What you need to become a dentist

Becoming a dentist requires a four-year dental degree after completing your undergraduate education, then passing licensing exams in your state. Most dentists spend six to eight years in school total — four years for a bachelor's degree, four years for dental school — before they can practice. You'll also need to pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) and your state's clinical licensing exam, and some states require additional tests.

The path is structured and the requirements are consistent across states, but the cost and time commitment are significant. This guide walks through each stage so you understand what comes next and what to expect before you commit.

Key Takeaways

  • You need a bachelor's degree first, then four years of dental school, then state licensing exams — a total of six to eight years before you can practice.
  • Dental school admission is competitive and requires a strong GPA, a passing score on the Dental Admission Test (DAT), and dental experience like shadowing or volunteer work.
  • Licensing requires passing the NBDE Parts 1 and 2, your state's clinical exam, and sometimes additional state-specific tests.
  • Dentists can work in private practice, group practices, hospitals, public health settings, or as specialists, each with different income and schedule trade-offs.
  • Dental school debt is substantial — many graduates owe $150,000 to $200,000 or more — so understanding repayment options before you enroll matters.

Undergraduate degree and prerequisites

Before you apply to dental school, you need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Dental schools don't require a specific major, but you must complete prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and sometimes microbiology and anatomy. These prerequisites typically take two to three years to finish, so many students plan their major around them.

Your GPA in these science courses matters more than your overall GPA. Most dental schools look at your science GPA separately, and competitive programs expect a 3.5 or higher in science courses. You can major in anything — biology, chemistry, business, even history — as long as you complete the prerequisites. Some students major in a science; others major in something else and take prerequisites as electives or through post-baccalaureate programs if they didn't take them during their undergraduate years.

Start taking prerequisites early so you have time to retake a course if you don't perform well. Dental schools see all your grades, including retakes, so a strong performance on the second attempt helps but doesn't erase the first.

Dental Admission Test (DAT) and application timing

The DAT is a standardized exam that dental schools use to assess your readiness for dental education. It covers biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, reading comprehension, and perceptual ability (spatial reasoning). Most dental schools require a DAT score before they'll review your application, and scores are valid for two years.

You can take the DAT after you've completed your prerequisite courses, but many students take it during their junior or senior year of college so they can apply to dental school in the summer before their senior year. Dental school classes typically start in the fall, so applications open in June and most programs fill seats by December. Applying early — June or July — gives you better odds because schools review applications on a rolling basis and seats fill throughout the cycle.

The DAT costs around $400 to $500 and requires several months of study. Many students use prep books, online courses, or tutoring services to prepare. Your score is one factor among several — schools also look at your GPA, dental experience, and personal statement — but a competitive score (usually 18 or higher on a scale of 1 to 30) strengthens your application significantly.

Dental school: four years and what to expect

Dental school is four academic years, typically split into two years of classroom and lab work followed by two years of clinical work with patients. The first two years cover oral anatomy, dental materials, pharmacology, pathology, and the fundamentals of restorative and surgical procedures. You'll spend time in labs practicing on models and extracted teeth before you work with patients.

The second two years shift to patient care. You'll work in the school's clinic under faculty supervision, treating real patients for fillings, cleanings, root canals, extractions, and other procedures. By your fourth year, you're handling more complex cases and working with less direct oversight. Most programs also require rotations in oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics (dentures and implants), and other specialties so you see the range of dental practice.

Dental school is demanding — classes are long, exams are frequent, and the transition to patient care can be stressful. Many programs also require you to complete a certain number of patient procedures before graduation, which means your schedule depends partly on how many patients come through the clinic. Cost varies widely: private dental schools can run $60,000 to $80,000 per year, while public schools are often $25,000 to $40,000 per year for in-state students. Most graduates leave with substantial debt.

Licensing exams and state requirements

After dental school, you must pass licensing exams to practice. The National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) has two parts: Part 1 covers basic science and dental science concepts, and Part 2 covers clinical decision-making and patient management. You typically take Part 1 during dental school (often in your second year) and Part 2 near the end of your fourth year. Both exams are computer-based and offered multiple times per year.

In addition to the NBDE, every state requires a clinical licensing exam. Some states use the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE), which combines NBDE Part 2 with clinical components. Other states have their own clinical exams where you treat a patient or perform procedures on a mannequin while examiners evaluate your technique. A few states allow you to reciprocate a license from another state if you've practiced there for a certain number of years, but most require you to pass their specific exam.

Some states also require additional exams in local anesthesia or nitrous oxide administration, or a jurisprudence exam on state dental laws. Check your state dental board's website early in dental school so you know exactly what exams you'll need and can plan your study schedule. Exam fees vary but typically run $500 to $1,500 per exam.

