How Long Does It Take to Become a Dentist in Kansas?

Becoming a dentist is a rewarding career path, but it requires significant time and dedication. If you’re planning to practice dentistry in Kansas, understanding the educational timeline and requirements is essential. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved and the time typically needed to achieve your goal.

1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree (4 Years)

The first step to becoming a dentist is earning a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes four years to complete. While pre-dental students can choose any major, many prefer fields like biology or chemistry to cover prerequisite courses for dental school. During your undergraduate years, you should also focus on maintaining a strong GPA and preparing for the Dental Admission Test (DAT).

2. Pass the Dental Admission Test (Time Varies)

The DAT is a standardized exam required for dental school admission. Preparing for and scheduling this test can take additional time, often a few months, as candidates complete practice exams and review material. Success on the DAT is critical for advancing to the next step in the process.

3. Complete Dental School (4 Years)

After passing the DAT, aspiring dentists spend four years in an accredited dental school. During this time, students learn everything from anatomy and oral health to clinical techniques. The curriculum typically includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical experiences. Schools may grant either a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), depending on the program.

4. Obtain Licensure (Time Varies)

To practice dentistry in Kansas, graduates must pass both the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE) or Integrated National Board Dental Examinations (INBDE) and a regional clinical licensing exam. Kansas also requires a state-specific jurisprudence examination to ensure dentists understand local laws and regulations. Completing these tests and receiving licensure may take several months.

Total Time Commitment

The process of becoming a dentist in Kansas generally takes about 8 to 10 years from start to finish. This includes earning a bachelor’s degree (4 years), completing dental school (4 years), and the time needed for licensure exams and applications.

While the path to becoming a dentist is lengthy, the opportunity to improve oral health and build a successful career makes the investment worth it. If you’re aspiring to become a dentist, careful planning and persistence are key to achieving your goals!