Earn a bachelor’s degree (or meet pre-dental requirements)
Complete required science coursework (e.g., biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics)
Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT)
Apply to accredited dental schools
Complete a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program (typically 4 years)
Graduate from dental school and obtain a dental license
Pass required national and regional/state dental board examinations
Complete any additional licensing requirements (jurisdiction-specific)
Maintain licensure through continuing education and required renewals
Consider specialty training (optional) via accredited residency programs (e.g., orthodontics, endodontics, periodontics)
Pass specialty board exams (if pursuing a specialty board certification)