- May 9, 2025
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How to Become a Dentist (and What Comes After)
A Candid Guide with Real Advice from Practicing Dentists
Becoming a dentist isn’t just about getting into dental school, it’s about navigating a long, expensive, and highly competitive path. Even after graduation, the decisions don’t stop. Will you stay an associate or become a practice owner? How do you handle the stress, debt, and real-world challenges?
This guide walks you through the complete journey of becoming a dentist; featuring real stories from providers who have lived it.
Step-by-Step: The Path to Becoming a Dentist
The journey to becoming a dentist follows a structured path that combines rigorous academic preparation with clinical training.
1. Undergraduate Prerequisites
While no specific major is required for dental school admission, you must complete prerequisite science courses including Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and Biochemistry. Competitive applicants maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.5+ and science GPA of 3.4+, with top programs expecting even higher academic performance. Beyond coursework, successful candidates accumulate significant shadowing experience (100+ hours recommended), participate in extracurricular activities demonstrating leadership and service, and increasingly gain research experience to demonstrate intellectual curiosity and critical thinking skills.
2. Dental Admission Test (DAT)
This standardized examination evaluates academic knowledge and perceptual abilities through four sections: Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning. Most students take the DAT during junior year after completing prerequisite courses, dedicating 3-6 months to preparation. Competitive scores begin at 20 (out of 30), with top programs expecting 21-23. The unique Perceptual Ability section tests spatial reasoning skills essential for dentistry and often requires specialized preparation.
3. Dental School Application Process
Applications begin approximately one year before matriculation through the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS), which opens in June. The process includes a primary application with personal statement, supplemental school-specific applications, and typically 3-4 letters of recommendation from science professors and practicing dentists. Successful applicants receive interview invitations between September and February, with acceptances beginning as early as December. Given application costs averaging $250-500 per school and competitive admissions, most candidates apply to 10-15 programs.
4. Dental School
The dental curriculum progresses from foundational knowledge to clinical practice. The first two years focus on classroom and laboratory instruction in basic sciences and dental-specific coursework, while developing manual dexterity through preclinical laboratory exercises. The final two years emphasize comprehensive patient care under faculty supervision, with rotations through various specialties and community-based experiences. The curriculum requires significant time commitment, with 30+ hours of weekly contact time plus substantial independent study.
5. Licensure Examinations
Obtaining a dental license requires passing several examinations: the National Board Dental Examination (written component testing comprehensive knowledge), regional clinical examinations demonstrating procedural competence, and state-specific jurisprudence exams covering dental practice regulations. The examination process typically begins during your final year of dental school, with requirements varying by state for those planning to practice in multiple jurisdictions throughout their careers.
6. Optional: Advanced Education
Some dentists pursue additional training through residency programs or specialty education. General Practice Residencies (GPRs) and Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) programs provide 1-2 years of comprehensive clinical experience in hospital or outpatient settings. Specialty training requires 2-6 years of additional education in fields such as Orthodontics, Oral Surgery, Endodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, or Prosthodontics. While extending the educational timeline, advanced training can significantly expand career opportunities and earning potential.
Associate vs Practice Owner
Associate Dentist
Many new dentists begin their careers as associates, working in established practices before deciding whether to pursue ownership.
Benefits
- Income stability: Regular salary or production-based pay without overhead costs
- Mentorship opportunities: Learn clinical and business aspects from experienced dentists
- Work-life balance: Defined hours with less administrative responsibility
- Geographic flexibility: Easier to relocate or try different practice settings
- Focus on dentistry: Less time spent on business management
Challenges
- Limited autonomy: Must adapt to practice philosophy and protocols
- Income ceiling: Typically earn 25-35% of production
- Career uncertainty: Practice ownership changes can affect your position
- Less control: Limited input on staff, equipment, materials, or patient scheduling
Ideal for
- New graduates seeking clinical confidence and mentorship
- Dentists prioritizing work-life balance over maximum income
- Those still deciding on practice location or specialty
- Dentists who prefer clinical work over business management
Practice Owner
Benefits
- Higher income potential: Typically 2-3x associate earnings after overhead
- Equity building: Creating a valuable asset that can be sold later
- Clinical autonomy: Freedom to practice according to your philosophy
- Business control: Choose your team, equipment, and practice focus
- Professional satisfaction: Build long-term patient relationships and community presence
Challenges
- Financial risk: High startup costs ($500,000+ for new practice)
- Overhead management: 60-70% of revenue goes to expenses
- Staffing headaches: Hiring, training, managing, and retaining quality team members
- Insurance complexities: Credentialing, fee negotiations, claim management
- Administrative burden: Compliance, marketing, accounting, technology management
- Work-life imbalance: Often working “on” the business after clinical hours
When Ownership Makes Sense
- You’ve built clinical confidence and efficiency
- You have a business mindset or willingness to learn
- You’re prepared for a long-term commitment (typically 5+ years)
- You have financial readiness (loan qualification, debt management plan)
- You’re comfortable with leadership responsibilities
What Dentists Wish They Knew: Candid Q&A with Dr. Zidor & Dr. Richardson
Meet Dr. Bryce Richardson
Dr. Richardson, a distinguished graduate of Indiana University School of Dentistry, brings over 600 hours of specialized esthetic and surgical training to his practice at Vivid Smiles. Renowned for his proficiency in cutting-edge dental technologies, he has also served on the staff at Implant Pathway, one of the most prestigious implant training facilities in the country. He currently owns and practices at Vivid Smiles Parker. When not creating beautiful smiles, Dr. Richardson enjoys family time, outdoor activities, and his passions for cars and golf. His dedication to dental excellence is paralleled by his commitment to patient care. Here is what he had to say about becoming a practice owner.
