How to Become a Certified Dental Assistant in Vermont

Dentists are responsible for treating diseases of the mouth, gums and teeth. They perform extractions, tooth replacements, root canals and various other dental procedures. Providing advice on oral care and taking mouth X-rays are also frequent activities on the job.
In 2019, Vermont had more than 350 employed general dentists. If you are also interested in pursuing a dentistry career in The Green Mountain State, then read this piece. It will tell you exactly how to go about your journey.

Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET Online

Dentists tend to be of two major types: specialists and general practitioners. Becoming a specialist demands an additional few years of education and training following the completion of dental school. More often than not, dentists have long shifts on the job and even work frequently on weekends.

Between 2018 and 2028, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects jobs for dentists to increase by 7%. This is more than the rise projected for most other occupations. Moreover, with a significant chunk of the population becoming senior citizens, the demand for dental services will also increase.

Follow the procedure explained in this section to become a dentist in Vermont.

1. 1. Undergraduate Education

You will kick-start your journey to becoming a dentist by studying for a Bachelor’s degree. Choose any major but at least take some courses in science-related subjects (physics, biology, psychology, physiology, etc.). You may also join a dental school after completing 2 or 3 years of undergraduate education. In this way, your Bachelor’s degree will become part of your dental education program.

2. 2. DAT (Dental Admission Test)

When you are done with your Bachelor’s, the next stage is the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Aim for as high a score as possible to enhance your chances of dental school admission.

3. 3. DAT (Dental Admission Test)

Dental school offers 4 years of studying to obtain either a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. See to it that the program at your chosen institution has been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) which is a part of the American Dental Association (ADA).

4. 4. Dental License

Once your dental education is completed, you can apply for a license from the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners. To be eligible, you have to qualify the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) as well as a clinical exam approved by the state.

5. 5. Dental License

Dental Specialty
You may work as a general dentist or choose to specialize in any of the following areas.

Specialists also have to study and train for another 2 to 4 years in order to get their practicing license from the Vermont Board of Dental Examiners.

The usual process takes 8 years. This includes 4 years of undergraduate studies and 4 years in dental school. For those who want to specialize, they will have to study and train (residency) for another 2 to 4 years.

The following requirements are binding for aspiring dentists in Vermont.

As per the latest information provided by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Vermont’s dentists took home $261,790 in annual mean wage in 2019 which is a lot higher than the US annual mean wage of $178,260.