Career Overview: Roles and Responsibilities of a Dentist
Dentists are licensed healthcare professionals who diagnose, treat, and help prevent conditions affecting the teeth, gums, and oral cavities of patients in a variety of different settings. Their general clinical responsibilities include performing comprehensive oral examinations, diagnosing dental and periodontal diseases, interpreting diagnostic imaging, developing individualized treatment plans, and providing preventive and restorative procedures including cleanings, fillings, crowns, bridges, root canals, and extractions. Some specialties may allow dentists to perform procedures and execute treatment plans that are outside of this general scope such as orthodontics, surgery, prosthodontics, etc. Dentists may supervise dental hygienists and assistants and may manage the administrative and operational aspects of a practice.
- Private Practices
- Community Health Centers
- School Based Dental Programs
- Hospitals
- Oral Surgery Centers
- Specialty Clinics (pediatrics, orthodontics, endodontic, etc.)
- Academics
- State or Federal Public Health Centers
- The Military
(After earning a DMD or DDS)
- Dental Anesthesiology
- Dental Public Health
- Endodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Oral Medicine
- Orofacial Pain
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics
- American Dental Association (ADA)
- Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA)
Most Dental schools require or strongly recommend:
- General Biology – 2 semesters with labs
- General Chemistry – 2 semesters with labs
- Organic Chemistry – 2 semesters with labs
- General Physics – 2 semesters with labs
- Biochemistry – 1 semester with the lab
- Advanced Human Anatomy – 1 semester with the lab
- Advanced Human Physiology – 1 semester with the lab
- Genetics – 1 semester with the lab
- English
- Math (algebra, statistics, calculus)
Coursework varies by school. Always verify specific requirements on each program’s website.
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a standardized test required for admission to dental schools in the United States. It is designed to assess the academic ability, scientific understanding, and perceptual skills that are predictive of success in dental education. The DAT evaluates knowledge and skills across four major test batteries: natural sciences (which includes biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry), Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning (math). The test helps dental schools compare applicants on a uniform academic and cognitive foundation as part of the admissions process.
The DAT is scored on a three-digit reporting scale ranging from 200 to 600 where approximately 400 represents the national average performance. Each section of the DAT receives its own score, and examinees also receive composite measures such as the Academic Average and Total Science. The Perceptual Ability Test score is reported separately and is not included in the Academic Average.
Always check each school’s website to confirm testing requirements.
Application: ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS)
- Personal information
- Academic History
Transcript Entry
Standardized Tests - Supporting Information
Evaluations
Achievements
Personal Statement
Experiences
LIcenses - Program Materials
Learn more about the AADSAS application
Research Programs: Create a list of programs and review their individual requirements for prerequisite courses, dental experience hours, testing (DAT), and letters of recommendation.
Obtain Dental Experience Hours: Many programs require Dental experience completed under direct supervision of a licensed dentist before applying.
Typical Expectations
- At least 100 hours of dental shadowing (general and specialty)
Competitive applicants often exceed minimum hour requirements. - Consider obtaining entry-level certifications that allow you to work in healthcare settings (dental assistant, CNA, EMT, MA, etc.)
- Consider getting involved with research
Always research each programs specific requirements when it comes to observation hours, dental experience hours, and research requirements.
Letters of Recommendation: Most programs require 3-4 letters of recommendation.
- Two science professors (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
- One dentist you have shadowed
- One additional letter (optional) from a non-science professor, research mentor, or supervisor
To obtain meaningful letters, build relationships early by actively participating in class or clinical experiences, seeking feedback, and demonstrating reliability and initiative. When requesting a letter, ask well in advance, provide your resume, your personal statement, and clearly share deadlines and submission instructions. Thoughtful, detailed recommendations from individuals who know you well can significantly strengthen your application by offering credible, personalized perspectives on your strengths and potential.