Janet Said:

How difficult is it to become a dentist and is it worth it?

We Answered:

I am a dental hygienist. I am not a dentist. However, I work for two dentists, so I hope my answer helps you. Of course you have to obtain a BS degree in science. Then you have to apply to dental school. I am not sure what the criteria are to get in, but I have heard of waiting lists and things of that nature so I guess you may need to apply to more than one. After you are accepted, you have 4 years of actual dental school ahead of you. Two years of dental hygiene school required a lot of commitment, sleepless nights and studying. I am sure dental school is the same if not worse. You just have to stay on top of your game. I believe it is worth it if you really love what you do. Make sure you have a really good person handling your money. The title doctor does not make you wealthy, a good office manager does. Good luck.

Marjorie Said:

really I'd like to change careers and become a DENTIST?

We Answered:

Make sure you want to get into dentistry. The reason being that you will its a difficult occupation. Most patients dont want to be there. You arent working with the best body part (peoples body parts etc..).. Children are particularly difficult to work with. The pay is medium for a health occupation. Many people do not take these facts into consideration.

People argue "well all health professions deal with these types of people" and I would arge not so. Optomologist deal with patients that want to get their eyes fixed.. The procedures are quick and the results are grand (well in the eyes -no pun intended- of the patients).. Lots of rewards there..

Willie Said:

Is it too difficult to become a dentist and is it worth it?

We Answered:

Well I'm not a dentist nor any type of dr though here is a website to learn more about the career of a dentist and general courses needed as prereq's, however, each dental school may have different prereq's: http://www.bls.gov/oco and search 'dentist' or such.

Working full-time and attending school on a full-time basis will be extremely stressful and perhaps next to impossible with any major let alone such an intense and rigorous curriculum as dentistry or pre-dentistry.

For other career info: http://www.ada.org and go to 'your oral health' and then 'careers in dentistry'.

For US colleges: http://www.utexas.edu/world/univ

Colleen Said:

Can u become a DENTIST wif BSc in ECONOMICS & FINANCE?

We Answered:

Yes, it's very possible. I know a lot of dentists or dental students that did not major in biological science, but just took the prerequisite classes and applied. The exact requirements vary depending on the school you are applying to, but in general, you need:

4 semesters biological science
2 semesters inorganic chemistry
2 semesters organic chemistry
2 semesters physics
2 semesters college level math
2 semesters English

You can check out schools you're interested in and see what classes you'll need to take in preparation:
http://www.adea.org/links/default.htm

If you haven't taken any of these classes or still need a lot of them, you can either take these on your own via summer courses/community college, etc. or a good option would be to enroll in a postbaccalaureate program which will help you get all the pre-reqs done.

Here's a site to help locate one in your area:
http://services.aamc.org/postbac/

For additional support, check out the predental forum at http://www.studentdoctor.net

Good luck!

Sara Said:

Thinking about changing my future career , DENTIST vs VETERINARIAN?

We Answered:

Go with the one you like better. They're both very demanding career's.