Dental school is four years of training. While in dental school the first two years typically consist of basic sciences and the last two years consist of treating patients. Students who complete the four years to obtain a dental degree are able to practice dentistry once they pass a regional clinical exam and the national board exams.

Curriculum: During dental school, the curriculum consists of biochemistry, gross anatomy, histology, pathology, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology and dental ethics. The dental related courses include recreating dental anatomy with wax and laboratory courses to practice dental clinical techniques. Students usually begin treating patients their third year in dental school.  The National Board Dental Exam Part I is usually taken during the second year and the Part II exam is taken in the fourth year. Refer to the Dental Resources to obtain free resources on dental related subjects.

Post-Graduate: The National Dental Board Exams Part 1 and 2 must be taken before applying for a post-graduate education. Impressive scores on the National dental board exams will improve your chances of getting into a good program. To improve your application for residency programs continue to be involved in extracurricular activities, dental research, organizations, and dental honor societies.

Licensure: To practice dentistry, dentists pass a regional clinical exam to qualify for state licensure. A residency is not required to practice dentistry.

                                       
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