How do I become a dentist in Ohio?

Learn about the educational, training, and licensure requirements to pursue the career of dentist in Ohio. The Ohio State Dental Board regulates this specialty in the Buckeye State. The board outlines the conditions for obtaining a state-issued license, including the education, tests, residency and work history requirements.

There are 3,370 dentists in Ohio. If you want to join this workforce, you will need to have particular qualities and work in a specific environment. To be effective in dentistry, dentists must have excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. Dentists, particularly those in private practice, have a relatively flexible work schedule.

Education Required

Professional or a Doctoral Degree

Experience/Training

Required in case of specializationsBefore submitting your application to Ohio State's DDS program, you must first complete 9 of the 13 prerequisite courses. If you are admitted, you must complete all prerequisite courses before beginning classes. For the course to be counted as complete, you must earn a C or better in all prerequisite courses.

Learn about the educational, training, and licensure requirements to pursue the career of dentist in Ohio. The Ohio State Dental Board regulates this specialty in the Buckeye State. The board outlines the conditions for obtaining a state-issued license, including the education, tests, residency and work history requirements.

There are 3,370 dentists in Ohio. If you want to join this workforce, you will need to have particular qualities and work in a specific environment. To be effective in dentistry, dentists must have excellent communication, leadership, and problem-solving abilities. Dentists, particularly those in private practice, have a relatively flexible work schedule.

Education Required

Professional or a Doctoral Degree

Experience/Training

Required in case of specializations.

License/Certification

All states require a license for dentists

Key Skills

Communication Skills, Problem-solving Skills, Patience, Leadership Skills, Organizational Skills, Dexterity, Detail-oriented

Annual MeanSalary-(2019)-National

$178,260 (Dentists, general)

Job Outlook (2018-2028)

7%

Annual MeanSalary-(2019)–Ohio

$195,460 (Dentists, general)

How to Become a Dentist: A Step-by-Step Guide

In order to become a dentist in Ohio, you must complete a series of steps.

Complete an Undergraduate Degree

Students who choose to apply to dental schools must have a bachelor's degree that is at least four years long. This degree does not have to be in an area relevant to dentistry. It is, however, recommended that you complete biology, chemistry, and physics coursework.

Pass the Dental Admissions Exam (DAT)

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is used to determine a student's ability to understand dental medical concepts. Getting a good grade on this test will help you get into the dental school of your choosing.

Pass a DDS or DMD degree

Dentists must graduate from a CODA-accredited program with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Local anesthesia, periodontics, radiology, and anatomy are among the topics included in this program. Clinical experience is included in the curriculum of all dental programs.

Obtain a Dental License

Dentists must be certified in any state in the United States, including Ohio. The Ohio State Dental Board's website outlines the criteria for licensure.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Dentist in Ohio?

In Ohio, becoming a dentist is a long process that takes a lot of time and patience. Eight years is the minimum period of time required to get this specialty, with a four-year undergraduate degree followed by a four-year dental degree. Furthermore, if you wish to pursue a specialty, you will need additional training.

What Are the Requirements to Become an Ohio Dentist?

Students must meet certain requirements in order to practice dentistry in Ohio. Here are some of them:

Getting a Bachelor's Degree is a great way to start your career.;

Obtaining a dental degree;

The Ohio State Dental Board requires that you meet all of the standards for licensure.

How Much Money Should I Expect to Make as a Dentist in Ohio?

According to the data released by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, a dentist in Ohio will earn an annual mean wage of $195,460. Salary opportunity varies depending on specialty and sector of employment.

Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Facilities, for example, was the highest-paying industry for dentists in the United States, with an average mean salary of $197,370. Orthodontists in Ohio earned an average of $209,450 a year in 2020, while all other specialties earned $150,310.