The process for entering a career in dentistry varies widely, depending on where you live and which profession you want to pursue.
Generally speaking, to become a dentist you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree (typically 3-4 years), pass a dental admissions test/dental aptitude test, and complete post-graduate studies at a school of dentistry (typically 4 years).
To become a dental hygienist, you’ll typically need to complete a dedicated diploma or a program that’s part of a bachelor’s degree, which can take 2-4 years.
Dental nurses or assistants will typically need to complete a diploma program (usually 1 year). Some dental clinics offer a hybrid on-the-job training option.