Relax – You’re in Great Hands!

You can be assured that a dentist listed in this directory is highly skilled, trained and qualified to provide you with superior care and treatment. So relax – you leave the office with a big toothy grin on your face!

Education Requirements for U.S. Dentists

In the United States, dentists are generally required to complete eight years of post-high school education. Most undergraduates who are considering a dental career choose a major in the sciences, such as biology or chemistry.

It takes years of study and clinical expertise to become a dentist.

After they receive their BA or BS degree, students are required to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). The score on that test, along with undergrad grade point average (GPA), recommendations and interviews are the major considerations for admission into one of the 55 accredited dental schools in our country.

Four years of additional study are required to obtain a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). Coursework includes Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry; during the last two years dental students spend most of their time performing actual dental work on patients, under the watchful eyes and experience of a supervising dentist.

Specialization and Licensure

Every state requires a dentist to pass licensure tests, which in most states include both written and practical examinations. To practice in any dental specialty, such as Periodontics, Orthodontics or Prosthodontics, additional study (two-four years) is required.

Need To Know More?

If you or anyone you know is interested in obtaining more information about any aspect of a participating dentist’s schooling or preparation to practice dentistry, feel free to contact their office.

Click here for additional information about United States Dental Schools.