“Effort is like toothpaste, you can usually squeeze out just a little bit more”-Ann Landers. Dentists perform various types of procedures such as fillings, replacing teeth and caring for the basic health needs of the patient’s health. Becoming a dentist may take a lot of time and effort but in the long run all the invested time/money is worth it. Becoming a dentist may take a lot of time and effort but in the long run all the invested time/money is worth it. I am considering going to University of Detoit Mercy to participate in their dental hygiene program to further my education so can become a dentist.

The main duty of a dentist is to help maintain, and improve the appearance and health of patients’ teeth. Using x-rays and physical examinations, dentists diagnose dental problems such as cavities, broken or diseased teeth, and also gum disease. If a problem with the patients oral health is detected the dentist effectively treats the patient. Dentists fill in cavities, replace missing teeth with dentures or implants, and carry out basic dental procedures like taking out wisdom teeth. Working on teeth is an intricate job, there for a dentist must be good with their hands. It also very mentally straining, being a dentist is also physically demanding. Being on your feet and having to lean over your patient all day can surely put a strain on your body, especially your back. That is why practicing proper body mechanics is important to protect yourself from injury.

                Becoming a dentist doesn’t happen in a day, or even a year. Becoming a dentist requires a long educational path. This is particularly why dentist get paid a plentiful salary for their training, knowledge, and also experience. You must attend dental school in order to become a dentist. To apply to dental school you are required to at least have a bachelor’s degree or at least 2-years of pre-dental courses. Applicants must have experience in chemistry, biology, physics, and English. On top of undergraduate classes applicants must take and pass the DAT (Dental Admission Test.) In order to finally become a dentist, you must graduate from an accredited dental school. Depending on the school you attend, you can graduate either with the title DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine.) The completion of dental school takes usually 4 years. After getting your degree for general practice you can decide to specialize in areas such as; oral surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, or periodontics. Specializing in one of these areas generally takes an additional 1 to 2 years of schooling. There are plenty of accredited dental schools around the United States.

                If I decide to stay in state to go to dental school I am looking into the University of Detroit Mercy in Detroit, Michigan. Ferris has an excellent Pre-Dental program. In order to apply for this specific program it is mandatory that you complete you general education classes first. Being accepted to this program is not easy, but UDM graduates of this program have a high acceptance rate to dental schools. The Pre-Dentistry program at UDM emphasizes natural science courses including biology, organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, human physiology, anatomy, and also physics. 

                Becoming a dentist isn’t an easy thing to do. There are many required things you must learn and classes you must take before starting your career but, in the end it is all worth it. Dentists play an important role in the community and I look forward to being a part of that. The overall health of your patient is the main concern of the dentist along with the health of the mouth/teeth. Dentistry is a wonderful field and I look forward to starting my career.