Education · 1 of 4

The path

Eleven years after high school. You qualify as a general dentist first, then specialize.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Biology, chemistry and physics, plus anything that builds hand skill. Dexterity matters and admissions know it.

2. 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. 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 you get depends on the school.

4. 4

   Periodontics residency

   3 years

   Three additional years beyond dental school, accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, covering gum surgery, bone grafting, implant placement and sedation.

5. 5

   License and board certification

   After residency

   A state dental license is required to practice. Board certification through the specialty's national board is voluntary and involves written and oral examinations.