Education · 1 of 5

The path

You qualify as a dentist first, then specialize. Ten years after high school at the fastest.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Strong grades in biology, chemistry and math. Anything that builds steady hands helps too.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   4 years

   Any major is allowed, but you must finish the science prerequisites and keep a high GPA. Sit the dental admission test in your third year.

3. 3

   Dental school

   4 years

   Four years for a DDS (doctor of dental surgery) or DMD (doctor of dental medicine). The two degrees are equivalent. Schools must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

4. 4

   Licensing exams

   Final year of dental school

   Pass the written national board exam plus a clinical exam accepted by the state dental board where you want to work.

5. 5

   Orthodontic residency

   2 to 3 years

   An accredited advanced program in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. Two to three years, often ending with a master's degree.