So you'd like to become a dentist? Good for you! The field of dental care has experienced rapid growth, and with the increased demand for qualified dental professionals, it has never been more advantageous to embark on a pathway to this exciting career.
Contemplating a dental pathway is just the first step to establishing a successful practice. Read on to discover how you can enter this field with some knowledge and advantages that will place you ahead of your competition. Take these steps to your own successful dental practice:
1. Enroll in a qualified Bachelor's degree program
Dental schools normally require applicants to complete a Bachelor's degree program before gaining entrance to their program. In some cases, schools allow you to obtain an undergraduate degree concurrent with their programs; check with the school that you are interested in and see what their requirements are for admission.
2. Take the dental school admissions test
Before admission to dental school is official, applicants must pass the DAT, or dental admissions test. It is a measure of academic and scientific competence that is needed to perform dental work. A minimum score is needed on this test to gain entrance to most dental programs. In special cases, other factors may play a part in entrance, such as grade point average, extracurricular activities, and experience in the field.
3. Earn your degree
Most dental school programs require four years in addition to an undergraduate degree; specializations may require additional schooling, but they leave you with more options for practice particularly if they are in areas of high need. Standard coursework in a dental school program includes oral pathology, periodontics, dental anesthesia, orthodontics, radiology, and pharmacology. As you near completion of the program, you will be required to demonstrate competencies in several areas required for a successful dental practice.
4. Obtain your licensure
After coursework is complete, you'll be required to pass a National Board Dental Examination, in addition to any specific requirements that your state has for setting up a practice. Other requirements that may be included are basic first aid, CPR, background checks, and an exit interview. Check with the states in which you wish to practice and find out what their requirements are before graduation so you can adequately prepare.
5. Use a school network to help you find an established practice
Many new dentists do not feel prepared to branch off on their own and start an individual practice; there are aspects of running a successful dental office that may not be covered in a dental program. Mastering the administrative side of a dental office, hiring and training employees, purchasing equipment and managing a budget are all things that you might want to watch others do as you gain experience in the field. Once you feel you have adequate preparation and training, and you can branch-off on your own, seek the advice of established dentists to see how you can most efficiently set yourself up for success.
6. Set up your own practice!
This is the dream of many dentists who graduate---to eventually own their own business. While it takes a while to get there, the rewards are worth every bit of training and time that it takes to get there. Learning to promote yourself and bring in business will be essential in these first few years of practice; consider employing a firm that specializes in marketing for healthcare professionals to help you bring in and manage clients. Satisfied clients are the lifeblood of your business; you will need to invest time and energy in bringing people through your doors and then providing exceptional patient service to ensure that you build lasting and mutually beneficial relationships.
Congratulations! You've become an established dentist, and now you must focus on the life-changing work that will benefit the lives of your patients and your staff. Enjoy the fruits of your labor, and continue to serve your patients in ways that promote optimal oral health and total body wellness!