DENTIST
What does a dentist do?
Dentists are also constantly learning and teaching. They perform research to improve oral health, take continuing education courses to stay on top of the latest treatment methods, teach members of their dental team, and educate patients on how to best care for their teeth and prevent oral disease.
You can also choose to specialize, focusing your care on children, orthodontics, oral surgery, and much more.
Why choose a career in dentistry?
Many dentists balance their time between clinician and nonclinical. You’ll have the opportunity time to lecture, teach, and write for dental publications. You can take part in research projects or participate in scientific councils.
Dentists are seen as leaders in their communities and there are leadership roles available within organized dentistry.
You’ll also have choices when it comes to how you want to work. You might want to buy an existing dental practice or start your own. If being the boss isn’t your thing, there are many options available to you.
What type of person makes a good dentist?
Someone who is:
A good listener
Patient
A critical thinker
Persuasive
A stickler for details
Flexible and resilient.
WHERE WOULD YOU WORK
HOW MUCH CAN I MAKE?
HOW TO BECOME A DENTIST IN NORTH CAROLINA
DENTAL SCHOOLS IN NORTH CAROLINA
Where would you work?
You have lots of choices. Not only are dental hygienists in high demand, but there are a variety of settings where you can work, including:
- Your own dental office, from small to large, whether you buy or build.
- Public health/community clinics.
- Military.
- Dental clinics at a university.
- Schools.
- Prison facilities.
- University research departments.
- Classrooms.
How much can I make?
How to become a dentist in North Carolina
- Earn a four-year undergraduate degree. While there is no required major, a strong foundation in science is necessary.
- Graduate from an accredited dental school.
- Pass two written exams. In NC, you must pass written exams, which are offered online, in infection control/sterilization, and North Carolina jurisprudence.
- Pass a clinical exam – either the CITA Dental exam or the ADEX exam. In NC, the optional perio scaling portion of ADEX is required. The ADEX exam is administered by the Council on Interstate Testing Agencies (CITA) and the Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA).
- Successfully complete a background check.
- To learn more about licensing, visit the NC State Board of Dental Examiners.
Dental Schools in North Carolina
- East Carolina School of Dental Medicine
- University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry
- Workman School of Dental Medicine at High Point University
Learn more about becoming a dentist from the American Dental Association or the American Dental Education Association.