How to Become a Dentist in Los Angeles

Are you a Los Angeles resident who likes to remind everyone to constantly brush, floss, and generally just take better care of their teeth? A career as a dentist may just be what you’re looking for. If you’re interested in becoming a dentist but just didn’t know the requirements of the profession, then this article is for you. Below are the steps you must take in order to become a dentist in Los Angeles.

College Education

To be eligible for a dental school, you must complete at least two years of college education. While there is no requirement as to what courses you should take, it is advised that you take pre-dentistry courses such as biology and chemistry. If the college you’re enrolled in has a pre-dentistry program, it would be a good idea to sign up for it in preparation for dental school.

Dental School

You can start searching for dental schools as soon as you’ve set your heart on the dentistry path. There are many Los Angeles schools that are accredited by the American Dental Association. Once you’ve set your sights on a particular institution, it’s time to compile the requirements for your application. Before you’re admitted to any dental program, you must first pass the Dental Admissions Test, so studying for this exam is quite important.

Internship

To become a dentist in Los Angeles, you have to complete four years of dental education and training. The first two years you spend in dental school would be devoted to scholarship and laboratory work. The last two years is a practicum or an internship where you’d be assigned a supervisor who furthers your practical training.

Licensing

Every dentist in Los Angeles needs a license to practice. The dental licensing process is a two-step procedure. First, you have to pass the National Board Dental Examination, which is a written test that covers your general knowledge about your field. Second, there is a practical exam as well, which is usually administered by a state-sanctioned body.

Practice

It takes a lot of work to be a dentist. Once you’ve passed your licensing exams, you can now start practicing as a dental professional. You may choose to build your own clinic, or maybe you’re more interested in joining an established institution. Either way, you have now reached your goal to be a professional dentist in Los Angeles.