing a great pediatric dentist at work, and how I really wanted to make a similar difference.

Best tip? Tell your own story. Schools know a copy-paste essay when they see one.

Securing Powerful Letters of Recommendation

Pick people who know you well—not just teachers, but maybe a dentist you worked with a lot. My best letters came from folks who saw my hard work and could talk about who I am and how I work with others.

Preparing for the Dental School Interview

Interviews were mostly about regular questions or quick “mini-interviews.” I practiced with friends, talking about why I wanted to be a dentist, what I learned from my setbacks, and how I make choices.

One tricky question: “Tell me about a time you had to react fast when things didn’t work out.” I shared a story about setting up a volunteer event that almost failed, and how I learned to adapt and keep the group together.

Dental School: Surviving and Thriving in a Four-Year Intensive Program

What I Encountered in Dental School

Dental school has two main parts:

Years 1-2: Classes and Lab Work

• Classes in Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Oral Biology, Biochemistry, Microbiology
• Learning to use your hands is huge. I spent crazy hours working on fake teeth just to get used to the tools. Don’t wait too long to practice those skills.

Years 3-4: Seeing Real Patients

• Now you start caring for patients. Every day I was in the clinics, doing exams and treatments under a teacher’s eye
• Special rotations let me try orthodontics, oral surgery, and working with kids

Using what I knew and talking to patients were just as important as knowing science. Lots of patients are nervous—sometimes very scared. I practiced breaking down treatments so people would understand and relax.

DDS vs. DMD: Clearing Up the Confusion

People ask: “What’s the real difference between DDS and DMD?” I found out—it’s just the letters. Both mean you’re a dentist. It depends on what the school likes to call the degree.

Managing the Financial Investment

Dental school is expensive. Costs are high—$40,000 to $100,000 per year sometimes. Most people have loans, with debts like $300,000-$400,000+ by graduation. Some get scholarships; always fill out FAFSA as early as possible.

I kept track of my spending. Meal prepping and sharing an apartment helped save money. Some supplies and crown and bridge lab costs can pop up, so plan for those extra costs too.

Life as a Dental Student: Challenges & Rewards

Nothing really got me ready for the speed and amount of learning. Some days, it felt impossible. Adding real patients meant even more to do—juggling people, paperwork, lab work, and tests.

Still, the best times made it worth it: seeing a happy patient, finishing a tough procedure, having teachers cheer me on. My classmates and I became super close—we got through it together.

Getting My Dental License and Beyond

National Board Dental Examinations

After four years, I had to pass the National Board Dental Exams (now called the Integrated National Board Dental Exam, or INBDE for most). These tests check you on both science and how you treat patients.

Passing the test was a huge relief. Still, every state has its own rules, so I checked everything with my state board.

State Licensure Requirements

Getting your license isn’t just about passing big tests. Many states want a test with a real patient and a law/ethics exam too. I studied hard for these. Some friends who studied outside the U.S. had more stuff to do, like extra language or paperwork checks.

Every year, I have to take some continuing education classes to keep my license. It helps me stay up to date, especially since dental tech keeps changing.

Post-Graduate Training & Specializations

Some friends went straight to work, but others did extra training:

• GPR or AEGD: One-year programs after dental school to get more experience
• Specialty Programs: 2-6 more years for things like oral surgery, braces, or working mostly with kids. Getting in is hard but can set you up for higher pay and a focused job.

Some specialties—like doing dental implants—mean you need the latest skills, sometimes working with an implant dental laboratory for more complicated cases.

Dentist Career Paths & Outlook

General Dentist vs. Dental Specialist

Most dentists begin as general dentists. Here, I worked on all sorts of problems—exams, fillings, crowns, root canals, and more. Specialists go deep into one thing (like braces for orthodontists, gum care for periodontists, or surgery).

Here’s what I found:

• General Dentist: Lots of patient time, lots of different procedures, usually own your clinic or work for someone else
• Specialist: More years in school, usually more money, focused work, get referrals from other dentists

Wages change a lot, but most earn around $163,000, while specialists often make $200,000+.

Exploring Work Environments

Most dentists work in private clinics—over 80% either own or work at a dentist’s office. Others work in bigger dental companies, community health, government, or teaching.

You could even end up in making dental tools or doing research. On some rotations, I saw advanced technology, like working with a high-tech digital dental lab to give patients the newest treatments.

Job Outlook & Salary Expectations

The need for dentists is growing at a steady pace (about 4% more jobs by 2032), which is normal. Dentists get good pay, and there’s demand as people age and learn how important dental care is.

Where you live, your area, your experience, and if you own the place—these all matter for your paycheck. Cities can be tough to find jobs, but small towns often pay more to get dentists to move there.

Is a Career in Dentistry Right for You?

Essential Qualities for Success

Dentistry isn’t for everyone. The best dentists (and students) I know all seem to have these things:

• Good hands: Steady and careful
• Notice small things: You’ll need to fix tiny problems
• Talk well with others: You talk and explain things to patients every day
• Kindness: Lots of people are scared or hurting. A little care helps a ton
• Solve problems: Every patient is different and things don’t always go as planned

Pros and Cons of the Profession

Let me be honest about both the good and bad:

Pros:

• Good pay and steady work
• You really help people
• Make your own hours and shape your clinic
• Lots of ways to specialize or work in different places

Cons:

• Expensive and takes a long time
• Schooling lasts many years
• Hard on your hands, eyes, and back
• Can be stressful, especially with nervous or upset patients

For me, the good was more important than the bad. But it’s smart to go shadow, volunteer, and ask real dentists before you jump in.

Next Steps to Start Your Journey

What I’d suggest:

• Look up schools and what they want now
• Join the pre-dental club at your college
• Set up some shadowing and volunteer work
• Make a plan for the DAT
• Stay hungry for learning and keep asking questions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Becoming a Dentist

How long does it take to be a dentist?

Usually, at least 8 years: 4 years of college, 4 more in dental school. Specializing means even more years.

What’s the best college major to go to dental school?

Biology or Chemistry are common, but any is okay if you take the right science classes.

How much does dental school cost?

Public, in-state: $40,000-$60,000 per year. Private: $70,000-$100,000+ a year.

What’s a good DAT score?

Try for 20 or more. Most accepted students have between 19 and 21.

Do I have to do a residency after dental school?

Not for general dentistry in most states, but many people do it for more practice or to specialize.

Final Thoughts: What I Learned on My Path

Looking back, training to be a dentist was tough but also really worth it. I made close friends, helped lots of people, and keep learning new things as the field changes. The journey is long, and it won’t be easy. But if you work hard, there’s no reason you can’t go far.

If you want to find out more, check out this dental practical guide, or talk with dentists to get answers for you.

Keep learning, keep your feet on the ground, and—if you want to help people with dentistry—go for it.