Dentists identify and cure problems with patients’ gums, teeth and mouth. They perform multiple procedures and use anesthesia to minimize the pain of their patients. Some dentists choose to practice general dentistry, while others opt for a specialization. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 590 general dentists were employed in Maine in 2019.

Should I Become a Dentist in Maine?

Education Required Professional or doctoral degree
Major Requirement Dentistry
Training Required for specialization
Licenses/Certifications Required
Key Skills Problem Solving Skills, Communication Skills, Dexterity, Organization Skills, Leadership Skills and Patience
Annual Mean Salary (2019) – National $178,260 (Dentists, General)
Job Outlook (2018-28) 7%
Annual Mean Salary (2019) – Maine $220,400 (Dentists, General)

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Dentistry is a profession which requires determination. Since the profession offers high job security, a lot of people choose it as their career. Dentistry requires people to be passionate about oral health. The job has a strong job outlook and is expected to grow in the future.

Career Outlook

Dentistry is one of those professions that are expected to experience growth in the future. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the profession is projected to grow 7% from 2018-2028. People are now more and more focused on improving their dental health. In the coming years, complicated processes like dental implants and bridges are also expected to increase. Some of the key skills required in this profession are patience and communication skills.

Steps to Become a Dentist in Maine

    1. Obtain an Undergraduate Degree

Aspiring dentists have to obtain an undergraduate degree to begin the process of becoming a dentist. There is no specific pre-dental major requirement by dental schools; however, students have to take a few compulsory courses like biology, physics and chemistry.

 

    1. Take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT)

DAT is a standardized exam which is mandatory for all students. It evaluates students’ knowledge and aptitude. These scores are required by all dental schools along with a minimum CGPA and a letter of recommendation.

 

    1. Get a Dental Degree

Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), a dental degree is a 4-year program. It results in a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. During the first two years of the program, students focus on laboratory and classroom work in dental sciences. They study various topics like, pathology and radiology, etc. While in the last two years, they get a chance to work directly with patients in the field, under the supervision of a professional.

 

    1. Get Licensure

To get a license in Maine, a candidate has to be at least 18 years old and a graduate of an accredited dental school. These professionals have to pass the National Dental Board Examination and the Northeast Regional Board Examination (NERB). They are also required to pass national and regional dental examinations approved by the board. The Maine Board of Dental Practice provides licensure to the candidates who have completed the requirements.

 

    1. Consider Specialization

Dentists who want to pursue a specialization opt for a post-DDS or a post-DMD degree. They can choose any CODA accredited specialization from the field of dentistry. The process of specialization requires 1-2 extra years of training and education.

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

Prospective dentists have to complete a 4-year dental program at an accredited school preceding a 4-year undergraduate program. They become eligible to get licensure once they have fulfilled all the requirements.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Dentist in Maine?

Following are the requirements to become a dentist in Maine:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Get an undergraduate degree
  • Give the DAT and earn an accredited dental degree
  • Pass the National Board Dental Examination and the NERS
  • Pass a national or a regional board approved dental exam

 

How Much Can I Make after Becoming a Dentist in Maine?

As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, general dentists in Maine were earning an annual mean salary of $220,400 in 2019 which was much higher than the national annual mean income of $178,260.