Dentistry is a popular and an exciting career for people interested in medicine, oral health, and helping others. Although becoming a dentist requires many years of education, this challenging and rewarding field is worth the effort at the end.
Education
Get a bachelor’s degree in a science-related field.
The most beneficial undergraduate degree is one in pre-dentistry or a science. Degrees in science-related fields help you meet any prerequisites you will have when entering a dental school.
While in school, you should focus on getting good grades, learning as much as you can, and developing good study habits.
Apply for admission to a dental school. Most applicants apply to more than one dental school. You should only apply to dental schools that are accredited.
Complete coursework at a dental school
When you go to dental school, you will receive a doctorate degree. A standard programme is four years, which includes coursework and clinical. You can get a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medical Dentistry (DMD). These are the same degree.
You can also become a specialist, which will take a few years longer.
Take the required steps if you want to become a specialist.
After you finish dental school, you may decide that you want to do something more specialised than general dentistry.
If this is your wish, you will need to become a specialist. Becoming a specialist requires acceptance into a residency or postgraduate programme. Then, you will continue with postgraduate education for two to six years, depending on the specialty.
Pass your written Examination
After you complete your degree at an accredited school, you need to meet the requirements to get your license. In most places, this requires that you take exams after receiving your degree. Usually, one exam is a written test that tests your basic knowledge of the field.
Pass your clinical exams
These exams are clinical and require you to perform treatment on patients. If you plan to practise in your dental school’s state, then your dental school will often host the exam annually or semiannually.
Identifying the Specific Characteristics of a Dentist
Make sure you are hard working
If you are interested in becoming a dentist, you should learn what will be required of you in this profession. You will be responsible for providing people with dental care. You will have to administer local anesthetics, look at x-rays, and come up with a treatment plan for your patients.
You will also have to remove cavities and do fillings and give cleanings.
You may have to do some minor oral surgery, like root canals, or treat people with periodontal disease.
A dentist who runs their own practice may have to work more than 60 hours weekly early in their career.
Have good manual dexterity
Because dentists use their hands, often doing precision work in tiny, hard-to-reach areas, you will need to have outstanding manual dexterity.
Your fine motor skills are imperative to your success as a dentist. Working with your hands is an important part of your career.
To improve these skills, find a hobby that uses your hands and fingers. For example, you can play an instrument, draw and paint, make models, or play video games.
Make sure you have compassion
Most people who want to be dentists have a desire to help people. Dentists should have good bedside manner and genuinely want to interact with people. You need to be compassionate because many people who visit the dentist will be scared or have anxiety.
Develop your problem solving skills
Dentists need to have problem-solving skills. This helps you to figure out the best treatment for patients. Some patients may not be able to undergo the standard treatment procedure, so you have to be able to come up with alternatives.
Focus on time management
Dentists need to be able to manage their time so they can perform the needed procedures in a reasonable amount of time. Most dentists will see numerous patients each day and need to be as quick and efficient as possible.
Develop good leadership skills
No dentist works alone, and most dentists oversee a team of healthcare professionals. This means you will need to be a strong leader when you are a dentist.
Getting a Job
Volunteer in a dental office
Most dental schools want to see students who are well-rounded, with good grades and extracurricular activities. You can get some experience and improve your dental school application by finding volunteer work in a dental office.
Observe a dentist
During your studies, you will complete observations of dentists to learn more about what it is like to be a dentist and whether or not you want to be a dentist. You may also be able to shadow a dentist before you apply to a dental school to make sure it is the right fit for you.
