Popularly known as the ‘Constitution State’, Connecticut offers exciting employment opportunities to individuals interested in working in dentistry. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that general dentists working in Connecticut earned an annual mean salary of $192,540 in 2019, which was significantly higher than the national average. Thus, entering this field seems quite promising and rewarding. Read this comprehensive guide to learn how to become a dentist in Connecticut.

Should I Become a Dentist in Connecticut?

If you want to restore people’s smiles and want to help them regain self-confidence, then a career in dentistry would suit you.

Before stepping into this profession, you should familiarize yourself with the general training and licensing requirements, which are mentioned in the table below. The information provided here has been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Education Required Professional/Doctoral degree.
Training Not required for general dentists
Licenses/Certifications A dental license is required by the state.
Key Skills/Qualities Patience, Detail Oriented, Leadership Skills, Problem Solving Skills and Organizational Skills.
Annual Mean Salary (2019) – National $178,260 (Dentists, General)
Job Outlook (2018-28) 7%
Annual Mean Salary (2019) – Connecticut $192,540 (Dentists, General)

Career Outlook

The career outlook data indicates that individuals working in the field of dentistry will experience an employment growth of 7% from 2018 to 2028.

Steps to Become a Dentist in Connecticut

If you want to practice dentistry in the state of Connecticut, then you will have to go through the following stages:

    1. Complete a Baccalaureate Program


In order to get into a dental school, you will have to complete a four-year long bachelor’s program and will have to study modules related to General Biology, Physics, Chemistry and English. Some dental schools might also require you to take a course in Calculus.

 

    1. Enroll in a Dental Program

 

In order to enroll in a dental school, you will have to clear the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Once you have passed it, you can apply to a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S) program or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) program. It will take you around four years to graduate from dental school. While studying at the dental school, you will get a chance to explore a variety of topics related to Oral Medicine, Implantology, Oral Pathology and Advanced Imaging Techniques

 

    1. Get a License from the Department of Public Health

 

Once you have obtained the required credentials, you will become eligible to apply for a state license. In order to get licensed from the Department of Public Health, you will have to pass the National Board of Dental Examiners (NBDE) examination along with the Regional Board Examination.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Dentist in Connecticut?

Aspiring dentists have to invest around eight years to complete their education requirements. First, they are required to get a four-year long bachelor’s degree, after which they have to obtain a four-year long dental degree from an approved school. After completing the education requirements, individuals have to pass the required exams. If students intend to specialize in a particular area, they will have to invest additional years in education and training.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Dentist in Connecticut?

In order to get a dental license in Connecticut, individuals are required to meet the criteria listed below.

The candidate must have:

  • Graduated from a dental school recognized or accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA).
  • Passed the National Board of Dental Examiners (NBDE) examinations.
  • Passed a Regional Board Exam that has been approved by the Connecticut State Dental Commission and Department of Public Health. Regional exams offered by the following agencies/testing bodies are deemed acceptable:
  • Western Regional Examining Board
  • Central Regional Dental Testing Service
  • Southern Regional Testing Agency
  • Council of Interstate Testing Agencies
  • The Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (previously known as NERB)
  • Submitted a license application to the Connecticut State Department of Public Health.

 

How Much Do Dentists Earn in Connecticut?

The occupational estimates published by BLS show that Dentists (General) working in Connecticut earned a lucrative annual mean pay of $192,540 in 2019. This salary figure is higher than the national annual mean income of $178,260.