Education · 1 of 5
The path
Ten or eleven years after high school. You become a general dentist first, then specialize.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Biology, chemistry and physics, plus anything that trains your hands. Dexterity is tested at admission.
- 2
Bachelor's degree
4 years
Any major, as long as you finish the pre-dental science courses and sit the Dental Admission Test (DAT).
- 3
Dental school
4 years
Four years ending in a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). The two degrees are equivalent, and which one you get depends on the school.
- 4
Pediatric dentistry residency
2 to 3 years
An advanced program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, covering behavior guidance, sedation, hospital dentistry and children with special health care needs.
- 5
License and board certification
After residency
A state dental license is required to practice. Board certification by the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry is voluntary and takes a written qualifying exam plus an oral clinical exam.