To qualify for a license in most States, a candidate must graduate from a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation and pass written and practical examinations. Candidates may fulfill the written part of the state licensing by passing the National Board Dental Examinations. Dental schools require a minimum of 2 years of college-level predental education. However, most dental students have at least a bachelor's degree.
Predental education includes courses in both the sciences and humanities.
Dental school generally lasts 4 academic years. Studies begin with classroom instruction and laboratory work in basic sciences, including anatomy, microbiology, biochemistry, and physiology. Beginning courses in clinical sciences, including laboratory technique courses, also are provided at this time. During the last 2 years, students treat patients, usually in dental clinics under the supervision of licensed dentists. Employment of dentists is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through the year 2005.