How to Become a Dentist in 2025: Training, Licensing & Salary Insights

Dentistry is one of the most rewarding and respected healthcare careers. Beyond restoring smiles, dentists enjoy flexible lifestyles, strong earning potential, and opportunities for growth. However, the journey to becoming a dentist requires significant planning, preparation, and perseverance.

If you're wondering how to become a dentist in 2025, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step—from education requirements to licensing and career opportunities.

A Glimpse into a Dentist’s Daily Life

Dentists are healthcare professionals specializing in oral health. Their daily responsibilities include:

• Diagnosing and treating tooth decay, gum disease, and oral infections
• Performing procedures like teeth whitening, root canals, fillings, extractions,and crown placements
• Conducting oral surgeries and implant restorations
• Reading x-rays and using advanced dental equipment like lasers, drills, and scalpels

Dentists often work with dental hygienists, assistants, receptionists, and other healthcare team members. Depending on their specialization, they may focus on areas like pediatric dentistry, periodontics, or endodontics.

Dentist Salary Overview: How Much Do Dentists Earn?

Dentists consistently rank among the highest-paid healthcare providers. According to the latest data:

• United States: Average salary of $177,158 (ranging from $130,000 to $230,000 annually)
• Canada: Median salary of $126,000
  
  

Salary factors include:

• Experience: Entry-level dentists earn around $86,000, while seasoned professionals exceed $206,000.
• Industry: Federal government dentists earn higher salaries compared to private practice.
• Location: Dentists in metropolitan areas like Washington, D.C. command higher wages than those in smaller cities.
• Specialty:
• Oral and maxillofacial surgeons: Over $208,000
• Orthodontists: $208,000
• General dentists: $160,370
• Prosthodontists: $100,950
  
  

States with the Highest and Lowest Dentist Salaries

Top-paying states for dentists include:

• Hawaii
• Nevada
• Massachusetts
• Rhode Island
• Oregon
  
  

States with lower average salaries include:

• Iowa
• West Virginia
• Utah
• New Mexico
• Alabama
  
  

Dentist Job Outlook: Promising Growth Ahead

The dental profession is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade, with about 5,100 job openings annually. Factors driving this demand include:

• Aging populations requiring dental care
• Increasing demand for cosmetic and complex dental procedures
• Expanding dental insurance coverage

Current dentist unemployment rates are remarkably low at 0.3%, highlighting strong job security in this field.

How Many Years Does It Take to Become a Dentist?

Becoming a licensed dentist typically requires:

• 4 years of undergraduate education
• 4 years of dental school
• Additional 1–2 years for specialization (optional)
  
  

Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming a Dentist

✅ Start Early: High School Preparation

Begin laying the foundation in high school by:

• Focusing on science and math courses
• Joining pre-health mentorship programs
• Exploring dental careers through shadowing opportunities
  
  

✅ Pursue a Strong Undergraduate Degree

Most dental schools require:

• 8 hours of Biology with lab
• 8 hours of Physics with lab
• 8 hours of English
• 8 hours of Organic Chemistry with lab
• 8 hours of General Chemistry with lab

Choosing a science-related major can strengthen your application, but no specific major is mandatory.

✅ Meet Nonacademic Requirements

Dental schools also value:

• Shadowing experience with licensed dentists
• Volunteer work in healthcare settings
• Leadership roles in student or community organizations

Participating in a pre-dental internship abroad can significantly enhance your application.

✅ Prepare for the Dental Admission Test (DAT)

The DAT assesses your skills in:

• Natural sciences
• Perceptual ability
• Reading comprehension
• Quantitative reasoning

Start studying at least six months in advance to ensure a competitive score.

✅ Submit a Strong Dental School Application

Key components include:

• Official transcripts
• Letters of recommendation (at least three)
• Personal statement (up to 4,500 characters)

Use the ADEA AADSAS platform to apply to multiple dental schools efficiently.

