Can anyone tell me how to go into dentistry,i know we have to do pre-dentistry 1st,but wht after that,& time?

i was thinking of being a dentist. i found that i need to do pre-dentistry,,but how long does it take,,and where do i go after doing pre-dentistry,,

Can anyone tell me how to go into dentistry,i know we have to do pre-dentistry 1st,but wht after that,%26amp; time?
Be prepared for an incredible amount of work, both in college(undergrad) and dental school. You can major in just about anything, but you need to have all the correct courses to be considered for admission. Your best bet major is a science major -- biology, chemistry, or physics. Take as much science as you can. Many courses in dental school are virtually repetitive ones that you would have taken in undergrad (e.g. microbiology, biochemistry, anatomy %26amp; physiology). This will make your study load alot easier -- you'll need to with the amount of work you'll get in dental school. Plain and simple: IT'S TOUGH!!!


Plan on 4 yrs each of undergrad and dental school. To specialize, up to 5 or 6 yrs more beyond dental school, depending on the specialty (oral surgery is the most length of time). If you live in a state that has a school of dentistry (as a state university), you might get a break in tuition if you are a resident of that state.


Now for the honest truth for me, since I am a dentist and have been practicing for 24 yrs, would I do this all over again ??


NO WAY! ! I hate to say it, but it's true. If you are in it for the


money, you really should consider medical school instead. You'll put in the same amount of time and effort into that as well. I do have a fairly successful practice and am doing well, but running a practice has alot of headaches (but that's another chapter in this book!!).


Anyway, best of luck to you. Hope I gave you a good starting idea.
Reply:In the United States, the typical course after high school is:





1. Complete 4 year bachelor's degree, including dental school prerequisites





2. Complete 4 year dental school program





Many students complete a residency after dental school, but it is not required to obtain a license to practice.





The science prerequisites for dental school are usually two full years (4 semester courses) of biology with lab, a full year of inorganic chemistry with lab, a full year of organic chemistry with lab, and a full year of physics with lab. In addition, schools may have their own specific subject requirements such as calculus, biochemistry or microbiology, statistics, English composition, etc.





You don't have to major in "predentistry" or even a science to get into dental school, but the science courses are absolutely required. It is easiest to major in a science to take all the prerequisites within a 4 year degree program.





To get additional information about specific dental schools, go to the Amercian Dental Education Association website. They have a list of dental schools including website URLs. You can check on each school's prerequisites by going to the "prospective students" area on the school's website.





Best of luck in your studies!