Becoming a Dentist
Chasity Key
What do you want to be when you grow up?
I want to become a dentist.
Why do you want to become a dentist?
I want to become a dentist because I want to be successful in changing a person's life. I will also be able to maintain a good personal and social life outside of work because of the flexibility this career offers.
Does this career go along with your personal interests?
Yes, becoming a dentist goes along with my personal interests.
What education is required?
- A bachelors degree is required along with a three-year-pre-dental program.
- Take the Dental Acceptance Test (DAC)
- Complete a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree (DMD)
- Pass national and state licensing exams
What is the average cost for the entire education required?
1st year: $109,481
2nd year: $108,633
3rd year: $106,848
4th year: $98,013
Total: $422,975
Colleges, universities, or programs
East Carolina University
Greenville, North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Meharry Medical College
Nashville, Tennessee
Salary Range
- The average annual salary for becoming a dentist in North Carolina is $166,270
- The average annual salary for becoming a dentist in Tennessee is $257,472
Employment lookout and opportunities
The average job growth in North Carolina is 1.46% with 150 annual job openings.
The average job growth in Tennessee is 1.6% with 0 annual job openings.
Basic Job Duties
- Offering advice foods
- Offering advice on hygiene
- repairing fractured teeth
- Filling cavities
- Extracting teeth
- Applying sealants
- Whitening
- Creating dentures
- Straightening teeth
- Writing prescriptions
Interesting Facts
- Dentist Alfred P. Southwick originated the electrical chair
- Earn the highest median salary
- Combines art and science
- Flexibility to balance professional and personal life
What surprised you the most about becoming a dentist?
What surprised me the most is how much the schooling costs.
Would you choose the same career?
Yes, I would choose the same career because it is something I can see myself doing.
Dentist Job Description