Become a Dentist in North Dakota

Dentists diagnose oral problems and treat patients. They counsel patients on diet choices and instruct them to take care of their teeth and gums. These professionals perform various procedures on teeth, gums and the mouth. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 200 general dentists employed in North Dakota in 2019.

If you are interested in the field of dental medicine, and have the right traits, you might want to consider a career in dentistry. The table below provides more details about this profession.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Dentistry is a profession which is high in demand and offers high job security. Dentists usually enjoy a lucrative salary package which is why it is considered one of the most sought after medicinal professions. The demand for the services of dentists will continue to rise as studies have started linking oral health to overall health.

Dentists enjoy lucrative salaries in the US. As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the profession is expected to grow 7% from 2018-2028. Many members from the baby-boom generation are going to need dental work so the profession is going to rise in the future. The demand for complicated dental work is also expected to increase. Along with strong communication and problem-solving skills, dentists are required to be patient.

1. 1. Get an Undergraduate Degree

Aspiring dentists have to get an undergraduate degree to begin their career as a dentist. Dentistry schools do not require any specific major but they have to take mandatory courses like biology, physics and chemistry.

 

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

Students have to take the DAT to get enrolled in a dentistry school. Scientific knowledge and academic capacity of the students are assessed through this exam. DAT scores, good CGPA and a letter of recommendation are required by most dentistry schools.

 

3. 3. Get a Dental Degree

 

Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), a dental degree is a 4-year program which results in either in a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. The first 2 years of the program consist of laboratory and classroom learning, while in the last 2 years students are allowed to work directly with patients, in a supervised setting.

 

4. 4. Obtain Licensure

 

To apply for licensure in North Dakota, candidates are required to have completed a CODA accredited program. They have to pass a clinical competency exam approved by the North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners. Applicants are also required to take the exam administered by the National Dental Licensing Examining Board of Canada or the Joint Commission on National Dental Examiners within five years of their application to the North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners. Dentists have to pursue continuing education to get their license renewed.

 

5. 5. Consider a Specialization

 

Some professionals practice dentistry as general dentists, while others opt for a specialization. Dentists who wish to specialize have to earn a post-DDS or a post DMD in any specialization offered by the CODA. There are multiple specialization options including dental public health, maxillofacial pathology, etc. This process requires 2-4 years of additional training and education.

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

Following are the requirements to become a dentist in North Dakota:

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, dentists working in North Dakota were earning an annual mean salary of $225,770 in 2019, which is considerably higher than the national mean wage.