Education Dentists must have at least eight years of education beyond high school. Pre-dental programs are offered at four year colleges and universities. All 50 states and the District of Columbia require dentists to be licensed. 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. The written test may be fulfilled by passing the National Board Dental Examinations.
Many dentists are in private practice while others work in hospitals, clinics and dental research.