Mirrors X-ray Machines Special Requirements Dentists must be licensed in New Jersey by the State Board of Dentistry. To qualify for the exam, they must graduate from an accredited dental school with either a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree. The minimum requirement for entry into this field is two years of undergraduate pre-dental education followed by completion of a graduate program from an accredited dental school. During the first year or two of practice, Dentists often earn little more than the minimum needed to cover expenses. Earnings usually rise rapidly as their practice develops.
Specialists generally earn more than general practitioners.
Because most Dentists are self-employed, advancement comes in the form of higher earnings. Most entrants start by working for a dentist with an established practice until they save enough money to go out on their own. Most stay in the career for life. The career outlook in this field is good. Employment for dentists is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2005.