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A career in dentistry can be a fun and rewarding way to earn an income, as well as help people. Becoming a dentist will require a good amount of schooling as well as becoming licensed, so it can take a few years. However, many practices will hire dentists who don’t want to get into private practice, and working with an established clinic can be a great way to start out.
The dental school application process will require that the student has obtained a bachelor’s degree from a college or university. Many will choose pre-dental, if that is an option, but most science-based degrees will be considered. As of 2006, there were 56 accredited dental schools in the United States, so being accepted will require a high GPA during college, and those who have done internships or worked in offices are often considered more highly than those who have no experience in the field. Dental schools also require a high school on the Dental Admissions Test.
After completing school, graduates will take the dental licensing exam in the state in which they wish to practice. This will usually include a written test as well as a practical exam. It is a great option for those who are willing to put in the work, however, since the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that this will be the fastest growing career path over the next ten years.
There is a high level of competition among those trying to get into dental school. Dentists often earn more than $100,00 per year, so it is generally a very high-yielding career choice.
