Deciding to join the healthcare field is thrilling! Becoming a dentist is a great choice, but many people ask if it means going to medical school. The answer is no. Dentists are doctors, but they do not go to medical school. They attend dental school instead, where they learn to become either doctors of dental surgery (DDS) or doctors of medicine in dentistry (DMD), including how to treat issues related to gums. Keep reading to learn more about these degrees and how they differ.
Dental School vs. Medical School
Dentists, like physicians, are considered doctors, but they are not classified as medical doctors. Instead of earning a medical degree (MD) from medical school, dentists obtain a dental degree (DDS or DMD), which equips them to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, disorders, and diseases related to oral health. Both degrees come from similar education and can be used in the same way in the field of dental care.
To graduate, dental school and medical school follow similar paths – in both programs, students spend the first two years in the classroom. They study important subjects like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, periodontics, and biochemistry. However, the differences show during the third and fourth years. Medical students have rotations that cover the entire body, while dental students focus on oral health.
Does dental school cost the same as medical school?
Dental school usually costs less than medical school. The costs, time, and what you need can change. Typically, dental students might have less debt than medical students. Things like where you live and what you choose to specialize in can also affect how much you spend.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Dentist?
Becoming a general dentist takes eight years of study. This includes four years for a bachelor’s degree and four years of dental school. Some students can find integrated programs to earn both their bachelor’s degree and dental degree together. These programs usually take five to seven years of study, but they are uncommon.
Getting into dental school requires careful preparation, starting with the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), which is mandated by the American Dental Association (ADA) and the American Dental Education Association. You need to score well and have high grades in required classes like biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. Many dental schools look at the whole student. They consider experiences, personal traits, and recommendation letters when making decisions. After dental school, some dentists complete a General Practice Residency (GPR) or Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program for more training before they start practicing.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Doctor?
Becoming a doctor typically requires about eight years of education—four years of undergraduate studies followed by four years of medical school. After that, you must complete a residency program, which can take anywhere from three to seven years depending on your chosen specialty. Altogether, it usually takes around 13 years of education and training after high school to become a licensed doctor.
If medical school is your goal, make sure your undergrad classes include the right prerequisites. Keeping your GPA high and doing well on the Medical College Admissions Test® (MCAT) are really important too. Once you’re in medical school, you’ll dive into advanced subjects like biology, chemistry, anatomy, and other sciences that will help you prepare for a career in medicine. It’s a lot, but it’s worth it if this is the path you want to take!
Related: How Long Does it Take to Pay Off Medical School Debt?
Which Type of School is Harder to Get Into?
Getting accepted into dental school or medical school is tough. Students need high GPAs and test scores, among other things, to apply. Both programs are competitive. Students must show they want to help others and care for their community. If you want to know which is harder to get into, it’s not easy to choose. There are many factors involved.
It’s good to know that the average rate of students starting medical school is higher. This is mainly because there are more medical schools than dental schools. Besides GPA and test scores, you should think about other factors, too.
Grade point averages (GPA)
In the tough race for dental and training program admissions, GPAs are very important. Admissions committees look at GPAs to understand how well a student has done in school and how serious they are about their studies. To become a dentist, strong GPAs in subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics are key. Keeping a good GPA helps them stand out to the admissions team. Aspiring dentists should aim for high GPAs to boost their chances of getting into good dental schools.
Test scores
To get into dental or medical school, applicants must send in strong test scores. These usually include the Dental Admission Test (DAT) for dental school or the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) for medical school. These tests show how well applicants understand science and how they can use that knowledge in real life. High scores are very important to get a place in good dental or medical programs, and the good news is that to reach the needed scores for admission, enough preparation and hard work are key.
The number of applicants
While both programs are tough, many more people apply to medical school admissions each year compared to dental schools. In the 2021-2022 school year, applications to training programs went up by almost 18%. That year also saw the largest number of students enrolling in training programs.
Even though more students apply to medical school than dental school, there are also more medical schools in the United States than dental schools. This makes it easier to get accepted into a medical program. During the 2018-2019 school year, the acceptance rate for medical school was 41%. On the other hand, the acceptance rate for dental school was only a little over 5%.
Key Takeaways
Choosing to be a dentist or a doctor is not an easy choice. Both jobs need hard work, determination, and a love for learning. However, each path brings rewards. You can enjoy a career in healthcare that helps many people.
When choosing the path that’s right for you, remember that both roles are equally important. While they require similar education and training, their focus differs—dentists specialize in oral health, including fields like pediatric dentistry and dental public health, while doctors care for the entire body. Both careers involve completing a four-year graduate program and passing a licensing exam. No matter which way you go, you will start a career that is challenging, exciting, and rewarding.
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