How Long Does It Take To Become a Pediatric Dentist? How To Become One
Did you know that approximately 80% of dentists specialize in general dentistry? Dentists specialize in a variety of areas, depending on your interests and education. General dentists are a great place to start your career without having to do advanced schooling.
Once you’ve had your general dentistry practice established and running smoothly, you can consider specializing further. For parents with young children, a pediatric dentist can be a great way to provide care for your family.
Would you like to become one?
This pediatric dentist guide will help you learn how to go about starting this career path and how long does it take to become a pediatric dentist.
Make Sure You Take the Right High School Courses
English, science, and math are important for all dental careers. You’ll also need to take courses in chemistry and biology. These will give you the basic knowledge you need to succeed in your career.
You should also consider taking courses in psychology or sociology. These can help you understand your patients better and provide them with the best possible care.
Complete Four Years of Undergraduate Studies
To become a pediatric dentist, one must first complete four years of undergraduate studies. This includes completing a bachelor’s degree, as well as taking the necessary prerequisite courses for dental school. After completing four years of undergraduate studies, one must then apply to and be accepted into a dental school.
Complete Four Years of Dental School
The first two years are spent completing pre-clinical coursework. This includes classroom and laboratory work.
The last two years are spent completing clinical rotations. During this time students gain hands-on experience treating patients.
During their clinical rotations, students learn how to diagnose and treat dental problems in children. They also learn how to provide preventive care, such as sealants and fluoride treatments.
Complete a Two-Year Residency Program in Pediatrics
During their residency, pediatric dentists learn how to diagnose and treat dental problems in children. They also gain experience in managing children’s behavior during dental procedures.
They also learn how to care for children with special needs. This includes cleft lip or palate, or those who are medically complex.
Take the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry (ABPD) Examination
The ABPD is the gold standard for the assessment of pediatric dental training and knowledge. This is a comprehensive, multi-part examination that assesses a dentist’s knowledge and skills.
The examination includes a written examination, a clinical examination, and an oral examination. Upon passing this examination, you are officially a board-certified pediatric dentist.
Understanding How Long Does It Take To Become a Pediatric Dentist
How long does it take to become a pediatric dentist? It typically takes anywhere from 8 to 10 years to become a pediatric dentist. The first step is to obtain a Bachelor’s degree, which takes four years to complete. The next step is to attend dental school for four years and complete 2 years of the residency program.
The path to becoming a pediatric dentist is long and requires dedication and commitment. The rewards of being able to provide care for children and help them develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime are immeasurable.
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