Part One of the Series : Did you read up on...

 Steps to Becoming a Dentist 

One of the most common questions I get is what was the process of becoming a pediatric dentist. 

I love my career and look back at the process as being forged from fire. For each step there were

uniquely challenging hurdles and a significant amount of perseverance required. The

process involves 8-14 years of higher education: - Obtaining a bachelor degree (4

years) - Obtaining a doctorate degree (4 years) - If chosen, obtaining a specialty

certificate and/or degree (1-6 years) 

A few great resources for those on the pre-dental

journey: 

 American Dental Association outline from high school to dental school

becoming a dentist: https://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/careers-in-dentistry/be-a-

dentist/high-school-and-college-students 

Summer Educational Program for  Underrepresented Minorities in Dental School: 

http://www.shpep.org/apply-to-shpep/ -

Studentdoctor.net was a wonderful resource when I was applying for dental school and

residency. It had a lot of information (taken with a grain of salt) on the community

groups and multiple resources regarding interview prep. - Great Guide for Pre-Dental

Students: https://www.studentdoctor.net/how-to-get-into-dental-school/ Dental

hygiene is another career many in dentistry consider and involves: - Completing

prerequisites in college (approx. 2 years) - Associates degree (2 years) or a bachelors

degree (4 years) in dental hygiene 

Resources on Becoming a Dental Hygienist: -

American Dental Education Association:

https://www.adea.org/GoDental/Future_Dental_Hygienists.aspx 

Pros/Cons of Dental

Hygiene: https://carrington.edu/blog/pros-cons-dental-hygienist

Hope this helps! 

Please ask questions below. Also, if you have suggestions for topics you would  like a quick overview

on, drop them below as well. 

You CAN Do This! 

Take Care

Dr. Niekia Franklin