<p>I would like to know some things I have questions about on Dentists. </p>
<p>I'm thinking of either being a dentist or some sort of engineer. I like them both but I'm kind of leaning towards dentistry.. it seems like something I would like. Also my dream is to make a 6 figure income or more so Dentistry would help me with that. Or what IT job easily makes a 6 figure income? I'd prefer that more. </p>
<p>How hard is it to become a dentist? I'm a straight A student and take AP courses. I'm going to apply for UF. is that a good choice? Also I'm scared to take this road and be unsuccessful. Like when I'm actually working I don't want to kill someone or anything, haha. And what are the requirements to become a dentist in college and how can I prep for being a dentist in high school.</p>
<p>Don’t choose a career based on salary alone. Go into IT or engineering if they interest you more. If you are interested in becoming a dentist, it is similar to getting into medical school. Go to a 4-year university and major in something you’re interested in and take the required classes to get into dental school. I’m not sure exactly what they are (and they will differ between schools) but it’s probably a lot of the same classes pre-meds take. Getting into dental school is no walk in the park, which may be one of the more difficult parts of becoming a dentist. Someone else should be able to help you more than me because I know next to nothing about it, sorry! :(</p>
<p>Wait so I can pursue any degree to become a dentist but I just have to take the pre-med-required classes to enter Dentistry school? What if, let’s say, I pursue an engineering degree and take the required pre-med classes that I need and I finish my 4 years. But something happens or I don’t get into a dental school can I forget all about dentistry and focus on the other degree? Or will taking the pre-med classes have eliminated the classes I need for working as a, an example, (BS-degree) Software Engineer, rendering it worthless?</p>
<p>Well, you probably won’t take all requirements for medical school just because you want to aim for dental school. There may or may not be a significant difference, I just never looked into it. Yes, you can major in pretty much anything you want (my uncle was a chemistry major and is a dentist now). You will want to major in something you’re interested in because you may not get into dental school or decide not to go and you’ll have a decent backup plan. Taking the few prerequisites won’t eliminate many (if any) possibilities for majors. Here is an example of a school’s (University of Michigan) dental school requirements: English Composition, Biology w/ lab, Chemistry w/ lab, Organic Chemistry w/ lab (ouch), Physics w/ lab, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Sociology, Psychology. These all differ in the level (101, 213, 325, or whatever) and amount of credit hours required and may not be typical of all schools, but it should give you a general idea. I would start by looking at the specific school’s requirements that you are thinking of applying to in the future, or talk to an advisor. Hope it helps!</p>
<p>I understand that a student may not be looked upon favorably by a dental school if he/she has been interested in medical school (see the following link). Would it be too late to start some shadowing and volunteering for dental career by Junior year?</p>
<p>^ Well, obviously. If you aren’t ambitious to become a dentist, then you may be looked down upon. They want enthusiastic applicants; not ones who have the thought process of, “I didn’t get into medical school, so I guess I’ll try dental school <em>sigh</em>”.</p>
<p>No, I don’t think it would be too late to start shadowing. Why would it be? And if it was, it’s better late than never.
I’m a sophomore and I am just now looking into shadowing a doctor this summer and/or next school year.</p>
<p>Off-topic:
I recall in previous years reading some Dental schools actually recommending Biology majors over other majors. I feel like the trend is slowly diminishing and they are slowly becoming more versatile about majors like medical schools. Did I just make this memory up? I have the general feeling that dental schools prefer biology majors even though if you look now, many dental schools advocate pursuing what you’re interested in.</p>
