how long does it take to train to be a qualified dentist or hygeinist?

Question

its an area im thinking of looking into, at 26 years old have i left it to late to have a career in dentristry?

thanks again lisa j :-)

Answer 1

I dont think its ever to late to do anything. It takes 5 years at dental hospital to become a dentist and 2 years for hygienist. You can also do a combined course in dental therapy and hygiene which takes 27 months. Good luck.

Answer 2

Lisa J gave a comprehensive answer about dentists.

Dental Hygienist:

There are two ways to qualify as a dental hygienist/therapist:

Diploma in Dental Hygiene & Therapy - two year full time course
BSc in Oral Health Science - three year full time course

The entry requirements for these courses vary, but you will normally be expected to have obtained five GCSE/'O' levels passes (Grade A-C) or 5 Scottish Standard grades at Grade 3 or above to include English and a biological science; plus two 'A' levels (Grade A-C) preferably in science subjects. To have worked in a dental environment and obtained a dental nurse qualification, would be advantageous.

All training is based on the curricula determined by the General Dental Council.

For more info look at the British Dental Hygienist Association site (also incorporates Dental Therapists now)

http://www.bdha.org.uk/index.html

PS There is usually a lot of competition for places.

Answer 3

In the uk it takes about 5 years to train and qualify to become a dentist, and to become a dental hygeinist it takes 2 years both full time.
Not sure how much it would cost to do dentistry, but i know the hygenist course at Kings College Hospital London costs £3,000 because i thought about doing it myself.
Give it a go, the world could do with some more Molar Monsters!
Good luck

Answer 4

Training to be a dentist

This page briefly describes the stages of dental training

Education:
Dental education comprises three main related stages:

1. undergraduate dental education
2. postgraduate dental education or vocational training
* general professional/basic specialist training
* specialist training
3. continuing professional education
* continuing professional development

The first two stages permit progression to the next stage, whereas the final phase starts when a dentist takes up a career post and extends throughout a dentists career until retirement.

The General Dental Council (GDC) keeps a close check on the standards of UK dental education at undergraduate and postgraduate level. It publishes its requirements on the content and scope of undergraduate dental degree programmes and of dental hygiene and therapy courses. All new degree programmes and courses must meet these requirements and be GDC-approved. The GDC also makes regular visits to the schools.

Undergraduate dental education
All dentists in the UK initially follow the same education and training, in order to qualify to work as a dentist. A candidate initially needs to obtain a bachelors degree (either a BDS or BChD) from one of the 13 dental schools. This is then followed by further training related to the specialty chosen.

* Standard dental courses last five years and include academic education combined with theoretical and practical training in all aspects of dental practice.

Subjects studied include a wide range of health, biological and behavioural sciences, as well as clinical skills in all dental disciplines. The academic requirements for entrance to dental school are high. They vary according to the school and so should be checked individually.

* Accelerated dental courses last four years and include academic education combined with theoretical and practical training in all aspects of dental practice. These are for graduates who hold a 2:1 (or better) degree with a large element of biology and chemistry.

* Courses including pre-dental year are for candidates with non-science subjects to offer at A level (or equivalent). The pre-dental year is a preliminary course in chemistry, physics and biology and lasts normally 30 weeks and would immediately precede the five year degree course.

Answer 5

In the USA, pre-dental school pre-requisites take 2 to 3 years to complete. DMD/DDS degrees to become a Dentist or a Dental Surgeon take 4 to 5 years to complete, then you complete the licensure exams--both formal and practical ones and become a dentist.

To be a dental hygienist most states require the standard 4 year Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree before you can sit for licensure exams.

Answer 6

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