How Long Is Dental School? The Full Guide to Becoming a Dentist
Do you want to be a dentist? You need to go to dental school. Let’s learn how long it takes!
How Long Is Dental School?
Dental school takes 4 years. But that’s not all! The whole path to become a dentist takes 8-12+ years.
Here is the full path:
- College: 4 years
- Dental School: 4 years
- Extra Training (if you want to be a special kind of dentist): 1-6 years
Let’s break it down step by step!
The Step-by-Step Path to Become a Dentist
1. College Years (4 Years)
Before dental school, you need to go to college. You will take classes like:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
You need good grades to get into dental school. You also need to take a big test called the DAT (Dental Admission Test) in your junior year.
2. Dental School Years (4 Years)
Dental school has two parts:
First 2 Years:
- Learn about teeth and the body
- Study in classes and labs
- Take tests about dental facts
Last 2 Years:
- Work with real patients
- Do more than 1,500 hours of hands-on work
- Learn how to fix teeth
During dental school, you take big tests called the National Board Dental Examinations.
3. Extra Training (1-6+ Years)
After dental school, you can:
- Start working as a general dentist
- Get more training to be a special dentist
If you want to be a special dentist, here’s how long it takes:
- Orthodontist (braces doctor): 3 more years
- Oral Surgeon (teeth surgeon): 4-6 more years
- Pediatric Dentist (kids’ dentist): 2-3 more years
This Table Shows How Long Each Step Takes
| Step | Time | What You Do | Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| College | 4 years | Biology, Chemistry, Physics | DAT |
| Dental School | 4 years | Learn about teeth, work with patients | NBDE Part I/II |
| General Dentist | 0-1 year | Optional extra training | State license exams |
| Orthodontist | +3 years | Learn to fix crooked teeth | Board certification |
| Oral Surgeon | +4-6 years | Learn to do surgery | Board certification |
| Pediatric Dentist | +2-3 years | Learn to treat kids | Board certification |
Things That Can Make Dental School Take Longer
Sometimes, it might take more time to finish. Here’s why:
- Failed Tests: If you don’t pass a test, you might need to wait and take it again. This can add 6-12 months to your time.
- Gap Years: Some people take time off between college and dental school to:
- Get better grades
- Get more experience
- Save money
- Dual Degrees: If you want two degrees (like DDS/PhD), it takes 7-8 years instead of 4 years.
- Part-Time Programs: These are rare but can make school take longer.
- International Students: If you studied dentistry in another country, you might need to take a 2-3 year program to work in the US.
What You Learn in Dental School
First Two Years
- Body parts and how they work
- How teeth grow and develop
- What causes teeth problems
- How to use dental tools
Last Two Years
- How to clean teeth
- How to fill cavities
- How to make crowns and bridges
- How to pull teeth
- How to treat gum disease
You’ll do more than 1,500 clinical hours working with real patients before you finish.
Special Kinds of Dentists and How Long It Takes
Want to be a special kind of dentist? Here’s how long each takes after regular dental school:
- Pediatric Dentist (kids): 2-3 more years
- Orthodontist (braces): 3 more years
- Oral Surgeon (surgery): 4-6 more years
- Periodontist (gums): 3 more years
- Endodontist (root canals): 2-3 more years
- Prosthodontist (fake teeth): 3 more years
How Much Dental School Costs vs. How Long It Takes
Dental school is very expensive. The longer you go, the more it costs.
- Average dental school debt: $292,169
- Specialists (who go to school longer) can owe $500,000+
But dentists who go to school longer often make more money:
- General Dentist: $160,000 per year
- Orthodontist: $295,000 per year
- Oral Surgeon: $340,000+ per year
Common Questions About Dental School Length
Can I finish dental school faster?
No. All dental schools in the US must be 4 years long. This is a rule made by the dental education group.
Is dental school harder than medical school?
They are about the same in how hard the work is. Dental school is 4 years, while medical school is 4 years plus 3-7 years of residency.
Does my college major affect how long it takes?
No, but if you study science in college, you might have an easier time with the classes you need for dental school.
What happens if I fail a class in dental school?
You might need to repeat the class or even the whole year. This can add time to your dental school years.
Do all dental schools take the same amount of time?
Yes, all US dental schools take 4 years. Some schools outside the US might be 5-6 years but include college.
Conclusion: The Dental School Timeline
To become a dentist, you need:
- 4 years of college
- 4 years of dental school
- 0-6+ years of extra training (if you want to specialize)
That’s a total of 8-12+ years after high school.
The path is long, but helping people have healthy smiles is worth it! If you want to learn more about dental implant prosthetics, ceramic veneers, or custom dental guards, click those links for more information.
More Resources
Want to learn more? Check out these links:
- American Dental Association: www.ada.org
- American Dental Education Association: www.adea.org
- American Student Dental Association: www.asdanet.org
Remember, becoming a dentist takes time, but it’s a great job that helps people and pays well!
