Process Of Becoming A Dentist

Most people have a job where they trade time for money and earn a living wage. Some look to do more and educate themselves to get a trade or profession where they can build a career and earn a higher income.

Dentistry is just a career you can pursue; it is a business that gives people back their smiles as any orthodontist near me is happy to tell me. If you have been thinking about dentistry as your craft, you must follow a path that leads to proper accreditation and licensing, but it is more than worth your while.

This is the process of becoming a dentist. It is a lofty goal with lots of schooling, training and costs, but in the end, you will be a professional, practicing in your local area to bring smiles back to all your patients.

Not sure where to start? This is the process of becoming a dentist.

Get a High School Diploma

Many jobs require a high school diploma or GED, but becoming a dentist requires post-education and lots of it. That means you need to complete high school to take the next step.

Graduation from high school can mean many things, but it is critical to get excellent grades so you can attend a college or university of your choice. Opt for courses that drive your knowledge toward this field, like science and communication, because they will be useful for your dental career.

Also, ensure that your courses align with your dental program’s science requirements.

Dental Supplies

Every profession requires the tools of the trade, and dentistry is no different. You must acquire the necessary equipment and supplies to run your dental practice.

These dental supplies can be purchased in a variety of ways, including:

· Private suppliers

· Dental liquidators

· Dental supply reps

· Dental supply companies

· Mail Order Distributors

· Fulfillment warehouses

Your most effective option is to shop around and find a company you feel comfortable with. Check out their website and see how the ordering process works. Ensure they have everything you need for your initial start-up and ongoing requirements.

You want a dental supply store with a proven track record that can fulfill orders quickly without disruptions. Avoid contracts that tie you to a particular supplier, but choose a supplier that offers an extensive inventory and high-quality products.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

This is a requirement for a dental degree, and it can be in any discipline, although it is wise to concentrate on science and math. Look up the requirements for the dental school you are considering to see if they have any further recommendations or requirements for your undergraduate degree.

Take a Dental Aptitude Test

The DAT is a common requirement for dental schools, and it tests you in several areas:

· Manual dexterity

· Visual perception, both 2D and 3D

· General academic ability

· Comprehension of scientific information

This is administered by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), and while not always required, it is an option to increase your employability.

Enroll In and Complete a Dental Program

Now that you have your bachelor’s degree and a competitive DAT score, you can apply to an accredited dental program. These are the ones that receive official recognition and verification from the Commission on Dental Accreditation in Canada (CDAC).

There are many schools nationwide, so pick one that ideally suits you. These schools offer a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) degree. Most programs take four years to complete and combine classroom instruction and clinical, hands-on experience.

During this training, you will learn to practice dentistry using dental labs and equipment. In addition, you will treat patients under the supervision of your professors. You will be awarded a doctorate when you finish your studies.

Pursue a Dental Specialty

You have become qualified for general dentistry, but some people choose to take more training to specialize in a particular brand of dentistry like:

· Oral surgery

· Periodontics

· Orthodontics

· Pediatric Dentistry

· Maxillofacial surgery

These typically take another two to four years to complete but open up more prospects for you.

Apply for Your Dental License

This is your final step and is a certification program called the National Dental Specialty Examination administered by The National Dental Examining Board of Canada. Once you pass this exam, you can start your career as a certified dentist.

There are further licensing and registration requirements, depending on your practice location. However, your training is done, and you can get to work.

Start a Practice, Join a Practice or Buy a Practice

Several options are open to you now, each with advantages and disadvantages. To build your business, you can start your practice and work hard to gain new clients.

There may also be an opportunity in your local area to join a practice and share office space with other dentists. This often works well if you have a specialty that complements them.

Another way is to buy a retiring dentist’s practice. You will pay for their clients, equipment and even the building lease where they practice.

Lisbeth Mora, California Business Journal