Dentistry is a lucrative and rewarding career to go into. 

While choosing a career path can be challenging, especially with so many professions to choose from, a close look at labor statistics today reveals that medical science remains one of the most promising careers. If you choose to become a dentist, it’s even better. 

Dentistry combines creativity, flexibility, and job satisfaction in equal measure. In this article, we shall explore why dentistry is a great career choice and how you can become a dentist! 

What is Dentistry

Dentistry concerns the mouth, teeth, gums, and related areas. 

Some studies have shown that diseases relating to the teeth and gums can be indicative or indicators of some health issues. The health of the mouth is essential to the general overall health of the body.

Dentists play a vital role in our oral healthcare. Therefore, the demand for good dentists is high.  

Like most careers in the health industry, a dentist needs to be caring, compassionate, highly competent, and knowledgeable. 

Why Dentistry is a Great Career Choice

In the same way that society can't do without a brain or heart surgeon, dentists are also indispensable community members.

Dentistry is a popular and profitable career, so much so that it ranks ninth out of the 100 best jobs in the US. Here are just some of the reasons why you should become a dentist.

1. Job Satisfaction: Dentistry is touted to offer the maximum job satisfaction. As a dentist, you help people live a life of self-esteem and confidence by taking care of their oral health, and nothing brings satisfaction as much as adding value to others’ lives.
2. Flexible Schedules: Unlike most other doctors, dentists can plan their working hours to suit their schedules. You can even choose to take weekends off, so you have more time for your family or hobbies. 
3. Be Your Own Boss: As a dentist, you can easily set up your private clinic, making you the boss. You can decide the number of patients you see daily and when you see them. You can also carefully select your staff so they all have the same work ethic as you.
4. Lucrative Income: Dentistry is a very lucrative career option as you can start earning a decent salary very early in your career. In the United States, the average income of a dentist is $164,010, as of May 2020. 
5. Earn Respect: Dentists are respected and held in high regard by the communities they serve owing to their contributions to the general health of the public as well as their drive to improve the lives of those around them. 

How to Become a Dentist

Quite a bit of training is required for a career in dentistry. Students need to commit to many years of study if they want to move into professional practice. So if you've made up your mind and wish to pursue dentistry as a career, you must be ready to invest in your education. 

The path to becoming a dentist is pretty straightforward. Because the occupation requires licensure, you must follow specific educational requirements in order to qualify for state certification.

To begin with, you need to have at least a bachelor's degree to apply to dental school. You must take and pass the Dental Admission Test (DAT) to be accepted into dental schools in the US. Dental school will take four years of full-time attendance. It will take you approximately eight years to become a dentist—four to earn your bachelor's degree and another four at dental school.

You may choose to earn either a Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, and the program must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association (ADA).

After the academic qualifications have been obtained, clinical training is undertaken. In most places, this is at least two years and then certification exams are required to finally start practicing as a Dentist.