It's estimated that almost 300,000 people a year receive dental implants, according to WebMD, which includes both full sets of dental implants and individual teeth. These procedures are performed by highly trained dental experts who specialize in prosthodontics. There are several steps involved in becoming a prosthodontist. Here is what a dentist can expect on this journey.

Get the Relevant Undergrad Degree

The first step in becoming a prosthodontist is to obtain a relevant undergrad degree. Most people who intend to pursue a career in dentistry will get a pre-med or pre-dental undergrad degree. Other science-centered degrees are also appropriate. You will be required to take many science courses throughout your education, so this is a good way to start.

Apply to Dental School

Once an undergrad degree is obtained, an aspiring prosthodontist would apply to medical school. Your dental school application will need to include a resume that highlights extracurriculars, honors, and internships you may have accomplished.

Write the DAT

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is used to determine a student's potential for success in dental school and dentistry. It's necessary to pass this exam in order to be admitted to dental school. Most serious students start preparing for this when they are in their sophomore or junior year of school.

Attend Dental School

Once you pass these steps, you'll need to choose a dental school to attend. You should consider this choice very carefully as it can have a huge impact on your career. You should evaluate the school's success rate in producing successful dentists, the curriculum, and the faculty.

Choose Your Specialization

While in dental school, you'll be able to choose between a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), both of which take four years to complete. If you pass this part of your education, you'll move on to a prosthodontist residency program. During this program, you'll learn how to perform dental implant surgeries for patients. The American College of Prosthodontists cites that it takes three additional years of schooling after dental school to become a prosthodontist.

Pass the INBDE

Before you can start practicing dentistry, you must pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE). This gives you licensing to practice dentistry and specializations.

This is a basic rundown of the steps involved in becoming a prosthodontist. As you can see, our staff at Buck Dental Health Associates is expertly trained. Contact us today!