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The path to becoming a dentist begins with attending college or university. That is a
four year degree program. Typically, pre-dental students will major in a science discipline,
although that is not required. However, if you do not major in science, then you will
need to keep in mind that you'll need to do all of the science prerequisites; that is
general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, calculus, and biological sciences. The student
is then ready to take the dental entrance exam. This is a a standardized test that all
students interested in dental school must take. The next step is applying to dental
school. It is a very competitive process; much like medical school. Those who want to
be very strong candidates will want to maintain a GPA in their undergraduate career of 3.75
or higher. Dental school is an additional four year degree program, and results in a
doctorate. Dentists can go into general practice, or can further specialize from there. The
dental practitioner must then sit for the state exam in which they wish to practice.
Once the dentist has been certified by the board in their state they are ready to practice
independently as a dentist.