While toothaches are universally dreaded, if you are the type of person who finds fulfillment in alleviating pain and restoring health, a career as a dentist could be your perfect calling.
Beyond the immense satisfaction of creating beautiful, healthy smiles, dentistry offers a unique professional lifestyle. Unlike many medical specialties, dentists often enjoy a better work-life balance with fewer weekend shifts. Furthermore, the potential to eventually open your own private practice allows you to set your own schedule and be your own boss—a luxury few other fields provide.
If you have been considering a future in dentistry, now is the time to explore your options and start studying abroad!
So, what is the path to becoming a licensed dentist? Generally, you must complete a rigorous dental school program following high school and pass the necessary national board examinations to obtain your professional license to practice.
Here are the essential steps you will need to follow to build a successful career in Dentistry:
- Find out what dentists do
- Decide if you have the right skills to become a dentist
- Which are the best countries for a Dentistry degree
- Find out if you need a foundation degree in Dentistry
- How is the life of a Dentistry degree student
- How to get a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Dentistry
- You can specialise with a PhD in Dentistry
- Getting a job as a dentist
Step 1: What does a dentist do?
Dentists find opportunities in diverse settings, including public health clinics, private practices, hospitals, and government health institutions. While many choose to work as general practitioners, others pursue specialized fields within dentistry. Their daily responsibilities often include:
- Examine teeth and diagnose patients' dental conditions
- Restore teeth affected by decay and treat gum disease
- Examine and perform dental x-rays
- Fill cavities, repair broken teeth and restore dentition
- Extract teeth and make measurements for dentures to replace missing teeth
- Place plastic sealants on children's teeth
- Perform cosmetic dental services (whitening teeth, etc.)
- Educate patients on oral healthcare
- Get involved in marketing services to potential clients
- Administrative tasks such as bookkeeping, buying equipment and supplies, supervise dental hygienists, assistants, laboratory technicians and receptionists
Step 2: Do you have what it takes?
You might wonder if anyone can perform dental work, but success in the field requires a unique blend of technical skill and personal qualities, including:
- Manual dexterity
- The ability to maintain intense concentration for long periods
- Excellent people and communication skills
- Empathetic ability and high interest in the welfare of patients
- Commitment to always learn and keep up with new technologies and procedures in the Dentistry field
Step 3: Where to study Dentistry?
In most countries, dentistry programs mirror medical school in terms of depth, requiring years of intensive preparation and clinical training. You can apply for a Dentistry degree at specialized colleges, universities, or dedicated dental schools—the latter being a distinct faculty within many U.S. university systems.
According to QS Rankings, some of the top-ranked countries and academic institutions for pursuing a Dentistry degree are:
Europe
- , Sweden
- , Sweden
- , Sweden
- , Belgium
- , Denmark
- , Switzerland
- , Switzerland
Additionally, consider these highly-regarded European dental schools for your education:
- , Poland
- , Turkey
- , Hungary
The UK
We also highly recommend the for your Dentistry studies.
The US
Asia
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University
Step 4: Foundation degrees in Dentistry
If you are interested in an international dentistry education, ensure you research the specific academic requirements, as they vary significantly by country. If your prior studies are not directly transferable, you might consider applying for a specialized pathway program or a foundation year.
During a dentistry pathway program, you will deepen your knowledge of core sciences such as biology, chemistry, and biochemistry, alongside preparatory courses in physics, algebra, calculus, and statistics. Many foundation programs also include training in advanced medical English for academic and professional success.
Step 5: Prepare for life as a dental student
Many dental students find the first year of school to be the most challenging, as it requires adjusting to complex medical terminology and an intensive scientific curriculum.
A degree in dentistry demands significant dedication, often involving 10 to 12 hours of study daily, split between theoretical lectures and hands-on clinical practice.
The rigorous nature of a dentistry program ensures that students develop exceptional organizational and discipline skills—both of which are vital traits for future dental professionals.
One of the most effective strategies for success is to remain proactive throughout your studies. Never hesitate to ask questions, engage deeply with your instructors and assistants, and strive to learn as many professional insights as possible.
Step 6: Earn a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Dentistry
Dentistry programs have varied qualifications and prerequisite requirements depending on the country in which you intend to practice.
- (Most) European countries: a Dentistry degree is not available for both Bachelor's and Master's study. You enrol directly to a dental school/faculty after high school and it takes five or six years to complete, depending on each country.
- In the U.S.: you will first have to complete a Bachelor's degree (in any field), then you can apply to a dental school that lasts four years.
During the early years of dental school, your studies will focus on foundational medicine, oral anatomy, emergency dental practice, oral histology, periodontics, and dental pharmacology. You will bridge the gap between classroom theory and practical skill by training on lifelike mannequins.
By the third year, students begin working with real patients under the close supervision of dental instructors, focusing on foundational dental care. By the fourth year, students advance to more complex restorative procedures, including root canals, crowns, and advanced fillings.
Dental school empowers students to develop refined clinical proficiency, essential patient communication skills, and expertise in operating specialized dental instruments and modern equipment.
You can also explore if you are interested in pursuing studies remotely from the convenience of your own home.
Step 7: Specialise with a Doctoral/PhD degree in Dentistry
While a PhD in dentistry is not mandatory for standard clinical practice, many professionals choose to pursue advanced specialization. Common areas of expertise include oral pathology, implant dentistry, surgical dentistry, and endodontics.
A will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of diseases affecting the teeth, jaw, and surrounding tissues, while building advanced diagnostic and therapeutic proficiency.
Step 8: Get a job as a dentist
Before you can practice dentistry, you must obtain national licensure or certification. Most countries require you to pass a comprehensive exam following the completion of your studies. For example, in the United States, dentists are required to pass examinations administered by the American Dental Association.
Once your dental license is secured, you can begin your job search. Many new dentists begin their careers in an associateship, gaining invaluable experience by working within an established practice.
Key places to look for a rewarding dentist position include:
- the network of professional contacts that you have built throughout dental school
- dental schools often post job offers for associate or established dentists positions
- career boards offered by local dental associations or societies
- Healthcare or Dentistry related career/job fairs
Essential tips for landing your first dental job include:
- to include in your resume any certification or proficiency in specific dental skills and communicative skills, such as fluency in a foreign language
- prepare a portfolio of your work with case histories, before and after photos, but make sure to respect the confidentiality and anonymity of the patients
The most prominent specializations in dental health include:
- oral and maxillofacial surgery
- orthodontics
- paediatric dentistry
- restorative dentistry
The average salary for a dentist in the U.S. is approximately $123,000 per year, while in Europe, dentists in countries like Spain can see annual salaries reaching up to $175,000.
Projections suggest that job demand for dentists will grow significantly over the next decade, outpacing many other professional fields.
Take the decisive steps toward a rewarding career in dentistry by starting your journey with a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD degree in the field today!