The path to becoming a dentist is full of challenges; therefore we would advise you to do your research beforehand. Here’s an article that will help you understand how to become a Dentist in Alabama.
Job Duties of a Dentist
Dentists perform the following duties:
- Identify and treat a range of dental issues
- Restore and promote oral health
- Perform surgical procedures on soft tissues, bones and teeth
Requirements to Become a Dentist in Alabama
A long list of requirements has to be met if you aspire to become a licensed dentist in Alabama. The details are listed below:
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- Education Requirements
You will be required to complete a Bachelor’s and Doctoral degree in Dentistry. You have the option of enrolling in a Doctor of Dental Medicine or a Doctor of Dental Surgery program. Some universities are also offering coordinated degree programs such as the Doctor of Dental Medicine/Master of Public Health.
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- Training Requirements
In order to graduate from the doctoral program, you will have to complete the internship credits.
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- Certification and Licensing Requirements
Earning the required degrees and accruing the supervised clinical hours is not enough. You won’t be able to practice in Alabama until you have been awarded a license. In order to obtain a license, you will have to apply to the Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama.
Steps Involved in Becoming a Dentist in Alabama
The following stages must be completed if you want to become a dentist in Alabama:
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- Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
The pre-dental requirements include completion of a minimum 3 years of study of 90 semester hours. This will incorporate a minimum of 30 hours of Non-Science, 6 hours of Mathematics, 8 hours of Physics, 16 hours of Chemistry and 8 hours of Biology. You will be required to graduate from a college or school of dentistry that is approved by the Board.
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- Complete a Doctorate Program and Fulfill Training Requirements
After completing the bachelor’s program, you will have to enroll in a doctorate program. You can either opt for a Doctor of Dental Medicine or a Doctor of Dental Surgery. You will also be required to complete your doctoral level internship.
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- Obtain a State License
You must meet the following licensure requirements in order to file an application with the Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama:
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- Must be at least 19 years old
- Should bear a good moral character
- Should be a US citizen/should be legally present in the US with appropriate documentation with the federal government
- Should have graduated from an accredited dental college or school
- Must have passed the National Dental Board Exams (Part 1 and 2)
If you have met these requirements, then you will have to submit a licensure application with the Board. If your application is approved and the supporting material is found satisfactory, you will be mailed/emailed the jurisprudence test. This open book exam will cover the Alabama Board of Dental Examiners Administrative Code and the Alabama Dental Practice Act. You will need a minimum score of 75% to pass the test.
Upon passing this test, you will be granted a license certificate and a license, which will make you eligible to practice dentistry in Alabama.
Employment Data
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that the annual mean wage of Dentists in Alabama was $171,900 in 2018. There were 1,160 people employed in this particular field.