In Medicine, different fields focus on specific parts of the human body.
This usually happens in the case of organs or body areas that given their characteristics, are highly complex and can present several complications.
One of these areas is our mouth.
Not only does it have a diversity of parts, but it also entails several functions that are vital for us human beings.
In the next few sections, we’ll discuss Dentistry, how to attend Dentistry School and how much it can cost.
Table of Contents
What Is Dentistry?
Dentistry is a field of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of illnesses, injuries, and disorders of the mouth, teeth, and jaw.
Due to the extreme complexity of the mouth, Dentistry is considered a highly specialized area.
This is reflected in the fact that there are separate schools directed only to those who aspire to work in this field.
What Does a Dentist Do?
Dentists are the professionals that examine, diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, or any other problem that might be present in the teeth, gums, jaw or other parts of the mouth.
Even though other professions also focus on dental care, such as Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists, a Dentist is the one that has the most profound knowledge of the oral cavity and tends to supervise the work of other professionals in the field.
What is Dentistry School?
Dentistry School, also known as Dental School, is a graduate program, which means that you must have first earned a Bachelor’s degree in order to attend this school.
Although there is no specific major associated with Dentistry School, you must have taken certain courses that are mandatory if you wish to enroll in this program.
Some of the most common pre-requisite courses are Biology, Physics, General and Organic Chemistry, and Biochemistry.
However, it’s important to first check which courses the school you wish to attend requires since they are not always the same.
Is Being a Dentist the Right Choice for Me?
Becoming a Dentist might be the best option for you if you aspire to help others, create a positive impact in your patients’ life, teach others about oral healthcare, establish your own dental practice and be independent, and if you have the patience and creativity to manage different types of patients and the issues that affect them.
It’s also important to acknowledge that you will need several years of education and training in order to become a Dentist.
What Are the Entry Requirements for Dentistry School?
Even though every Dentistry School has its own specific entry requirements, some of them are shared among all.
Bachelor’s Degree
As previously mentioned, you will first need to obtain a Bachelor’s degree that has some pre-requisite courses to be admitted to Dentistry School.
Relevant Practical Experience
Besides having an undergraduate degree, you must also prove to have research or laboratory experience, shadow dentists in order to experience what the profession is about before applying, engage in community service, and have demonstrated leadership in the past.
Dental Admissions Test
The Dental Admissions Test (DAT) is an exam that is required by all Dentistry Schools.
It’s a multiple-choice test that focuses on academic ability, scientific comprehension, and perceptual ability.
The DAT is offered by the American Dental Association (ADA).
This test must be taken at least one year before applying to Dentistry School.
How Long Does Dentistry School Last?
The typical Dentistry School program lasts four years, with the first two years focusing on classes and the final two years, on direct clinical experience.
If you want to become a Dentist, you could spend approximately eight years preparing yourself.
This could increase if you decide to specialize in an area within Dentistry, such as Dental Anesthesiology, Oral Medicine, or Periodontics.
How Much Does Dentistry School Cost?
The cost of attending Dentistry School is going to be determined mostly by the type of school you select and the city where you want to study.
If you attend a public Dentistry School, you could pay from $12,000 to $38,000 per year.
Private Dentistry Schools could cost per year, between $50,000 and $85,000.
