Education:Start your journey by earning a Bachelor's degree with a focus on pre-dental courses in biology or chemistry.
Dental Admission Test (DAT):Prepare for and take the DAT, a standardized test that assesses your academic and scientific knowledge.
Dental School:Apply and get accepted into an accredited dental school to pursue a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
Clinical Training: Gain hands-on experience in dental procedures, including examinations, cleanings, and treatments.
Licensing:After graduating, pass your state's licensing exam to become a licensed dentist.
Specialization (Optional):Consider further education to specialize in areas like orthodontics, oral surgery, or pediatric dentistry.
Practice or Join a Clinic:Begin your career as a dentist in private practice, a group clinic, or a hospital setting to help patients maintain their oral health.