Dental schools generally require applicants to hold bachelor's degrees before gaining admission. Some schools may admit students after 2 to 3 years of undergraduate study and allow them to earn bachelor's degrees as part of the dental program.

Although no specific pre-dental major is required, coursework in biology, physics, and chemistry can provide relevant preparation for dentistry school.

Before applying to dental school, students must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT), which assesses academic capacity and scientific knowledge. A minimum score on this exam may be required to gain entrance to dental school. Dental schools consider DAT scores, grade point averages, interviews, and letters of recommendation during the admission process

Dental school generally lasts four years and results in a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Programs may be accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation. Some states require a degree from an approved program for state licensure.

Some states require a degree from an approved program for state licensure. During the first two years of dental school, students focus on classroom and laboratory studies in health and dental science. Courses may include oral pathology, periodontics, dental anesthesia, orthodontics, radiology, and pharmacology.

. The last two years of dental school emphasize clinical practice, in which students diagnosis and treat patients under the supervision of dental instructors.

Endodontists are also among the higher-paid dental practitioners,earning on average about $200,000 per year.