Dentistry is one of the most vital segments of medicine that is dedicated to oral health and hygiene. The path to becoming a dentist is tough and differs from region to region. There are multiple exams conducted and specific training programs held before you actually qualify to become a dentist. Dental schools have their specific criteria for completing the course. If you are passionate about the art of studying dentistry and want to be a dentist one day, let’s take a look at the basic time-frame of ‘’how long does it take to become a dentist?’’.
Complete your dental bachelor’s course:
This is the first step that students must take up in order to prepare themselves for fulfilling the life of a dentist. Most dental schools have a four-year compulsory bachelor’s course, which is conducted over a period of 4 years. During this phase, students go through specific training modules and learn more about oral health care. Various types of subjects under the scope of dentistry are taught to the students as well.
However, the course for dentistry differs in relation to the type of institution you opt for studying. Universities often prepare their students in a different manner, with scope for internships as well. On the other hand, the completion time of a full dentist course from a private institution can be up to 5 to 6 years.
The most common term for fulfilling the dentistry course is 4-years. Students after receiving their degree, they can choose to join a dentist hospital or research more about the subject!
The Dental Admissions Test:
It takes a lot of patience, time, and hard work to become a dentist. If you love the subject and want to pursue it with all your heart, then there are varied opportunities available for you out there to apply for dental schools. To join these institutions, the most important test that students have to go through is the Dental Admissions Test. Like MAT or SAT, the DAT is also a critical exam that only a few students are able to pass in the first attempt. There are multiple question phases attached to this test. Therefore, rigorous practice and full-on time management are required to conquer the exam with flying colors.
Once you pass this exam, you will automatically stand a chance to apply for dentist schools. However, you have to pass through the interview process as well, before your admission to the school is finalized. Getting a good grade in the DAT is necessary to be selected for the interview round. You will get plenty of materials online to prepare for the exam. Sometimes, students take 1 to 2 years to practice for the exam, before they finally qualify it. Each year, the competition gets tougher and harder work and concentration is required on the part of students.
Earning your dentistry degree:
Calculating the time you have taken for preparing for the entrance test, the average time taken for becoming a dentist is around six years. Once your admission is confirmed in one of the best dentist colleges, you complete your bachelor’s degree to become a dentist. For some professional courses in dentistry, you can go for DDS, which is Doctor of Dental Surgery and DDM, which is Doctor of Dental Medicine. Students are required to apply for these courses full-time. Students also have the opportunity of completing these courses after their bachelor’s degree. Thus, individuals adding the tag of a master’s degree, have to spend an additional time of 1 -2 years to fulfill their dream of becoming a dentist!