If you are already a dental hygienist then you certainly know what is involved in being a dentist. You have the distinct advantage over others who want to break in to the profession with no dental background. However, you want to make certain that this is a career change you want to make. It is an expensive and time consuming endeavor that should not be embarked upon lightly. The education is different and the practical clinical training is very different. You know many of the dental routines, procedures and terminology already, but there is still much to learn. The following steps will help ease the transition for you.
Get to know Your Dentist Better
You do already know a lot about the field and practice already but you have likely been focused on your end of the professional. Start to pay attention to the work of the dentist in your office and his or her routines. Ask questions if you feel comfortable doing so about the work, the field, and the pros and cons of the job.
Back to School You Go
Most dental schools will require that you have a four year bachelor’s degree as a part of the admissions requirements. If you have not completed this, you must do so. Also, do so armed with information. If you have a program in mind, find out exactly what courses they are looking for as prerequisites and then take those. Focus your studies on the sciences are related coursework.
Test Time
Once you have your prerequisites completed, you must take an admissions test for dental school called the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). This is a required test for any dental school or program admissions. It will take one full day and is computerized. Study for it!
Letters Singing Your Praises
You will need letters of recommendation for dental school and they should come from a couple of specific people. At least one should be from a professor of a science class in which you performed very well. Another should be from a dentist that you have worked with and under. Both letters should speak highly of your qualifications, your drive, your work ethic, and your abilities.
Apply
When you apply to dental school, do not put all of your eggs in one basket. This is a highly competitive field and you should cast a wide net to ensure admissions into a school of your choice.
Interview
The interview process is a very important part of getting into dental school. It is similar to a job interview. You will be assessed on your goals, your ambitions, your presentations, your answers, and even your character. Be prepared! This does not mean memorize answers to questions; it means think about what might be asked and how you will answer. Consider focusing on your experience as a dental hygienist – this is a detail that will help you stand apart from the rest of the applicants.
Back to School
Four more years of schooling, lab work, coursework, exams, papers, and clinical practice. It is hard work and you will need to be committed and focused.
More Testing
After graduation from dental school, you need to study for another test in order to get your license. Like the dental hygienist test, this is a written and practical exam. You will also need to register in your state with the American Dental Association.
Go be a Dentist!
You have passed the test! Go find a job because now you have officially transformed from a dental hygienist to a dentist!
While these steps may seem to oversimplify the process, it is important to realize that each of these steps really is critical to the process of becoming a dentist, and you will need a great deal of commitment and time for this task. None of these details can be skipped or skimped on. It will likely be your enthusiasm for dentistry that you developed as a dental hygienist that will help you through this transition.
