How long is a dds degree

This training usually takes place in the form of a residency, which often takes between one and two years to complete. More in-depth specializations can require even more time to complete. Oral surgery, for example, requires a four-year residency or a six-year program to become a medical doctor. All dentists must be licensed in the state in which they want to practice. This requires the successful completion of the National Board Dental Exam.

The National Board Exam for dentists consists of a two-part written exam with questions. Dental students who have completed additional training in a dental specialization will also need to complete a board exam in that specialization.

Related: Definitive Guide to Internships. Two types of degrees will qualify you to work as a dentist. The educational and licensing requirements for each one are the same. While they might sound like different degrees, the only difference is the dentistry program that you attend.

Your job opportunities as a dentist should not be affected by which type of dental degree you have. There are many careers to consider if you're interested in becoming a dentist or entering the medical field.

Here's a list of 10 jobs that are similar to dentists:. Dental hygienist. Medical biller. Dental assistant. Oral surgeon. Medical receptionist. Clinical researcher. Orthodontic assistant. Find jobs. Company reviews. Find salaries. Upload your resume. Sign in. Finding a Job. This article has been approved by an Indeed Career Coach Dentists are important in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of common dental conditions. What is a dentist?

How long does it take to become a dentist? Type of program. Undergraduate major. Application results. Responsibilities of a dentist. Promoting and educating good dental health with patients Taking X-rays to determine the cause of dental pain Cleaning teeth and routinely removing tooth decay Creating treatment plans to overcome common dental problems Monitoring the development and placement of children's teeth.

The short answer to how many total years does it take to become a dentist is somewhere between six and eight years. But there are some variables in that estimation and that, of course, is based on someone attending as a full-time student. The number of total years it takes to become a dentist can depend on the dental school you select. That is at least four years there before even becoming a dentist.

But many future dentists choose to have a specialty so they can focus on one area, and that can add years to your educational pursuits. How hard is dental school? Dental school is very hard. The difficulty of dental school is relative and has more to do with the student than it does with the school.

Suffice it to say that becoming a doctor of any kind, including a doctor of dental surgery or a doctor of dental medicine, is very difficult. Is it too late to become a dentist? No, it is not too late to become a dentist. No school is going to discriminate against you because of your age. So if becoming a dentist is something you really want to do, then you should do it — at any age. This is not to discourage anyone, but so you can better gauge how long it will take.

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After you finish dental school, you will be required to get your dental license from your state board in order to start practicing dentistry. So how many years does it take to become a dentist? Comments or questions? Post them below. Your email address will not be published. Dr Michael Smith D.