Hello, aspiring dentists! If you’re reading this, you’re probably wondering whether dental school is worth the time, effort, and expense.
“What does it take to get in?”
“How stressful is it?” (Spoiler: very.)
“And do I really want to be a broke student again?”
Let’s clear up some of the uncertainty.
This guest post is from Sarah Chouman, a student at NYU College of Dentistry. You can follow her dentistry journey on Instagram here.
How I knew dental school was right for me
Dental school isn’t the right path for everyone, but it can be the perfect fit if you enjoy working with your hands, improving people’s health, and creating confidence through smiles.
Some people decide to be dentists early in life. I didn’t realize I wanted to be a dentist until my junior year of college. I knew I wanted a career that helped people feel better. I shadowed physicians, physician assistants, and nurses until someone suggested I shadow their dentist.
Everyone who left that dental office had a smile on their face. That moment sealed it for me.
A smile is often the first thing people notice and the last thing they remember. If creating healthy, beautiful smiles appeals to you—and if seeing someone’s mood change because they feel good about their teeth excites you—dental school could be a great choice.
Pros and Cons of Dental School
A career in dentistry offers many benefits, including:
- Long-term financial stability (with time)
- Opportunities to build lasting relationships with patients
- A direct impact on people’s health and self-esteem
- High professional respect
- Potential for private practice and self-employment
- Flexibility to set your own schedule once you run a practice
But it also comes with trade-offs worth considering:
- Significant student debt
- Years of intense study while peers may start families or careers
- Large startup costs to open a practice (sometimes approaching half a million dollars)
- Limited geographical flexibility once established
- Physically repetitive and demanding work over a long career
- Responsibility for your own benefits if you are self-employed
How to prepare for dental school
Start by deciding where you want to study and, ultimately, practice. Many dentists stay where they train because professional networks and patient bases develop locally.
Each school has specific pre-requisite courses and expectations. Some require additional biology classes or a set number of shadowing hours. Reach out to admissions counselors at the schools you’re considering to ask what would strengthen your application.
Connecting with admissions staff and demonstrating genuine interest can improve your chances if you’re invited to interview.
Common dental school questions
Q
What is the best major for dental school?
A
The best major is the one that fits you. Choose a field you enjoy and that helps you grow intellectually. Admissions committees value genuine passion and a well-rounded candidate.
Admissions teams appreciate applicants who chose majors to pursue their interests, not just to impress.
Many applicants major in biological sciences because the coursework overlaps with dental prerequisites, but majors in social sciences, humanities, or arts are also common. Courses in psychology, communication, and ethics can be particularly helpful because dentistry involves extensive patient interaction.
Q
What are the requirements for getting in?
A
Basic steps to prepare for dental school include:
- Shadowing a dentist to learn about the profession
- Completing the prerequisite science and non-science courses required by your target schools
- Securing at least three letters of recommendation (commonly two from science professors and one from a non-science professor; a letter from a dentist is a strong addition)
- Taking the DAT (Dental Admissions Test)
- Building a holistic, authentic application that reflects your strengths and motivations
Q
Do I need a specific GPA?
A
Don’t get discouraged by comparison sites. Admissions are holistic, so GPA is only one component. Applicants with similar GPAs can have very different outcomes depending on experiences, letters, interview performance, and overall fit.
Focus on building a compelling, honest application that highlights your accomplishments, motivations, and unique qualities.
Q
How long is dental school?
A
Most dental programs are four years long, though some accelerated three-year programs exist. There are also combined programs that allow completion of undergraduate and dental training in a shortened timeline.
After dental school and required licensing exams, you become a general dentist. Some states require a one-year general practice residency to obtain a license. Specialty training (orthodontics, periodontics, etc.) typically adds three or more years of residency after dental school.
Q
How much does dental school cost?
A
Dental school is expensive. The average graduate carries substantial debt—often around $300,000, and higher in costly cities or for those pursuing specialties. Consider the financial commitment carefully; you should be passionate about dentistry to take on this level of debt.
Speak with current students and practicing dentists to understand the financial realities and timeline for repayment. Loan forgiveness programs exist but commonly require service in underserved or rural areas and may involve lower pay.
Q
How hard is dental school?
A
Dental school is rigorous. Students learn comprehensive oral and systemic health, master many procedures in labs, and balance demanding coursework with clinical training.
Studying with classmates can be invaluable—forming study groups, sharing mnemonics, and supporting one another emotionally helps you get through the most stressful periods.
Pictured below: Me, practicing self-care while buried in dental studies.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Br-yPq2BUyV/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_medium=loading
Q
Can you go to dental school with a dental hygiene degree?
A
While a degree in dental hygiene prepares you well for that career, it may not be the most efficient route to dental school. Coursework can overlap, and you may lack time to take certain additional prerequisites required by dental programs.
If you want to be a dental hygienist, pursue dental hygiene. If your goal is to become a dentist, prioritize science and social science courses and plan your prerequisites so you’re fully prepared for dental school applications.
Key takeaways: Should you go to dental school?
Ultimately, it comes down to commitment. If you are deeply committed to dentistry, the challenges—academic, financial, and personal—can be worthwhile. View loans as an investment in your future career only if dentistry is something you truly love.
When your motivation is genuine, you’ll study because you want to learn and provide excellent care, not simply to earn grades. With dedication, the path to a DDS or DMD can be highly rewarding.
Good luck on your journey!
Want to connect with Sarah? Find her on Instagram at @doctor.soos.