Dentistry is a lucrative profession, with high salaries and high growth projected at a national level. The annual median salary for dentists, as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2018 was $156,240, while the growth was 7%, faster than the average of 5%.If you want to become a dentist in Texas, the field is full of opportunities for residents of the Lone Star State. The number of jobs for dentists in Texas in 2018 was 8,110 while the annual mean wage was $164,520. With such a positive outlook for dentists in Texas, thousands of people are applying to dental schools every year. If you want to be a part of these aspiring dentists, the following information would be of interest to you.

Steps to Become a Dentist in Texas

To enter the field of dentistry in Texas, aspiring dentists must follow these steps:

  • Get a Bachelor’s Degree
  • Clear the Dental Admissions Test
  • Apply to Dental Schools
  • Complete a Dental Program
  • Apply for Licensure

You may also opt for a specialization, which would take several additional years of education and training.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Dentist in Texas

The process for becoming a dentist in Texas is long and requires a lot of effort. Approximately, it will take you 8 to 10 years of education after your high school diploma before you can begin practicing as a dentist in Texas. This timeline would include a 4-year long bachelor’s degree, followed by 4 years of dental school.

In case you want to go for a specialization, you may have to put in additional 2 to 6 years of education, depending on the specialization you choose. Typically, training programs for various dental specializations would take 2 to 4 years as a residency in a CODA-accredited program. Some specialties, such as Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery might take longer and may result in the candidates ending up with a joint Medical Doctor (MD) degree.

How to Get a Dentist License in Texas?

To get a dentist license in Texas, candidates will first have to pass a Texas-approved clinical exam. You can obtain your license through various paths.

    1. License through Examination

This is the most common method of entering the field of dentistry for recent graduates of dental school.

    1. License by Credentials

This would be applicable to candidates who are already practicing as dentists in a different state.

    1. License by Foreign Graduation

This would apply to students who are not from the United States. In addition to the general qualifications, these candidates will have to complete a program by the American Dental Association and accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

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