Dentistry is a respected, well-paid healthcare career in the U.S., and several dental specialties, including oral and maxillofacial surgery, prosthodontics, and orthodontics, have some of the highest median wages in the field. Demand for dentists is expected to grow as more older adults need dental services, especially because people are more likely to keep their teeth later in life than in previous generations.
Aside from this, many dentists work in private practice, and some run their own businesses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for dentists was $179,210 in May 2024. General dentists had a median annual wage of $172,790, while oral and maxillofacial surgeons, prosthodontists, and orthodontists each had median annual wages of $239,200 or more. Wages vary by location, hours worked, specialty, and years of experience. However, becoming a dentist in the United States usually requires several years of education, often including undergraduate preparation and a four-year DDS or DMD dental program.
The dental program should be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, or CODA. Considering the high competition among student applicants, it can be tough to get into dental school. After dental school, candidates must meet state licensure requirements, which typically include education, written examination, and clinical assessment requirements. Clinical assessment formats and accepted exams vary by state and territory.
Students also have to decide whether they want to specialize or continue as general dentists. The National Commission on Recognition of Dental Specialties and Certifying Boards recognizes 12 dental specialties: dental anesthesiology, dental public health, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral medicine, orofacial pain, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, and prosthodontics. Specializing in one of these fields usually requires additional postdoctoral training, often a two- to four-year residency, while oral and maxillofacial surgery programs typically take four to six years. To learn more about your journey to become a dentist in the United States, here are the five steps to guide you:
How to Become a Dentist in the United States
Step 1. Complete the Dental School Prerequisites
Before applying for dental school, students should take science and pre-dental classes in college and excel in these subjects, as this helps prepare them for dental coursework. Traditionally, dental schools expect prerequisites such as two semesters, or three quarters, of biology with lab, general chemistry with lab, organic chemistry with lab, and physics with lab. Requirements vary by school, so check each dental school’s admissions page. Completing dental school prerequisites is a necessary step to becoming a dentist in the U.S. No specific undergraduate major is required for all applicants, but a health or science-related course of study can help you complete the prerequisite coursework.
Though not required, joining the American Student Dental Association, which provides resources, publications, and mentorship opportunities for aspiring dentists, can also be a good idea. This can help you meet dental professionals and mentors who could help you gain knowledge, tips, and resources.
Step 2. Take and Pass the Dental Admission Test
Next on the list for becoming a dentist in the U.S. is to take the DAT, or Dental Admission Test, an entrance examination for dental school applicants. It consists of multiple-choice questions in four sections: Survey of the Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning.
Students commonly take the DAT in the spring of their junior year of undergraduate study or the summer between their junior and senior years. The ADA recommends submitting your application 60 to 90 days before you intend to take the exam.
Step 3. Prepare and Apply to Dental Schools
After taking the DAT, the next step to becoming a dentist in the U.S. is to choose your preferred dental schools and list their requirements. Students can gain hands-on experience through shadowing, volunteering, research, and clinical exposure when available. Instead of applying to as many schools as possible, build a balanced list of schools that fit your academic profile, goals, location preferences, and budget. Applicants generally apply to either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry/Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program at a CODA-accredited dental school.
The country has more than 60 CODA-accredited dental schools to consider, including the University of Michigan. This institution has dental student clinics where students provide care under the supervision of clinical instructors. Another school to consider is the Adams School of Dentistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which reports 90,000 patient visits each year and offers DDS, dental hygiene, and advanced education programs. Harvard University is also home to Harvard School of Dental Medicine. In addition to being an Ivy League school, it provides patient care through Harvard Dental Center practices.
4. Get Involved in the Dentistry Community
Once you’ve gotten into your desired dental school, the next step to becoming a dentist in the U.S. includes getting involved in the dentistry community. You should maximize your learning opportunities and experiences. In addition to doing well in lectures and exams, you should get involved and explore engagement opportunities like volunteering at health clinics and joining student organizations.
That way, you can gain valuable experience, giving you an advantage over other students. This can also help you better understand a dentist’s setting and actual work. Moreover, it’s an excellent way to meet new people and expand your network in the field.
5. Take the Licensure Exam
All dentists must be licensed in the state or territory where they practice. After completing your DMD or DDS degree, you must meet your state board’s requirements. All U.S. licensing jurisdictions require passing the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) for the written assessment.
Most U.S. licensing jurisdictions also require a clinical assessment. Accepted clinical exams and formats vary by state and territory; some assessments use computer simulations and manikin-based clinical examinations rather than live-patient exams. Because licensure requirements vary by state, it is best to contact your state dental board for the most accurate requirements.
Completing these steps to become a dentist is a long and challenging journey, but it can lead to a meaningful career. Moreover, being able to help patients with their dental issues can be rewarding, along with the strong salary opportunities available in dentistry. So, be prepared to pursue a career in this field and become a full-fledged dentist in the future!
We hope this article on how to become a dentist in the United States was helpful. To learn more information on studying in the country, make sure to check out the Study in the USA and the Available Courses for International Students sections!
