It is illegal to practice dentistry without a license issued by the state in which one works. While each state has its own individual licensing requirements, there are some steps that are essentially universal.
To be eligible for a license to practice dentistry, a person must receive either a Doctor Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Apart from the names, the two degrees are identical. Each program typically lasts four years and involves clinical practice under the supervision of a licensed dentist during the latter half. The first half of the program is devoted to classroom and laboratory studies:
Some states require that a person earn the DDS or DMD degree from a program with the accreditation of the American Dental Association.
Many dental schools require a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite for admission. Others allow a person to finish the bachelor's degree concomitantly with dental school courses. In either case, the individual does not need to major in a specific pre-dental field. However, coursework in sciences such as chemistry and biology may be helpful.
After completing the required undergraduate work, a person must pass the Dental Admission Test as part of the application to dental school. The DAT assesses scientific knowledge and academic capacity. Dental schools may set a minimum score that students must attain to be eligible for admittance.
Upon completing one's DMD or DDS, students must pass the National Board Dental Examinations to be eligible for licensure. The written exam assesses knowledge of clinical procedures, dental sciences, and ethics. It is taken in two parts.
Some aspiring dental students may have the opportunity to enroll in programs that provide additional training and mentoring. For example, selected college and university campuses host a six-week dental school preparation program during the summer. Students get a firsthand look at dental work in the setting of a clinic. They also gain academic enrichment, financial advice, and career development. The American Student Dental Association offers a mentoring program that provides guidance through the process of gaining admission to dental school.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
General Dentist in San Jose, CA
Becoming a dentist is a long process starting with undergraduate coursework, which may or may not focus on the sciences, before gaining admittance to a dental school. Upon completion of a four-year DDS or DMD program, dental students must pass national board exams and meet other requirements set by the state to become eligible for a dental license to practice as a general dentist.
Request an appointment or call Dennis Baik, DDS at 408-676-5321 for an appointment in our San Jose office.
A general dentist can provide services ranging from routine cleanings and exams to the detection and diagnosis of periodontal disease. When patients have an oral health condition that requires surgery, the dentist may refer the patient to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for treatment. There are several reasons why it may be necessary to obtain…
A general dentist is the dental equivalent of a primary care physician. A general dental professional is the person dental patients can go to for routine preventative care and diagnosis of any oral health problems. There are multiple benefits to establishing a relationship with a general dentist.Maintaining oral health is important for both the health…
If a general dentist recommends a dental crown, there are a variety of reasons why. Crowns can be used for cosmetic corrections as well as for protection and support. These dental restorations may seem intimidating to those who have never had one, but they do not have to be. Here are some questions to ask…
Find out if your child should be wearing a mouth guard while playing sports.
Patients will take medications that will push them into a near unconscious or fully unconscious…
Consulting with a dentist about replacing a missing tooth is not much different than a…
Deep cleanings are usually performed three to four times a year at the dental office.
Dental veneers are coverings that sit on the front, visible surfaces of the teeth.
You may not think much about TMJ disorder unless a dentist diagnoses you with it.…
