How to Become A Dentist | The Simplified Guide to Wearing the White Coat

Рет қаралды 18,731

Күн бұрын

🦷🧠 If you're anything like me, you often dream of becoming a dentist and wearing the white coat. The profession has so much to offer to dedicated and hard working of us who want to truly better themselves and their communities. In this video, I discuss the process of becoming a dentist from high school all the way to becoming licensed to practice dentistry. This is a long video, but hopefully there is a section of it that is for you! I hope you enjoy!
-CONTENTS-
00:00 - Introduction
01:54 - Highschool Students
05:21 - College Freshmen
08:31 - College Sophomores
11:09 - College Juniors
14:57 - College Seniors
19:39 - Dental Students
21:32 - Dentist!!
23:50 - Outro
Interested in similar content? Check out my last video on my test taking strategy! • The Test Taking Strate...
Thanks for watching the video! If you enjoyed it, please consider liking and subscribing to my channel for more content about how you can turn your dreams of a dental future into reality.
📸 INSTAGRAM: @stephen.p.ray.dentistry
Icons made by geotatah, freepik, and Darius Dan on www.flaticon.com
Stock Video by Pavel Danilyuk, Artem Podrez, Cottonbro, C Technical, Pressmaster, and Tima Miroshnichenko from Pexels

Пікірлер: 86

@PhillipShockley 3 жыл бұрын

I have a Spanish degree and now am in dental school. Listen to Stephen. He has great advice. Enjoy your passions like English, Sociology, Music or anything else. You will actually look better as a candidate because you aren't just a science guru who has nothing else to offer. Don't be afraid to take a year off either and do "real life" before going to dental school. Almost half my class did that and many schools are looking to increase their numbers of "non-traditional" students like this. @Stephen What app do you use to record your screen? And keep up the good work!

@stephenraydentist 3 жыл бұрын

This is an amazing comment my friend thank you SO MUCH for this!! I love this message and I couldn’t agree more here! I use QuickTime player which is Mac’s native recording software but it’s not ideal because I have to compress the files with handbrake in order for them to look good when I edit the video in Premiere pro. I will be looking into a better recording software very soon!

@PhillipShockley 3 жыл бұрын

@@stephenraydentist I really like Camtasia for screen recording but OSX has ScreenFlow as a cheaper option which I have used with great success. Camtasia can be used on lots of platforms but also is a bit expensive for what most people do. I have used it for making tutorial videos.

@stephenraydentist 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the suggestion I’ll look into it!

@jereamyhall8 3 жыл бұрын

I’m so glad I found this channel, I have been wanting to be a dentist for years and I’m a junior in high school.

@stephenraydentist 3 жыл бұрын

Amazing my friend you’re the target demographic then!! This video is for you! Thanks for the comment and I hope you enjoyed the video!

@tylerj3855 Жыл бұрын

I think this is a great video, especially the tip on taking Organic Chem during summer. I am 28 years old and going back to university next fall as a freshman. Being out of school for a decade and having to reconnect and familiarize myself with all the school courses, I was daunted by the task of taking on multiple hard classes in per semester but you showed me it is okay to take classes during the summer and schools won’t necessarily look down on that when reviewing your application. Thank you 🙏

@stephenraydentist Жыл бұрын

Tyler, thanks for the comment and you are absolutely right!! There is nothing wrong with taking courses in the summer! Many schools actually like to see you working to advance yourself with your free time in the summers. I took both organic chem 1 and 2 in a summer and I was able to get A's in those classes which likely helped me a lot in my acceptance process. Best of luck with your application, my friend, and let me know if you need anything!

@kalebhall2059 Жыл бұрын

Amazing video thanks for taking the time to make this

@samuelrivera5359 3 жыл бұрын

Dude I’m 26 years old starting from zero at a community college I’ve been a dental assistant for 10 years and this video has me really motivated to go back to school I hope it’s not to late !

@stephenraydentist 3 жыл бұрын

My friend it is never too late!! I have multiple classmates who are in their mid to late 30s! Dental school accepts all! If you want to do it, and it's right for you, go for it! Absolutely nothing stopping you!

@ID-zb9cn Жыл бұрын

I am going through comments and came across yours. I have been a dental assistant since 1999. For the longest time all my coworkers and lots of patients were telling me I should have been a dentist but I always thought it has been so long since I’ve been to school. I am 41 years old is it even possible or worse for me to try to prosue becoming a dentist. I have no idea where to begin.

