Whether your desire is to help people have healthier teeth or to make money, becoming a dentist can be a profitable line of work.
The majority of dentists practice general dentistry and only treat basic problems in teeth, such as filling cavities, reviewing x-rays and spotting problems, and referring you to specialists.
There are several steps that you need to take to make reaching your dreams possible.
The first thing you need to do is figure out if you are the kind of person who would make a good dentist and what your reasons are to go into the field.
This should include good ability in science, the ability to communicate well, good use of the hands, and a feel for the world of business.
Then, you should take the right courses in high school that would steer you in the right direction, including those in Science, Math, and Health.
Next, you need to go to college and get your bachelor's degree in what area of science that is required for your major, usually with an area of science as a minor.
This schooling should end with passage of the dental admissions test, which helps determine what school for postgraduate work would be the best fit for you.
Information for this testing can be found on the website of the American Dental Association.
Once your schooling is complete and you have completed your testing, you need to apply for a good dental school.
To find one, make sure that it is accredited by the American Dental Association and that your undergraduate degree and admission interviews will be accepted by the university admission's department.
This graduate school will take roughly four years as you continue your studies in the various sciences that are required by your field.
While you are pursuing this, you should get a job at a dentist office as an understudy, so that you can learn how to deal with patients and get some on the job experience.
When you have completed your degree from graduate school you will need to meet all the requirements that your state has to get your license.
Getting your license requires you to take several tests.
Check with the board in your state to find out exactly what the requirements are.
If you desire, you can decide whether or not you want to pursue a specialty, including periodontics, orthodontics, and several others.
This will take more schooling in the field of your specialty, but can be worth it monetarily if you have the diligence to finish the course.
Once you have finished your specialty course work, you can then open your practice and begin seeing patients.
The way may be difficult, but can be worthwhile monetarily so that you can care for your lifestyle.