Advisor: Dr. Holly Boettger-Tong
Career Description: Dentists are devoted to maintaining oral health as well as a patient’s overall health. In their practices, dentists treat and work with people from all age groups. They diagnose and treat conditions of the oral cavity and associated structures using advanced technologies including radiography and computer generated imaging. Dentists restore and replace teeth damaged from decay, trauma or disease. They help patients improve chewing, speech, digestion of food, sleep patterns and physical appearance. Specialties available within dentistry with further training following dental school include: Endodontics (nerves), Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics (appliances), Public Health and others.
Becoming a Dentist: To become a dentist, one must complete a bachelor’s degree in any major, along with requisite courses (see “Coursework” below). Thereafter, completion of a 4 year professional degree dental program is required. The terminal degree is either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Medical Dentistry). Upon completion of Dental School, passing a professional licensing exam is required.
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