Becoming a dentist is a long and complex process that requires dedication and hard work. It typically takes 8 to 11 years to become a dentist, depending on whether or not you choose to specialize in your dental studies. The first step is to complete four years of university education. After that, students spend four years in dental school.
During this time, they learn the basics of dentistry and gain the skills necessary to practice. For those who want to specialize, additional training and research is required. Most residencies range from two to three years, with oral residency being the most common. This allows students to acquire skills in a specific subfield of dentistry, such as pediatrics or periodontal surgery.Students who don't want to specialize can reduce the amount of time they spend in school if they enroll in a blended study program. These programs offer condensed learning, allowing students to complete their studies in seven years instead of eight. Overall, becoming a dentist requires six to eight years of study.
With the right dedication and hard work, you can become a qualified dentist in no time.
