Dental School
Most applicants for dental school already possess an undergraduate degree in a related discipline, with at least two years of rigorous premedical/dental course work completed. In addition to having good grades in prerequisite courses such as advanced biology and chemistry, the successful applicant must score well on the Dental Admissions Test (DAT).
Because only 57 dental schools in the entire country are accredited, competition for these programs is quite fierce. The good news is that dental job prospects are excellent for dental school graduates.
Dental school is quite similar to medical school, emphasizing physiology, biology, anatomy and laboratory course work. Students can complete degree, either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine), in four years. They spend much of the final two years practicing their new skills under the supervision of experienced dentists.
After graduation from dental school, dentists may complete an internship and/or residency in their specialty before taking the state licensing exam. Some dental school graduates become generalists, while others receive additional training to become orthodontists or oral surgeons, two specialties known to earn high salaries. Most would agree that dental school tuition is money well spent.
Dental School Career Paths
A dental school can prepare a student for a variety of careers in the field of oral health. The length, depth, and focus of the program offered by the dental school vary depending on the chosen career path.
For example:
- Dental assistant. A dental school that provides training for dental assistants usually has programs that can be completed in one to two years. These programs help prepare the student to work directly with dental patients and assist a dentist in providing oral care and treatment. A dental assistant can perform some patient care independently, and in some cases can perform lab duties as well. The average salary for a dental assistant is $27,248. The dental school curriculum is typically geared toward ensuring that students can successfully complete the Certified Dental Assistant Examination.
- Dental hygienist. A dental school with an accredited dental hygiene program typically offers students the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree. These programs are typically two years in length and prepare students for a career oral hygiene. Many dental schools have baccalaureate degree programs in dental hygiene as well. The average salary for a dental hygienist is $55,307.
- Dental lab technician. A dental school that offers training for dental lab technicians can typically be found at the community college level. These programs focus on training students to make corrective devices and replacements for natural teeth. The dental school prepares students to pass the Certified Dental Technician examination administered by the National Association of Dental Laboratories.
- Dentist. Dental school can usually be completed in four years after obtaining a bachelor’s degree. There are less than 60 accredited dental schools in the United States. To practice as a dentist, a degree must come from an accredited dental school. In order to be accepted at dental school, the applicant must first obtain his bachelor’s degree, and then pass the Dental Admission Testing Examination.
Visit the dental school’s facilities and make sure that the latest tools and technologies are deployed. The student/teacher ratio is very important as well. Another key consideration when weighing one dental school against another is the job placement rate. The dental school should have job search assistance and guidance for students to gain employment upon graduation.