How to Become a Dentist in Montana in 2021

Dentists diagnose and treat conditions related to gums, teeth and mouth. Along with performing root canals, extractions and tooth replacements, they also advise their patients on oral hygiene and dental care routines. As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 380 general dentists employed in Montana in 2019.

If you possess skills such as patience and dexterity, and have an interest in the human teeth structure, you might do well as a dentist.

Find out more, in the table below.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

In the US, it is mandatory for all dentists to gain licensure. Dentists are required to have a dental degree and post graduate training. Some of these professionals opt for sub-specializations like, oral maxillofacial surgery and orthodontics, etc. Dentists have to work with patients to improve their dental hygiene. They are required to be detail-oriented so they can pay attention to the color and shape of the teeth. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for dentists are expected to grow 7% from 2018-2028.

1. 1. Get a Bachelor’s Degree

 

Students have to get a bachelor’s degree before gaining admission in a dental school. Some schools also admit students in their 2 to 3 year of undergraduate programs and let them earn their bachelor’s degree as a part of dental school program. Medical schools do not require any specific major but students have to complete coursework in physics, biology and chemistry.

 

2. 2. Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT)

 

Students have to take the DAT to get admission in a dental school. The standardized test assesses students’ scientific knowledge and academic capacity. Along with DAT scores, dental schools also require students to have a good CGPA and letters of recommendation.

 

3. 3. Get a Dental Degree

 

It is a 4-year program after which students get a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree (DMD). These programs have to be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). During the first two years, students learn dental and health science in laboratory and classroom. However, in the last two years they are allowed to diagnose and treat patients, under the supervision of a professional dentist.

 

4. 4. Obtain Licensure

 

All aspiring dentists have to obtain licensure. In Montana, candidates are required to be a graduate of an accredited school. They have to take the National Board Dental Examination and a Board approved clinical examination. They are also required to pass a Montana Jurisprudence Examination. These candidates need to be in practice of direct patient care when they apply for licensure.  They get their license from the Board of Dentistry of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. Candidates are required to continue education to get their license renewed.

 

5. 5. Consider a Specialization

 

Some dentists practice as general dentists, while others choose to specialize in a certain area. Post-DDS or Post-DMD degrees are available for people who want to specialize in any field recognized by the CODA.  It requires 2-4 years of additional education and training.

Aspiring dentists have to complete their 4-year undergraduate program followed by a 4-year graduate program at an accredited dental school. Once they finish all the education requirements, they can apply for licensure.

Following are the requirements to become a dentist in Montana:

 

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean salary of general dentists working in Montana was $150,170 in 2019.