Dental experience before and during school

Dental schools want to see that you've spent time in a dental setting and understand what the work involves. Before you apply, aim for at least 50 to 100 hours of dental experience — shadowing a dentist, working as a dental assistant, or volunteering in a dental clinic. This shows schools you're serious and have realistic expectations about the profession.

Dental assistant jobs are common entry points. Many dental offices hire assistants without prior experience and provide on-the-job training. Working as an assistant gives you direct exposure to patient care, helps you understand the business side of dentistry, and looks strong on a dental school application. Some students also volunteer at community health centers, school-based clinics, or free dental clinics to build experience.

During dental school, you'll get thousands of hours of clinical experience as part of your curriculum, so your pre-dental experience mainly matters for your application. That said, many students continue working part-time as dental assistants during school to help pay for expenses and stay connected to practice settings.

Specialization options after dental school

After you're licensed as a general dentist, you can work immediately or pursue a specialty. Specialty programs range from two to four years depending on the field. Common specialties include orthodontics (straightening teeth), periodontics (gum disease), endodontics (root canals), oral surgery, prosthodontics (dentures and implants), pediatric dentistry, and public health dentistry. Specialty programs are competitive and typically require a strong academic record and clinical performance during dental school.

Specialists earn more than general dentists on average, but specialty training adds years and cost to your education. Some dentists work as general practitioners their entire career; others specialize after a few years of general practice. The choice depends on your interests, financial situation, and career goals. Many dental schools have specialty programs on-site, but some dentists complete their general dentistry degree at one school and apply to specialty programs at other institutions.

Career settings and practice options

After licensing, dentists work in several different settings. Private practice — owning your own practice or joining a partner-owned practice — is the most common path. You see your own patients, manage your schedule, and keep a portion of revenue after expenses. Starting a practice requires capital for equipment, rent, and staff, so many new dentists join an existing practice first and buy in later, or work as an associate dentist for a few years before opening their own office.

Group practices and dental service organizations (DSOs) employ dentists on salary. You work set hours, see patients assigned to you, and don't manage the business side. Income is more predictable but usually lower than private practice ownership. Hospital dentistry, public health dentistry, and dental schools also employ dentists. These settings often have more regular hours and benefits but typically lower pay than private practice.

Some dentists combine settings — working part-time in a private practice and part-time in a public health clinic, for example. Your choice depends on how much control you want over your schedule, how much business management appeals to you, and what income level you need to manage your student debt.

Managing dental school debt

Most dental school graduates carry substantial debt. The average is difficult to pin down because it varies by school and by how much students borrow for living expenses, but many graduates owe $150,000 to $200,000 or more. Understanding your repayment options before you enroll helps you make an informed decision about which schools to attend.

Federal student loans for dental school include Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Direct PLUS Loans. These have fixed interest rates set by Congress and offer income-driven repayment plans if you need lower monthly payments. Private loans from banks and credit unions often have variable interest rates and fewer repayment options. Many dental schools also offer institutional loans or payment plans.

If you work in certain underserved areas or in public health settings, you may be may be able to access for loan forgiveness programs like the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, though may be able to access depends on your employer and loan type. Some states also offer loan repayment assistance for dentists who practice in rural or low-income areas. Research these options early so you can factor them into your school choice and career planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to become a dentist?

Most dentists spend six to eight years in school after high school: four years for a bachelor's degree and four years for dental school. If you pursue a specialty, add two to four more years. Licensing exams happen during or right after dental school, so you can be licensed and practicing within a few months of graduation.

What GPA do I need for dental school?

Competitive dental schools typically expect a 3.5 or higher GPA overall and a 3.5 or higher in science courses specifically. Some schools accept lower GPAs, especially if your DAT score is strong or if you have significant dental experience. Your GPA is one factor among several, so a lower GPA doesn't automatically disqualify you, but it makes admission harder.

Can I work while in dental school?

Many dental students work part-time, especially during the first two years when schedules are more predictable. Working full-time while in dental school is difficult because of the time commitment, but part-time work — often as a dental assistant — is common and helps pay for expenses. Talk to current students and faculty at schools you're considering to understand what's realistic.

What's the difference between a DDS and a DMD?

DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery and DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. They're equivalent degrees — the difference is just the school's choice of terminology. Both require the same education and licensing, and both are recognized everywhere. Some schools use DDS, others use DMD, but employers and patients treat them the same.

Do I need to specialize to earn a good income?

No. General dentists earn a solid income in most areas, and many choose not to specialize. Specialists typically earn more, but specialty training adds years and cost. Your income depends on your location, practice setting, and how many patients you see, not just whether you specialize. Many successful dentists work as general practitioners their entire career.