How Long Does It Take to Become a Dentist?
Understanding the full timeline to become a dentist is important for planning your academic path, financial preparation, and DAT study strategy. Most students take 8–12 years from the start of college to completing dental school and any optional residency training.
Below is a clear breakdown of each stage so you know exactly what to expect.
1. Undergraduate Education (4 Years)
Most dental schools require a bachelor’s degree. Students typically major in Biology, Chemistry, or another science field, but any major is acceptable as long as prerequisites are completed.
Core prerequisites include:
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General Biology I and II
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General Chemistry I and II
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Organic Chemistry I and II
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Physics I and II
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Biochemistry (recommended)
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Anatomy and Physiology (recommended)
Time commitment: 4 years (some students finish in 3, but 4 is most common)
2. The DAT Exam (2–6 Months of Preparation)
Students usually take the DAT after completing the necessary science coursework. Most test-takers study for 2–4 months, while others take 5–6 months depending on their background.
Taking the DAT too early can delay your application or lead to a retake, so choose a date that allows enough time to prepare thoroughly.
Learn more: DAT Destroyer — https://orgoman.com/products/dat-destroyer
3. Applying to Dental School (1 Year)
The dental school application process takes nearly a full year from start to finish.
Timeline overview:
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ADEA AADSAS opens: late May–early June
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Interviews: Fall through early Spring
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Acceptance decisions: December onward
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Classes begin: August of the following year
Most students apply one year before they plan to start dental school.
4. Dental School (4 Years)
Dental school consists of two major phases:
Pre-clinical years (Years 1–2):
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Anatomy, physiology, microbiology
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Dental materials
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Pre-clinical laboratory courses
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Basic sciences and foundational dentistry
Clinical years (Years 3–4):
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Treating patients under supervision
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Rotations in pediatric dentistry, oral surgery, prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, and more
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Competency exams and clinical requirements
Time commitment: 4 years full-time
5. Optional Dental Residency (1–6 Years)
Not all dentists choose residency. Many new graduates begin practicing immediately after earning their DDS or DMD.
Common optional residency paths:
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General Practice Residency (GPR): 1 year
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Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD): 1 year
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Specialties:
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Orthodontics: 2–3 years
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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: 4–6 years
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Endodontics: 2 years
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Periodontics: 3 years
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Pediatric Dentistry: 2 years
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Prosthodontics: 3 years
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Total Time to Become a Dentist
Your exact timeline depends on whether you pursue a specialty. Below is the typical range:
General Dentist:
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4 years undergraduate
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4 years dental school
≈ 8 years total
General Dentist with optional GPR/AEGD:
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4 years undergraduate
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4 years dental school
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1 additional year
≈ 9 years total
Dental Specialist:
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4 years undergraduate
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4 years dental school
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2–6 years residency
≈ 10–14 years total
Is It Possible to Become a Dentist Faster?
While a few programs allow students to complete undergraduate work in 3 years or through accelerated tracks, the majority take the traditional 4-year pathway. Dental school itself is always 4 years and cannot be shortened.
There is no shortcut; however, preparing early for the DAT and completing prerequisites on time can keep your timeline on track.
Is Dentistry Worth the Time Investment?
Many students feel the journey is long, but dentistry offers:
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Strong earning potential
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Stable job opportunities nationwide
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Independence and flexibility
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The ability to help patients and improve oral health
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Paths to private practice ownership
Most dentists agree the years invested were worth it for a long, rewarding career.
FAQs
How long does dental school take?
Dental school is a fixed 4-year program for all U.S. DDS and DMD degrees.
Do I need a bachelor’s degree to apply?
Yes. Nearly all dental schools require a completed bachelor’s degree or at least 90 credit hours.
How long is dental residency?
Residency is optional for general dentists. Specialties take between 2–6 additional years depending on the program.
How long does it take to become an orthodontist?
Typically 10–11 years total (4 college + 4 dental school + 2–3 residency).
Can I work during dental school?
Most students cannot work because the program is full-time and academically demanding.