Becoming a dentist is one of the most rewarding (and respected) paths in healthcare — but it takes time, dedication, and years of education to get there. Whether you’re a high school student planning ahead or someone considering a career change, knowing the full timeline helps you make informed decisions.
Here’s a clear, step-by-step breakdown of how long it takes to become a licensed dentist in the U.S.
Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree
Time: 4 years
To apply to dental school, you’ll first need to complete an undergraduate degree. Most dental schools require applicants to have at least 90 college credits, but nearly all accepted students complete a full 4-year bachelor’s degree.
Recommended majors:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Health sciences
- Pre-dental or pre-med programs
While your major isn’t required to be science-related, you must complete prerequisite courses like:
- General biology
- General and organic chemistry
- Physics
- Anatomy and physiology
- Microbiology
- English/writing
Step 2: Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT)
Time: Study for 3–6 months before applying to dental school
The DAT is a standardized test used for dental school admissions. It covers:
- Natural sciences (biology, chemistry)
- Perceptual ability
- Reading comprehension
- Quantitative reasoning
A competitive DAT score strengthens your dental school application, along with your GPA and letters of recommendation.
Step 3: Attend Dental School
Time: 4 years
Dental school is a graduate-level program that results in either a D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or D.M.D. (Doctor of Dental Medicine). Both are equivalent degrees — the name just depends on the school.
What dental school includes:
- First 2 years: Classroom-based learning (science, anatomy, pathology, pharmacology)
- Last 2 years: Clinical training with real patients under supervision
Dental school is intensive and full-time, including labs, rotations, and exams.
Step 4: Earn Licensure
Time: Varies (typically within months of graduation)
To practice legally, dentists must:
- Pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) — now replaced by the INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Exam)
- Pass a clinical board examination (varies by state)
- Meet additional state-specific licensing requirements
Some states also require background checks or jurisprudence exams.
Step 5 (Optional): Complete a Dental Residency
Time: 1–6 years (optional, depending on specialization)
If you want to specialize in areas like:
- Orthodontics
- Oral surgery
- Pediatric dentistry
- Endodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Periodontics
…you’ll need to complete a postgraduate dental residency, which can take 1 to 6 years depending on the specialty.
General dentists can begin practicing immediately after licensing, but specialists require this additional training.
Total Time to Become a Dentist
| Stage | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 4 years |
| Dental school | 4 years |
| Licensure exams | A few months |
| Total (general dentist) | ~8 years |
| Optional: Residency (specialist) | +1 to 6 years |
| Total (specialist) | ~9 to 14 years |
👉 Want a quick summary instead?
Here’s how many years it takes to become a dentist — at a glance.
🦷 Wondering if dentists are considered real doctors — and how their title compares to MDs?
Read our breakdown on why dentists are doctors too.
Final Thoughts: A Long Road That Pays Off
Dentistry is a long journey — but a fulfilling one. From building relationships with patients to running your own practice, the career offers both personal and financial reward.
If you’re ready to commit to the education and training, dentistry can offer long-term job security, flexibility, and the chance to truly make a difference in people’s lives.