✅ Ace Your Dental School Interview

Prepare for interviews by:

• Practicing common questions
• Reflecting on your motivation for dentistry
• Understanding the mission and values of each school
  
  

What to Expect in Dental School

The dental school curriculum generally includes:

• First Two Years: Classroom education covering anatomy, microbiology, pharmacology, and dental sciences
• Third and Fourth Years: Clinical rotations treating real patients under supervision

Dental students also develop technical skills through lab work and simulated patient encounters.

Choosing the Right Dental School

When selecting a dental school, consider:

• Location and cost of living
• Class size and campus culture
• Curriculum style (lecture-based vs. hands-on)
• Graduate outcomes and specialty placement rates
• Clinical opportunities and access to modern technologies
  
  

Life After Dental School: Jumpstarting Your Career

Upon graduation, you must:

• Pass the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE or INBDE)
• Complete a clinical skills assessment (such as the OSCE)
• Apply for licensure in your state

You can then choose to:

• Work as a general dentist
• Open a private practice
• Pursue a dental specialty through additional residency training
  
  

Specialties to Consider After Dental School

Popular dental specialties include:

1. Endodontics
2. Pediatric Dentistry
3. Periodontics
4. Prosthodontics
5. Orthodontics
6. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
   

Specialization requires additional education and certification.

Why Dentistry Is a Rewarding Career

1. Making a Positive Impact

Dentists play a crucial role in improving patients' oral health and overall well-being. Preventing disease, restoring function, and boosting confidence are daily rewards of the profession.

2. Entrepreneurship Opportunities

Many dentists open private practices, allowing them to:

• Set their schedules
• Customize patient care models
• Build independent wealth

3. High Demand and Career Stability

With aging populations and increasing demand for advanced dental procedures, job stability and growth prospects remain strong.

4. Leveraging Technology

Advances in dental technology—such as 3D printing, digital x-rays, and laser treatments—enhance patient care and professional satisfaction.

5. Competitive Salaries

Dentists enjoy excellent earning potential, with opportunities for salary increases through specialization or practice ownership.

6. Flexibility and Lifestyle Balance

Dentists often maintain flexible schedules, allowing for better work-life balance compared to other healthcare professions.

Challenges to Consider

Like any career, dentistry has its challenges:

• Lengthy education: Expect at least eight years of schooling.
• Student debt: Graduating with significant debt is common, though manageable with strong earning potential.
• Physical demands: Dental work can be physically taxing and requires attention to ergonomic practices.
  
  

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Dentist

1. Is dentistry the right career for me?

If you enjoy science, problem-solving, helping others, and hands-on work, dentistry could be a perfect fit.

2. How hard is it to become a dentist?

Becoming a dentist is challenging but achievable with dedication. It requires strong academics, excellent DAT performance, and commitment to patient care.

3. What degree is needed to apply to dental school?

You need a bachelor’s degree with completed prerequisite coursework in sciences, but the major can vary.

4. What are the extra requirements beyond academics?

Dental schools seek candidates with leadership, communication, critical thinking, and clinical experience, often demonstrated through shadowing, internships, or research.

5. Is dental school expensive?

Yes, but the investment is often offset by future high earning potential. Applying through services like AADSAS incurs additional fees.

6. Are dental internships necessary

Internships, especially pre-dental internships abroad with Go Elective, provide real-world experience that strengthens your dental school applications and future practice skills.

7. What happens after graduating from dental school?

You must pass national and clinical exams to become licensed. You can then practice, specialize, or pursue opportunities in academia, research, or public health.

Final Thoughts: Is Becoming a Dentist Worth It?

Dentistry remains one of the most fulfilling healthcare careers, combining clinical excellence with personal connection and professional flexibility. If you're passionate about science, healthcare, and making a tangible difference in people's lives, dentistry could be your ideal path.

Start strengthening your preparation today by exploring Go Elective’s Pre-Dental Internships Abroad—an opportunity to build your skills, expand your global healthcare perspective, and stand out as a future dental professional.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Dental Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: May 16, 2025