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If you've thought about a career in health care, talk with your dentist, counselor or teacher about the day-to-day responsibilities of a dental professional and the requirements to become one. To begin, you should like science. You'll need biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics. Additionally the Dental Admission Test is required prior to being accepted to dental school. After graduation from a four-year dental program, it is necessary to pass a licensure exam required by the state in which you wish to practice. Specialization requires another two years or more of school or a clinical residency program.
"I recommend people interested in the profession talk to their own dentist and 'shadow' them for a few days to learn about what happens day-to-day. I have had patients who have become dentists after talking with me," says AGD spokesperson Sandra A. Kilkuts, DMD, FAGD. "Being a dentist has given me a great sense of contribution to my patients as well as to my community."
Reviewed: February 2011