How to Become a Licensed Dentist in Rhode Island

Dentists diagnose and treat various mouth, teeth and gums related problems. These professionals perform multiple procedures and use anesthesia to help patients get rid of the pain. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 320 dentists employed in Rhode Island in 2019.

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Dentistry requires immense hard work and determination. It is one of the most sought after professions in the field of medicine as it provides strong job outlook and high salaries.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, dentistry is expected to grow 7% from 2018-2028. The job demand is expected to increase as it has become a part of contemporary lifestyle. People now associate oral health with overall health. Along with the younger generation, aging population will also need an increased amount of dental work. Communication skills and patience are some of the required skills for this profession.

1. 1. Get a Bachelor’s Degree
      

Aspiring dentists have to get an undergraduate degree as a first step to become a doctor. Since dental schools do not require any specific major, students can choose any major they like. However, they have to complete coursework in a few mandatory subjects like biology, chemistry and physics.

 

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

Aspiring dentists have to give the DAT to get an admission in a dental college. This exam assesses the candidate’s scientific knowledge and academic capacity. DAT scores, along with a good CGPA are required in all dental schools across the US.

 

3. 3. Get a Dental Degree

Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), dental school programs are typically 4 years long. The first 2-years allow students to gain theoretical knowledge while working in classrooms and laboratories. While in the last 2 years, they get a chance to work directly with patients. After completing the 4-year program, students receive a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.

 

4. 4. Obtain Licensure

To earn a license in Rhode Island, applicants are required to be graduates of an accredited dental school. They are required to take the ADEX exam including the periodical examination. They also have to pass the CDCA exam. It is a comprehensive and written exam in applied clinical diagnosis and treatment plan. The Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry provides licenses once all the requirements are fulfilled.

 

5. 5. Consider Specialization

Dentists who choose to specialize get a post-DMD or a post-DDS degree. They can choose a specialty area accredited by the CODA. The process of specialization requires an additional 1-2 years of training and education.

Prospective dentists need to complete a 4-year Bachelor’s program followed by a 4-year dental degree at an accredited school. They can obtain their license once all the requirements are fulfilled.

Following are the requirements to become a dentist in Rhode Island:

 

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean salary of dentists working in Rhode Island was $262,900 in 2019.