Your Career as a Dentist
Job Description
A dentist is a professional who is trained and licensed to diagnose, prevent, and treat diseases and conditions of the teeth, jaw, and mouth. General dentists have the capability to provide comprehensive care to a variety of patients. Some professional choose to limit their practice to a recognized dental specialty, such as:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
- Endodontics
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Public Health Dentistry
Training and Dental School Curriculum
Dental schools require a background of pre-requisite courses, which usually include many biology, chemistry, and math classes. Most applicants into dental school have earned bachelor’s degrees. After dental school, if you wish to go into one of the specialties, you’ll need a minimum of two years additional schooling.
Indiana University School of Dentistry >>>
Tuition and Financial Assistance
In addition to tuition, the cost of dental school usually includes books, instruments, living expenses during school, and other fees. Many students cover these expenses through student loans and limited scholarships.
Indiana University School of Dentistry D.D.S tuition information >>>
Are you ready for the rigors of dental school? Check out Dr. LeMert’s Dental School Reality letter to the editor >>>
Contact Information
Indiana Dental Association: indental.org
American Dental Association: ada.org
Indiana University School of Dentistry: dentistry.iu.edu