What you need to do to become a dentist

Becoming a dentist requires four years of dental school after completing a bachelor's degree, passing the Dental Admission Test (DAT), and obtaining a state license. The timeline from high school to licensed dentist is typically eight years. You will need to complete specific science courses in undergraduate study, score well enough on the DAT to gain dental school admission, graduate from an accredited dental school, and pass both written and clinical licensing exams in your state.

The path is structured and the requirements are the same across all states, though licensing exams and continuing education rules vary by location. Most dentists work in private practice, but employment also exists in hospitals, public health agencies, the military, and dental schools.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete a bachelor's degree with specific science prerequisites, take the DAT, attend four years of dental school, and pass state licensing exams before you can practice.
  • Dental school admission is competitive and requires a minimum GPA (usually 3.0 or higher), a competitive DAT score, and demonstrated experience working with patients or in dental settings.
  • The total cost of dental school ranges widely by school and location, and most dentists graduate with student loan debt that affects their early career earnings.
  • After licensure, you can work as a general dentist, pursue a specialty through additional training, or work in settings outside private practice such as public health or the military.

Undergraduate coursework and prerequisites

Dental schools require specific science courses before admission. You need at least one year each of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics, all with lab components. Most schools also require biochemistry, anatomy, and physiology. These courses must be completed at an accredited college or university, and dental schools review the grades you earned in them closely.

Your overall undergraduate GPA matters, but dental schools pay particular attention to your science GPA because it predicts performance in dental school coursework. A science GPA of 3.0 or higher is typically considered competitive, though many admitted students have higher averages. You do not have to major in biology or chemistry—many dentists major in other fields and complete science requirements as electives—but you should plan your course schedule early to finish prerequisites before taking the DAT.

Beyond coursework, dental schools expect evidence that you have spent time in dental settings. This can mean shadowing a dentist, working as a dental assistant, volunteering at a community health center with dental services, or interning at a dental school clinic. Schools want to see that you understand what dentists actually do and that you have confirmed the career fits your interests.

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) and process timeline

The DAT is a computer-based exam administered by the American Dental Association (ADA). It covers biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. The exam takes about four and a half hours and is offered year-round at testing centers. You register through the ADA's testing portal, and scores are reported within 30 days.

Most students take the DAT during their junior or senior year of undergraduate study, ideally by the summer before they plan to explore to dental school. Dental school applications open in the summer through the Associated American Dental Schools process Service (AADSAS), and most schools make admission decisions on a rolling basis—meaning earlier applicants have better chances of acceptance. If you take the DAT in the summer, you can submit applications in the fall and potentially interview that same academic year.

Dental schools use your DAT score along with your GPA, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and interview performance to make decisions. There is no single cutoff score that guarantees admission, but competitive scores typically fall in the upper range of the scale. Many students take practice tests and study for two to three months before sitting for the DAT.

Dental school: four years of education and clinical training

Dental school is divided into classroom-based and clinic-based learning. In your first year, you take courses in oral anatomy, dental materials, pharmacology, and pathology while beginning to learn clinical skills in a simulated environment. By the second year, you move into patient care under supervision, treating actual patients in the school clinic while continuing didactic coursework.

The third and fourth years emphasize clinical practice. You treat patients with a range of dental needs—cleanings, fillings, root canals, extractions, and restorations—under the supervision of faculty dentists. You also rotate through specialty clinics such as pediatric dentistry, oral surgery, and prosthodontics to gain exposure to different areas of practice. Most dental schools require completion of a certain number of patient visits and procedures before graduation.

Dental school is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), which ensures all programs meet minimum standards. Accreditation matters because you can only sit for licensing exams if you graduate from a CODA-accredited school. The school you attend does not have to be in your home state, and many students move for dental school.

Licensing exams and state requirements

After dental school, you must pass licensing exams to practice. Most states use the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE), which has two parts: Part I covers basic science and dental science, and Part II covers clinical dental science. You typically take Part I during dental school and Part II after graduation. Both are computer-based exams administered by the ADA.

In addition to the NBDE, most states require a clinical exam where you demonstrate your ability to treat patients. Some states use the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE), which combines the written and clinical components into one exam. A few states have their own clinical exams. You will need to research your state's specific requirements because they vary.

Once you pass the required exams, you explore for a state dental license through your state's dental board. The process includes proof of graduation, exam scores, and sometimes a background check. Licensure is state-specific, so if you move to another state, you may need to take that state's exams or explore for reciprocity, which allows you to transfer your license if the states have an agreement.

Costs and student debt

Dental school tuition varies significantly by school and whether you attend a public or private institution. Public dental schools typically cost between $25,000 and $45,000 per year for in-state students, while private schools often range from $50,000 to $80,000 per year. These figures cover tuition only and do not include living expenses, books, instruments, or licensing exam fees.

Most dental students borrow money to pay for school. Federal student loans through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program are available to dental students, and many schools also work with private lenders. The average dental school graduate has student loan debt, though the amount varies widely depending on how much of school was paid out of pocket, whether scholarships were received, and which school was attended.

Loan repayment affects your early career decisions. Some dentists work in underserved areas or public health settings partly because those positions offer loan forgiveness programs. Others prioritize higher-paying positions to pay down debt faster. Understanding the total cost before you explore helps you make informed decisions about which schools to pursue.

Career paths after licensure

Most licensed dentists work in private practice, either as solo practitioners or as associates in group practices. In private practice, you treat patients with routine and complex dental needs, manage staff, and handle business operations. Some dentists purchase an existing practice or start their own, while others work as associates for several years before buying in or opening independently.

Specialty dentistry requires additional training beyond the dental degree. Specialties include orthodontics (straightening teeth), periodontics (gum disease), endodontics (root canals), oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics (dentures and implants), and others. Specialty programs typically last two to four years and are competitive to enter. Specialists generally earn more than general dentists but invest additional time and money in training.

Dentists also work outside private practice. Public health dentists work for government agencies or nonprofits providing care to underserved populations. Military dentists serve in the armed forces. Dental school faculty teach and conduct research. Some dentists work in hospitals or correctional facilities. These paths offer different schedules, patient populations, and earning structures than private practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to major in biology or chemistry to become a dentist?

No. You need to complete the required science courses, but you can major in any field. Many dentists major in chemistry, biology, or health sciences, but others major in business, psychology, or unrelated fields and complete dental prerequisites as electives. Plan your schedule early to finish prerequisites before explore to dental school.

What is a competitive DAT score?

The DAT is scored on a scale, and dental schools consider scores in context with your GPA and other process materials. Most admitted students score in the upper range, but there is no single cutoff. Research the average scores of admitted students at schools you are interested in to understand what is competitive for those programs.

Can I work while in dental school?

Most dental students work part-time during their first year or two, but clinical demands in years three and four make full-time work difficult. Some students work summers or take on limited hours during the school year. Talk to current students and admissions staff at schools you are considering to understand realistic work expectations.

How long does it take to become a specialist dentist?

After earning your dental degree and license, specialty programs typically last two to four years depending on the specialty. Orthodontics and prosthodontics often take two to three years, while oral surgery may take four or more years. You explore to specialty programs during dental school, similar to how you applied to dental school itself.

What if I do not get into dental school on my first process?

Many successful dentists were not admitted on their first try. You can retake the DAT, improve your GPA through additional coursework, gain more dental experience, and explore again the following year. Some students attend a post-baccalaureate program designed to strengthen their process before reapplying.