- Becoming a fully qualified dentist typically takes between 5 and 8 years, depending on the country and educational path.
- It may take longer if you want to specialise in a particular area of dentistry, such as orthodontics or oral surgery.
- Each country has its own entrance exams, training programmes, and licensing requirements.
Are you seeking a healthcare career that combines hands-on technical skill with professional independence? A career in dentistry may be your ideal path. Beyond improving oral health, you will help patients gain confidence through their smiles, establish lifelong wellness habits, and, through various dental specialisations, make a significant impact on public health.
Many dental professionals choose to open private practices to gain greater control over their patient care and work-life balance. If you value the idea of working for yourself while providing essential medical services, dentistry offers a highly rewarding career trajectory.
Explore our comprehensive guide below to learn more about the requirements to become a dentist, including popular dental specialisations, top study destinations, and the typical timeline for dental training around the world.
What does a dentist do?
Dentists provide essential oral healthcare, performing everything from routine cleanings and fillings to complex root canals and surgery. While many operate private clinics, others contribute to hospital systems, public health initiatives, clinical research, or dental education. Core responsibilities include diagnostics, treatment planning, and preventative care.
- Checking whether teeth, gums, and mouth are healthy
- Filling cavities and repairing damaged teeth
- Diagnosing health problems and responding with appropriate procedures, like root canals and tooth extractions
- Taking dental X-rays
- Educating patients on proper oral hygiene and preventive care
- Referring patients to specialists like orthodontists or oral surgeons when needed
- Managing patient records and treatment plans
With advanced training, you can pursue dental specialisations such as orthodontics (teeth alignment), periodontics (treating gum disease), or paediatric dentistry (specialised care for children).
To discover more about your options, visit our global study portals to explore everything from dentistry bachelor's degrees to advanced clinical programmes.
Is becoming a dentist the right path for you?
Success in dentistry requires a blend of exceptional communication skills, scientific knowledge, and manual dexterity. If you are detail-oriented, empathetic, and enjoy hands-on work, a dental career is an excellent fit for your skill set.
- Patience, focus, and attention to detail
- Strong interest in science and healthcare, especially teeth and mouth care
- Excellent communication skills
- Manual dexterity (the ability to use your hands well)
- Problem-solving skills
- Knowledge of how to use different dental tools and technology
- Empathy to help patients feel at ease, especially if they’re anxious about treatments
- Organisational skills to keep track of appointments, patient records, and treatments
What degree do you need to become a dentist?
Becoming a licensed dentist requires an accredited dental degree covering subjects such as anatomy, oral pathology, and pharmacology, alongside extensive clinical training with real patients under professional supervision.
Education requirements vary by region. In some countries, you may enter an undergraduate dental programme directly, while others require the completion of a relevant bachelor's degree before applying to dental school.
Find out more about undergraduate and graduate-level dentistry programmes below:
Undergraduate dental programmes | Graduate-level dental programmes | |
Common degree designations | BDS, BDent | DDS, DMD |
Where these degrees are standard | UK, Australia, and many European nations | USA, Canada |
Typical duration of study | 5–6 years | 4 years |
Application requirements | Strong academic performance in biology and chemistry Entrance examinations such as the UCAT or BMAT | Bachelor’s degree in science-related fields with specific pre-requisites Dental Admission Test (DAT) |
Please note that some countries, such as Australia, provide both undergraduate and graduate-entry pathways. Graduate-entry programmes are often shorter and designed for students who already hold a relevant bachelor's degree.
What entrance exams are required for dental school?
Most dental schools require applicants to sit for an entrance examination to evaluate scientific aptitude and problem-solving skills. These vary by country and are a critical part of the admissions process.
- UK: UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test)
- US and Canada: DAT (Dental Admission Test)
- Australia and New Zealand: UCAT ANZ (University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand) for undergraduate entry, GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test) for graduate entry
- Italy: IMAT (International Medical Admissions Test)
Training and experience after graduation
Before you can practice dentistry independently, you must gain clinical experience, pass rigorous licensing board exams, and register with your local governing body. This ensures you possess the clinical proficiency and ethics required to treat patients safely.
What mandatory training is there?
Dental schools integrate supervised clinical training into the curriculum, and many require additional mandatory internships or residency periods post-graduation.
- In Italy, dental school takes 6 years, and your final year is spent doing an internship.
- In the UK, you study for 5 years and graduate. After that, you move on to a one-year, paid foundation training programme, working under supervision while treating real patients.
Upon completing your dental degree and compulsory training, you become a general dentist. If you choose to specialise, you will require further postgraduate residency, which can take an additional 2 to 6 years depending on your field and location.
Professional qualification exams
To practice legally, you must pass national exams and register with the appropriate regulatory body. Requirements for registration vary significantly by country:
Country | Licensing examination | Regulatory authority |
United Kingdom | No additional exam for UK-trained graduates. International graduates must typically pass the Overseas Registration Examination (ORE). | General Dental Council (GDC) |
United States | National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) and clinical board exams | State Dental Boards |
Canada | National Dental Examining Board (NDEB) and OSCE assessments | Provincial regulatory bodies |
Australia | Australian Dental Council (ADC) assessments | Dental Board of Australia |
Italy | National state licensing exam (Esame di Stato) | Ordine dei Medici Chirurghi e degli Odontoiatri |
If you earned your dental degree internationally and wish to practice in a new country, you will often be required to pass local licensing exams. Additionally, you must demonstrate proficiency in the local language to ensure clear communication with patients and healthcare staff.
How is becoming a dentist different around the world?
Here is a snapshot of the dental career pathways across popular countries:
Country | Education | Training | Registration | Average total duration |
UK | Bachelor of Dental Surgery (5 years) | 1-year Dental Foundation Training | Registration with the GDC required. GDC Registration | 6 years |
US | Bachelor’s degree (4 years) + Dental School (DDS/DMD – 4 years) | Optional residencies (2–6 years) | NBDE & regional clinical exams State Board Registration | 8 years |
Canada | Bachelor’s degree (4 years) + Dental School (DDS/DMD – 4 years) | Optional residencies (2–6 years) | NDEB written & OSCE exams | 8 years |
Australia | Bachelor of Dentistry (5 years) OR Postgraduate entry (4 years) | 1-year supervised internship | ADC exams & Board registration | 5–6 years |
Italy | Integrated Master's degree (6 years) | Final-year internship included | National licensing exam Order of Surgeons and Dentists | 6 years |
Final tips to succeed in your dentistry journey
Connect with dental professionals to gain real-world insights and mentorship. Speaking with alumni from your target universities can provide invaluable advice regarding coursework, clinical rotations, and preparing for the realities of the profession.
Explore our programme listings to find your ideal university. If you already hold an undergraduate degree, search specifically for graduate-entry dental schools.
FAQs
1. How long does it take to become a dentist?
Becoming a dentist typically takes 5 to 8 years, depending on the academic pathway and the country's requirements. Search our portals to view 5-year undergraduate degree options.
2. How difficult is it to become a dentist?
The curriculum is rigorous, focusing on advanced biology, chemistry, and anatomy, alongside the development of high-precision clinical skills necessary for patient care.
3. Is dentistry a good career choice?
Dentistry is a highly respected field known for offering exceptional job security, competitive salary potential, and the professional flexibility to work in diverse settings or establish a private practice.