Do Dentists Attend Medical School? Dental vs. Medical Pathways Explained

If you're considering a career in dentistry, you might wonder whether dentists go to medical school. While dentistry and medicine share important similarities, they follow distinct educational and training paths. In this guide, we'll explain the differences between dental and medical education in both the United States and the United Kingdom—and offer advice if you're considering expanding your credentials.

Do Dentists Need to Go to Medical School?

No, dentists do not attend traditional medical school to become licensed dental professionals. Dentistry is a distinct healthcare field that focuses on the health of the teeth, gums, and oral structures, while medicine addresses a broader range of bodily systems.

Instead of enrolling in a medical school program, aspiring dentists complete a separate educational journey through dental school. However, there are certain specialized pathways—such as oral and maxillofacial surgery—that may require additional medical training.

Why Dentists Follow a Different Educational Track

Dentistry demands specific expertise in oral health rather than general medicine. Dentists are trained to diagnose, prevent, and treat conditions affecting:

• Teeth
• Gums
• Jawbone
• Oral tissues

Their work ranges from filling cavities and correcting malocclusions to performing complex oral surgeries. Because their focus is highly specialized, dentists are not required to complete a medical school curriculum that covers unrelated areas like cardiology, neurology, or gastroenterology.

Steps to Become a Dentist in the United States

If you want to pursue dentistry in the U.S., your educational path typically includes:

• Completing a bachelor's degree (usually in a science-related field such as biology or chemistry)
• Passing the Dental Admission Test (DAT)
• Attending dental school for four years, earning either a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree

Dental school coursework emphasizes oral biology, pathology, anatomy, patient care, and clinical practice, preparing students for licensure exams and professional practice.

How the Path to Dentistry Differs in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, the dental education structure differs slightly:

• Students enter dental school directly after A-Levels, usually requiring high grades (commonly AAA).
• Dental school programs typically last five years.
• Graduates must complete one to two years of supervised practice through Dental Foundation Training.
• Registration with the General Dental Council (GDC) is mandatory before practicing independently.

Ongoing professional development through courses and certifications is required to maintain registration with the GDC throughout a dentist’s career.

Why Access to NHS Dentistry Is Challenging

The UK's National Health Service (NHS) offers dental care to residents at subsidized rates. However, accessing NHS dental services can be difficult due to:

• Regional shortages of NHS dentists
• Long wait times for appointments
• Limited availability of treatments covered by NHS funding

Many patients end up seeking private dental care for more specialized treatments or faster access, even though NHS support programs exist for low-income individuals.

Can Dentists Later Pursue a Medical Degree?

Dentists interested in becoming medical doctors have a couple of options:

• MD-Integrated Programs: Some programs combine dental and medical training for those specializing in fields like oral and maxillofacial surgery. These usually take around seven years to complete after dental school.
• Traditional Medical School Pathway: Alternatively, a dentist could pursue a new undergraduate degree in a science field, take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and apply to medical school—a longer and more competitive route.
  
  

Important Considerations for Dentists Becoming Doctors

• Completing medical school does not automatically allow a dentist to continue practicing dentistry.
• After earning an MD, individuals typically move into hospital-based roles or medical specialties such as oral medicine or head and neck surgery.
• The process demands significant time, financial investment, and commitment to an entirely new scope of healthcare practice.
  
  

Dentistry and Medicine: Similar Yet Distinct Journeys

Dentistry and medicine share foundational sciences, but they diverge when it comes to clinical focus and education:

• Dentists specialize deeply in oral health and surgical interventions related to the mouth, teeth, and jaw.
• Physicians manage broader systemic health conditions across all areas of the body.

Both professions require rigorous education, compassion, critical thinking, and a dedication to improving patients’ quality of life—but they reach their goals through different pathways.

Preparing for Your Future in Dentistry

If you're planning your pre-dental journey, building clinical experience early can make a significant difference. Participating in a Pre-Dental Internship Abroad with Go Elective allows you to:

• Gain exposure to global healthcare systems
• Develop guided  hands-on patient care skills such as tooth extractions
• Enhance your dental school applications with meaningful experience
• Strengthen your adaptability and cross-cultural competence

Interning in destinations like Kenya and Tanzania also offers a unique perspective that helps you stand out as a compassionate and globally aware future dentist.

Final Thoughts

Dentists do not attend traditional medical school because dentistry is its own specialized branch of healthcare. However, for those passionate about blending dentistry with broader medical training, pathways exist—though they require years of additional study and significant commitment.

Whether your goal is to become a practicing dentist, an oral surgeon, or to explore global healthcare opportunities, the foundation begins with choosing the right educational path. Real-world exposure through Go Elective’s healthcare internships abroad can help you prepare with confidence, clarity, and a competitive edge.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Dental Internships, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: May 16, 2025