@tucky.w Жыл бұрын

I'm 32 and about to start from 0 I don't know where to start and scared if I can do it

@maribelnolasco2380 3 жыл бұрын

I love your content! I’m a junior in high school and ever since I got braces when I was younger I knew this is what I wanted to do. I’m only getting started with the whole college process so I got a long road ahead.

@stephenraydentist 3 жыл бұрын

This is amazing! I love to hear this because it reminds me of when I was a junior in high school! It seems like the road ahead of you is so long, but I promise, one day you'll be right where I am and you'll realize wow all that time went by like the blink of an eye. Enjoy every bit of the process! It can be stressful at times but it is one of the reasons why life is beautiful! Thanks for watching and commenting!

@ilnec 2 жыл бұрын

Really appreciate this. As a sophomore in college, looking online at all the accomplishments those my age have is really demoralizing. This helps me have a bit of clarity and see that I'm not 'behind' so to speak. Appreciate this!

@stephenraydentist 2 жыл бұрын

My friend I promise you I was more behind than you are now, and the majority of your dental school classmates in a few years are currently behind you right now as well! Don’t listen to what those people say online about themselves! Often those posts are either not true or only represent the reality of a tiny percentage of pre-dental students. Keep working hard and you will be there in no time

@harpreetrandhawa8958 3 жыл бұрын

I love dentistry too !!! Very informative!!! Thank you for posting this video!!!

@stephenraydentist 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks as always, Harpreet! Your support has been amazing! I hope your week is going well!

@janetharychecky9889 2 жыл бұрын

I’m currently a dental assistant I’ve been an assistant for 3/12 yrs and I’m starting undergrad in January!! Thank you so much for this video!!

@stephenraydentist 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for the comment and best of luck with your admissions process!! It is quite the journey!

@sosii7498 3 жыл бұрын

You can't understand how much you inspire me ... Please never stop making vids 💙

@stephenraydentist 3 жыл бұрын

Truly this means the world for me to hear!!! Sometimes it’s hard for me to see the impact I’m having but I remember what it was like to be in your shoes and if I can offer any sort of help or comfort I have succeeded in my original goal! Thanks for the comment and I’m so glad I can be a help to you!

@sosii7498 3 жыл бұрын

@@stephenraydentist you are most welcome💙

@olivierrob12 3 жыл бұрын

Great video and information! It was interesting to see how différent the process you went trough compared to mine.

@stephenraydentist 3 жыл бұрын

Of course!! Thanks for the comment! That is the beauty of this process it’s unique for all of us. It helps to hear the stories of others. I truly remember being in the shoes of the thousands of students who want to go to dental school and any time I heard from a dental student I soaked up their stories because it helped me get through it all myself!

@aa7352 3 жыл бұрын

This video is so refreshing! I'm an aspiring dentist but idk if I can handle it , I keep on doubting myself because I'm not sure if I'm comfortable working in peoples mouths, with covid I can't even shadow a dentist .

@stephenraydentist 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for this comment I can't tell you how much it means to me!! Listen, you're not alone feeling like this! Not everyone is sure it is the profession for them! I have a younger brother who really just didn't feel like it was for him for various reasons and he is now pursuing a career as a veterinarian. Everyone has a calling, you just have to find out which one is yours. As for not being able to shadow, I would consider smaller towns near where you live. Often small towns have less regulations than big cities and people may be more relaxed and open to helping you out than they are in the city. I do think its important for you to meet a dentist or two and have some conversations with them to see if their profession is right for you! Best of luck in your journey with whatever you end up doing dentistry or otherwise!

@aa7352 3 жыл бұрын

@@stephenraydentist I'm glad I'm not alone ,thank you for the advice!

@rikiballerini2629 2 жыл бұрын

This video is fantastic I’ve been wanting to be a dentist since my freshman year of High school, and it stresses me out this question does it really matter the bachelor degree you get to get into a dental school? Because all of the sciences majors are really difficult for me since I haven’t been good in science for years

@Callmelucky01 2 жыл бұрын

Hey, brother I had a question that what subject or courses do I have to take in undergrad to get admission at dental school.... And can u please make a video on that what are the best colleges for doing under graduation with good reputation and easy to get in, currently I m in senior year of high school... thank you so much for these videos and loved your content.🖐️❤️👍

@Kguzman704 2 жыл бұрын

“Enjoy living alone or with your friends” me? A 25 year old momma of 2 working and going to school 😂. Man I wish my college experience is as easy as you make it seem for others. Anyways, thank you sm for the information 🙂

@stephenraydentist 2 жыл бұрын

College is unique for everyone and that is one of the reasons it is great! You will look back on it and appreciate the little moment from these few years of experiences! Thanks for watching, and best of luck in your process of becoming a dentist. You've got this!!

