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How to Become a Dentist: Education, Costs and Career Steps

Quick answer: Becoming a dentist in the United States requires three to four years of undergraduate education, four years at an accredited dental school, and passage of national and state licensing exams. The process takes eight to ten years in total, or longer for those who specialize. Graduates earn either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine), and both degrees require identical training. Licensing requirements vary by state; the ADA, , and the CODA program directory are the authoritative sources for current requirements.

In this blog we will walk through each step in order, from deciding whether dentistry is the right fit through licensure and into the financial decisions that follow.

  1. Decide whether dentistry is right for you

Dentists diagnose and treat conditions affecting the teeth, gums, and oral tissues. The work is hands-on, technically precise, and patient-facing. Strong candidates have manual dexterity, genuine interest in healthcare, and comfort putting anxious patients at ease, as well as a clear-eyed view of the career-to-earnings timeline.

Many pre-dental students shadow working dentists before committing.

  1. Complete undergraduate prerequisites

Dental schools do not require a specific undergraduate major, but they do require specific coursework. Any major works provided that the prerequisites are satisfied. Science GPA carries substantial weight in admissions, and shadowing hours strengthen your application.

Most programs expect applicants to have completed:

  • Biology (with lab)
  • General chemistry (with lab)
  • Organic chemistry (with lab)
  • Biochemistry
  • Physics
  • Statistics or mathematics
  1. Take the DAT

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a standardized exam required by nearly all U.S. dental schools. It covers:

  • Natural sciences (biology, general and organic chemistry)
  • Perceptual ability (being able to spot small differences in visual patterns, special shapes and fine details)
  • Reading comprehension
  • Quantitative reasoning

Most applicants take the DAT it in their junior year of college. Scores run on a scale of 1 to 30; competitive applicants typically score 19 or above. Registration is at ada.org.

  1. Apply to an accredited dental school

Most applicants apply through the AADSAS system, coordinated by ADEA, which lets candidates submit one application to multiple schools.

Key elements of a dental school application include:

  • Transcripts and DAT scores
  • Letters of recommendation
  • A personal statement
  • Documented clinical and shadowing hours

Most programs use rolling admissions, which rewards early applicants. Confirm accreditation using the CODA program directory, because only CODA-accredited programs qualify graduates for U.S. licensure.

  1. Earn a DDS or DMD

Dental school takes four years and leads to one of two degrees: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). Despite the different names, the ADA confirms that both degrees carry the same educational requirements and clinical training standards. The degree a school confers depends on its institutional history, not curriculum differences.

Years 1–2: Cover foundational sciences, like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and the behavioral sciences. Students also begin preclinical technique training using simulation models.

Years 3–4: Clinical rotations in which students treat actual patients under faculty supervision across all major disciplines: restorative dentistry, periodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, endodontics, and more.

  1. Complete licensing requirements

A dental degree alone does not allow a graduate to practice. Most states require two exams:

National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE) or INBDE A written exam administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE), covering the biomedical and dental sciences. As of 2020, the two-part NBDE was consolidated into the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE).

A clinical examination Administered by regional testing agencies such as the ADEX, WREB, or CRDTS. These evaluate hands-on patient care competency.

Some states have additional requirements, including jurisprudence exams and background checks. Because requirements differ across jurisdictions, the ADA’s state dental board directory is the most reliable reference for state-specific rules.

After licensure, graduates can enter general practice or pursue advanced training in a specialty. The ADA recognizes twelve dental specialties, including:

  • Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics (typically 2–3 years of residency)
  • Oral and maxillofacial surgery (4–6 years, with a 6-year track incorporating a medical degree)
  • Periodontics (3 years)
  • Endodontics (2–3 years)
  • Pediatric dentistry (2–3 years)
  • Prosthodontics (3 years)

General dentists can begin practice immediately after licensure. Specialists complete additional accredited residency or postgraduate programs and but they also accumulate more debt and defer income further.

Additional training in general dentistry like a General Practice Residency (GPR) or Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) provides dental school graduates with one to two years of optional post-doctoral clinical experience before entering private practice

Pursuing further education is a financial calculation as much as a professional one.

  1. Begin planning for debt, income and insurance

Licensing marks the official start of a dental career. It also marks the moment when significant financial decisions can no longer be put off.

What the path to dentistry means financially

 

How much does dental school cost?

According to the ADA, the average educational debt for dental school graduates exceeds $300,000, and that figure can climb at private institutions or when undergraduate debt is included.

How long before a dentist earns a full income?

During dental school and any subsequent residency, income is essentially zero. Residents may earn a stipend, but it rarely covers living expenses. For a dentist pursuing oral surgery with a six-year residency, the training period alone can span a decade from undergraduate enrollment.

General dentistry vs. specialization: what’s the financial difference?

General dentists earn strong incomes with median earnings well into six figures. Specialists generally earn more, but carry more debt and defer income longer. The financial advantage of specialization depends on the field and individual circumstances.

When do dentists need disability and malpractice insurance?

Own-occupation disability insurance is most valuable and affordable when purchased young and in good health, it makes sense to secure coverage before graduation. Dental students are usually covered for malpractice under the auspices of their dental school but may need coverage for externships and board exams. Dentists will need malpractice insurance when they enter private practice.

What financial decisions come after dental school?

The first years of practice bring decisions that catch many new dentists off-guard: , evaluating a practice purchase, establishing a retirement plan, and choosing a loan repayment strategy. Whether to refinance federal loans or preserve income-driven repayment options is consequential and depends on individual circumstances.

Where to go from here:

American Dental Association (ADA) – Licensing requirements, specialty information, and professional development

ADEA GoDental – Program search, application guidance, and career exploration

CODA Program Directory – Verify accreditation status for any dental school or residency program

Frequently asked questions:

 

How long does it take to become a dentist?

Becoming a dentist takes eight to ten years after high school: three to four years of undergraduate education and four years of dental school. Dentists who pursue a specialty complete an additional two to six years of residency training.

What is the difference between a DDS and a DMD?

A DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) are equivalent degrees. Both require the same coursework and clinical training. The degree a school awards depends on its history, not on curriculum differences.

What undergraduate major do you need to get into dental school?

Dental schools do not require a specific major. Any undergraduate major is acceptable provided the required science prerequisites are completed: biology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and statistics. Science GPA carries significant weight in admissions.

What is the DAT and when should you take it?

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a standardized exam required by nearly all U.S. dental schools. It covers natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. Most applicants take it during their junior year of undergraduate study. Competitive scores are typically 19 or above. The ADA administers the exam at ada.org.

Do you need to specialize to earn a high income as a dentist?

No. General dentists typically earn strong incomes with median earnings well into six figures. Specialists tend to earn more, but they also carry more debt and defer income longer during residency training. The financial advantage of specialization depends on the specific field and individual circumstances.

How much debt do dental school graduates carry?

According to the ADA, the average educational debt for dental school graduates exceeds $300,000. This figure can be higher at private institutions and when undergraduate debt is included. Students who specialize take on additional living expenses during residency, when income may be limited to a small stipend.

When should a dental student start thinking about disability insurance?

As early as dental school. Own-occupation disability insurance is most affordable when purchased young and in good health. Dental students anticipating significant loan obligations often begin evaluating coverage before graduation. Waiting until after entering practice may mean higher premiums.

Need a financial guide for the road ahead?

The path to dentistry is one of the most financially demanding in healthcare. From managing dental school debt to navigating your first associate contract, the decisions compound quickly. The team at Treloar & Heisel has spent decades working exclusively with dental and medical professionals, and we understand the specific financial pressures this career path creates.

Download our dental school survival guide to learn more about the road ahead.