1. Clinical Excellence Isn’t Enough
"Dental school taught me how to diagnose and treat, but it didn’t prepare me for the business side of dentistry. From HR and payroll to marketing and compliance, I quickly realized that running a successful practice requires a completely different skill set. Investing time and resources into learning the business of dentistry would have made my transition much smoother."
2. Leadership > Management
"Owning a practice means you're not just the dentist - you're the leader of your team. I thought I just needed to hire competent staff and keep the schedule full. What I didn’t realize was how important it is to create a strong culture, communicate expectations clearly, and invest in my team’s growth. A great team doesn’t happen by accident - it’s built intentionally."
3. Cash Flow is King
"It’s easy to assume that high production means a healthy practice, but that’s not always the case. I underestimated how critical cash flow is - from insurance delays to unexpected repairs or payroll fluctuations, I learned quickly that a solid financial buffer and good forecasting are essential. Managing overhead and understanding your numbers are just as important as delivering great clinical care."
Meet Dr Beverly Zidor
Dr. Beverly Zidor brings over a decade of exceptional dental expertise to her practice Great Smiles Buford Center. She combines advanced training from prestigious institutions like the University of Iowa and The Dawson Academy with genuine compassion for her patients. Specializing in general dentistry, cosmetic procedures, and full mouth rehabilitation. Dr. Zidor has built her reputation on delivering personalized care with a gentle touch across practices in New York, Texas, and now Georgia. Her patient-centered approach focuses on creating comfortable experiences while maintaining the highest standards of dental excellence. Beyond her professional commitment, Dr. Zidor enjoys family time, Christian music, physical fitness, and volunteer work in underserved communities. Bringing the same dedication to her personal pursuits as she does to transforming her patients’ smiles and oral health outcomes.
1. What was dental school like for you, and how did it differ from the real-world practice of dentistry?
"Dental school was intense. It’s a fast-paced, high-pressure environment where you're expected to absorb a massive amount of information, develop technical skills, and meet clinical requirements, all within a limited timeframe. The focus is on passing exams, completing patient quotas, and ultimately becoming licensed. In contrast, the real world of dentistry is even more demanding. It’s not only about drilling and filling; it’s about earning trust, managing people, and navigating the emotional side of healthcare. You don’t stop learning after graduation. I constantly take continuing education (CE) courses and have realized that communication (both with patients and your team) is just as critical as my clinical ability. Dentistry truly is a lifelong practice. I continue to sharpen my technical skills while learning how to connect with every patient. My goal is to deliver high-quality, personalized care while juggling business decisions, time management, and patient expectations. It’s incredibly rewarding, but it’s also very real work."
2. Did you always plan to become a practice owner, or did that decision come later?
"Honestly, I never planned to become a practice owner. It seemed like too much, staffing issues, financial responsibilities, and overall stress. But over time, especially after working in a few dental associate positions, I realized I didn’t have true clinical autonomy. That’s when my parents stepped in and supported me in taking over a practice. Thanks to their encouragement and belief in me, I was able to take that leap. I’m forever grateful to them for helping me begin this new chapter and allowing me to practice dentistry on my own terms."
3. When you became a dentist, what is a challenge that dental school did not prepare you for?
"Dental school didn’t prepare me for the business side of dentistry or for patient management. Those were steep learning curves once I entered the workforce. I was also caught off guard by how fast-paced dentistry is in the real world. Over time, I realized the importance of continuing education beyond clinical skills and decided to invest in courses specifically focused on patient management. That decision made a significant difference in my ability to deliver better care while managing expectations and workflows more effectively."
4. Would you still choose dentistry if you could do it all over again, and why?
"Yes, I absolutely would choose dentistry again. However, if I had the chance to do it over, I would specialize right after graduation (either in orthodontics or prosthodontics). I find both fields fascinating and incredibly impactful. There’s something very rewarding about helping people smile with confidence. That sense of fulfillment is what keeps me passionate about this career."
Financial Considerations
Becoming a dentist requires substantial investment before seeing returns. Dental graduates carry approximately $300,000 in educational debt, often on top of undergraduate loans. Interest accumulation further increases this burden, especially during specialty training. There’s also the opportunity cost of four years without income during dental school.
Income varies by career path: new associates typically earn $120,000-$180,000 annually, experienced associates $150,000-$250,000, practice owners $200,000-$500,000+, and specialists $250,000-$700,000+ depending on field and location.
Practice ownership requires additional investment ($500,000-$1,000,000+) to purchase an established practice or $500,000-$800,000 to start a new one, plus ongoing technology investments every 5-10 years.
Effective debt management strategies include income-driven repayment plans, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, strategic refinancing, and participation in programs offering loan repayment for service in underserved communities.
Final Thoughts: Should You Become a Dentist?
Dentistry offers unique rewards: meaningful patient relationships, clinical autonomy, financial stability, diverse practice models allowing work-life flexibility, and potential career longevity with proper self-care.
These benefits come with challenges: rigorous academic requirements, competitive admissions, significant financial investment, physical demands risking musculoskeletal issues, business pressures beyond patient care, evolving industry landscapes, and potential mental health challenges including professional isolation and perfectionism culture.
Before committing, prospective students should shadow multiple dentists across various practice models, asking candid questions about all aspects of the profession. Consider alternative dental careers that might better align with personal goals while requiring less investment. Assess temperament fit, as dentistry rewards perfectionism, manual dexterity, and strong interpersonal skills. Develop realistic financial projections based on anticipated debt and income scenarios.
Remember that diverse paths exist within dentistry, finding one that aligns with your personal and professional goals while maintaining sustainability is key to a fulfilling career.