@evanlubken4229 3 жыл бұрын

Love to keep up with your videos I have commented once before. Just in case you don’t remember I am a junior in high school and I am the first ever high school student to be in a dental assisting program. I passed my first ICE national boards. I love the dental profession and I’ve know I’ve wanted to be come a dentist sense I was little. I’ve been job shadowing two times a week. I was wondering what you majored in college?

@stephenraydentist 3 жыл бұрын

I majored in English oddly enough! I talk about it in this video during the sophomore section of the video! Truly I wanted something a bit different that would set me apart and allow me to broaden my skills and knowledge. Most major in biology, however. Thanks for the comment my friend and best of luck as you continue through this wonderful process!

@mathieurocheleau1288 3 жыл бұрын

Hey, loved the video and it was very very helpful. Im going to be a senior in high school and have been wanting to be a dentist for quite some time now. I wanted to ask you if you have a specific major that might be helpful going to dental school. I’m excited about college but just a little lost and want to make the time worth it.

@stephenraydentist 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment!! I have created some content that might be helpful for you! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/eal_os6Z3Laufmw.html this is a podcast where I talked about my entire journey and this video describes my decision to become an English major as a pre-dental student! kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nN2CnrSSktGUkqc.html

@ID-zb9cn Жыл бұрын

I have been a dental assistant since 1999 I was still in high school when I started on job training. Now I have EFDA in restorative and prosthetics. The more I practice the more I fall in love with doing it and realize that I wish I could do more… I often think about maybe I should have been a dentist. But it has been so long after I graduated high school (class of 1999) and all I did as far as school was going to UTC for EFDA in restorative and prosthetics and getting locally (Chattanooga TN) nitrous oxide, coronal polishing and sealant certifications. Where would I begin at this point in my life?

@katy23 2 жыл бұрын

This video is helpful

@stephenraydentist 2 жыл бұрын

I'm so happy to hear that!! Thank you for the support!

@therealdenzy2697 2 жыл бұрын

I really wanted to be a dentist, i started off my college freshman year as a computer science major, i have a 2.8 gpa and need to get it up but dentistry is still my passion and I lost hope in becoming one, the tuition for dental school is expensive for someone like me, i really want to be a dentist

@entering40s40 2 жыл бұрын

Very informative and thank you for sharing your experience. Does university of Tennessee has all the pre requisites needed for dental program?

@stephenraydentist 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment and support!! Yes they certainly do! And pretty much every university will. Those classes aren’t rare classes in universities!

@entering40s40 2 жыл бұрын

@@stephenraydentist thank you for your feedback!

@khansubhaali6573 2 жыл бұрын

Hey I am a student of associate of health and sciences professions. Its a transfer degree, I’ll soon transfer my degree to bachelors of biology. But after that I want to join the field of dentistry. I ma actually a new resident of America and I dont have much idea about this country. Can you explain me what the DAT test is and when to take it, how much to study for it, what is the course requirement. I wanna get into U penn for dentistry but have no idea about what a dentistry school requirement is. How much GPA and all of this. Im sorry they are soo many question but I would love to hear it from you . Thank you.

@negarfarahbakhsh4890 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Thanks for the great video. I have a question, you mentioned there are exams that dentists need to take to get a license to work. Are those exams specific to each state? I mean if you take the exam in California , but then a couple years later move to Massachusetts, do you need to take that exam again? Or is there a way to transfer your license over.

@stephenraydentist 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome question! There are a few board exams that you will take. The INBDE is standard now and we will all take that! There are also state licensure boards which allow you to practice in a certain state. These exams used to be very restrictive and would only allow you to practice in a handful of states. Now, however, I believe there is a state licensure exam that gets you a license in 48 states! Basically, you have nothing to worry about! You’ll be able to practice wherever you want!

@malachigrant4310 3 жыл бұрын

Hey stephen! Undergrad freshman here. Was wondering how you feel about DAT specific prep before your junior year like me now as a frosh. Do you think that this is worth the time? Or is it maybe too early and possibly take away my focus from my academic course specific work? Good luck in second semester and thank you!

