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.
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- License through Examination
This is the most common method of entering the field of dentistry for recent graduates of dental school.
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- License by Credentials
This would be applicable to candidates who are already practicing as dentists in a different state.
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- 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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