Pursuing A Career In Dental School

At the age of eighteen, teenagers are supposed to choose a major, despite the fact that many teenagers struggled simply picking out what college to attend. Some teenagers go into college with an undecided major and some go in predetermined with a major plan such as business or nursing. Some students have a general idea of what to do, and they hope to figure out along the way exactly. Many people always tell you to do "what makes you happy," but it is hard to know what will make you happy at such a young age. A job as a dentist would be both satisfying and rewarding. Most people cringe at the thought of a dentist appointment, but a dentist gets to treat and clean their patient’s teeth, so it is fun on one end. During an appointment, they get …show more content…
A student first must attain a bachelor's degree. Within these years, a student must take the Dental Admissions Test before they apply for dental school (Applying for Dental School). Most dental schools look at grade pointe average, recommendation letters, and interviews along with the Dental Admissions Test score (Applying for Dental School). After one has been accepted to dental school, they attend graduate school for four years. After the curriculum is over, one must graduate from dental school and complete parts one and two of the National Board Exam to and pass a "clinical exam administered by the state" to receive a license in the state they want to practice in (Applying for Dental School). The exam changes often to keep it up to date with technology and standards for dental patients. Dentists are governed under the American Dental Association with over a 100,000 members (Accreditation). These members start charities and educational programs for testing conclusions and educational programs (Accreditation). These agencies help keep the dental field advanced and to help to expand the …show more content…
"According to a 2010 survey by the American Dental Association, 86% of practicing dentists are solo practitioners" (American Dental Education Association). Besides private practices, one can teach in an institution or research new discoveries to advance the dental field (Dentistry Career Options). Dentists can also become specialists in: Endodontic, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, and many more specialties; however, in addition to dental school, one must add two to four more years to become a specialist (Dentistry Career Options). There are many routes that dentists can choose. For example, if a dentist has a passion for surgery, they can surgically remove teeth and fix maxillas. Dentists can practice in the hospital setting along with a physician in operating rooms, but these dentists have a passion for medicine, which helps them take care of patients (Dentistry Career Options). Dental has a route to fit every person's wants.
In the dental field, the job outlook is 16%, which is higher than average (Dentists). In addition to this, many members of the "baby-boom generation will need complicated dental work,” which also means more jobs for hygienists and dental assistants (Dentists). In addition to the baby-boom generation, more people are gaining insurance, so they will be able to have dental coverage (dentists). With more upcoming patients, dentists will be in high demand. According