@stephenraydentist 3 жыл бұрын

I would say you probably don’t need to be too concerned about it just yet! A lot of the dat material is content you likely haven’t hit yet in school, so you wouldn’t be doing much good to start this early. I love the enthusiasm though because this will be really helpful for you moving forward! Maybe next year, start looking at perceptual ability test quizzes online (DAT Bootcamp has one I think) and start learning how to do really well on the PAT (perceptual ability test: a section of the DAT). The rest you’ll get to in time!! Good luck with your process and thanks for the comment!

@AbbyH767 2 жыл бұрын

Hi! I am currently a high school junior and I am definitely leaning towards majoring in Human Bio with a PreDental focus in hopes of getting into a dental school and eventually becoming a dentist. I was wondering, how many AP classes/dual credit classes did you take? And does it look better to colleges to have a lot of these types of classes?

@stephenraydentist 2 жыл бұрын

I only took AP art courses! I didn’t take any AP sciences so I had to go through all of my pre-requisites for dental school while in undergrad. In terms of being accepted into undergraduate programs, excelling in AP courses will definitely look good and you will satisfy some college credits which will give you more time in your semesters to focus on your difficult dentistry pre-requisite courses. If you think you can excel in AP courses in highschool, go ahead and take them!

@scottcoryell1440 3 жыл бұрын

About to start D1 this August, super Nervous!

@stephenraydentist 3 жыл бұрын

No need to be nervous my man! You made it!!

@oscarjuarez3386 3 жыл бұрын

Where can I find the prerequisites for dental school? I’m a business major.

@stephenraydentist 3 жыл бұрын

So head to the website of the dental school of your choice and find their admissions page. Somewhere in there they will have a list of their pre-requisites. Nationally there is a basic list that will apply everywhere but some schools have minor course differences here or there like an extra math or a slightly different biology course for example!

@dannydimes10 Ай бұрын

200 shadowing hrs seems like a ton, but i bet it passes by quick

@curlayy5692 2 жыл бұрын

You should do a day in the life video

@stephenraydentist 2 жыл бұрын

I have done them before and they can be found on my channel. I do, however, plan to make more of those videos in the future!

@aldairortiz7530 2 жыл бұрын

Hey so i came across your video, I actually just graduated highschool 2022 and im planning to continue my dental career, i actually took a course for dental assistant in my senior year but it rlly isn’t dental assistant school. But im confused if i can still use that certificate as the same one you get for dental assistant school. So my question is that is it necessary to go to dental assistant school? Or should i just volunteer or intern in offices? Im honestly lost and dont know what to do next…😅

@stephenraydentist 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the question! It actually isn't necessary! You can begin working for a dentist without your RDA certification and you will be able to have a role in the dental office! What tends to happen, however, is that after a period of time, the dentist may value you and want to pay for your RDA education. They might send you to school so that your role in their office can expand! My dad does that in his practice all the time!

@ethanmcfarlane8467 2 жыл бұрын

Hey, I was wondering would dental admissions care anything about me having 1000+ hours of experience being a certified nursing assistant working in a hospital? I know the two fields are very drastically different so I was just wondering if it would actually be a con since it’s not in the field of dentistry

@stephenraydentist 2 жыл бұрын

It certainly will not be a con!! It will be a plus actually. However, I would recommend you find a way to build up some dentistry specific hours to be presented in addition to your nursing hours. They do want to make sure you have been adequately exposed to dentistry and that you have fully decided that dentistry is for you! But those hours as a nurse will definitely not be a con for you!!

@chrisgrace1420 2 жыл бұрын

so how did you succeed, while not having a undergrad in a science course? wasn’t transitioning super hard?

@stephenraydentist 2 жыл бұрын

It really wasn't a hard transition! When you are a pre-dental student, you take a whole set of science courses that are great at mimicking what you will see in dental school! There are enough pre-requisite courses in under grad to get you prepared for the speed and difficulty of dental school. Thanks for the comment!

@imran2999 Жыл бұрын

I was planning on becoming a dentist, but I'm going to get an associates in dental hygiene because I want to be independent at an earlier age

@stephenraydentist Жыл бұрын

This is a very reasonable decision!! It is not easy to go through so much of your 20s dependent on parents/the government to get you through things financially. I completely understand your decision to get into it now and start making some money for yourself. Also hygiene is a great career truly!

@imran2999 Жыл бұрын

@@stephenraydentist I know this is old but I went out and shadowed dental hygienists and am planning on becoming a dentist now! I'm working on all the steps from this video now thanks for this video.

@ShxkeGFX 2 жыл бұрын

I just finished by freshman year. I am going to be a sophmore and I'm very shy and introverted. I want to shadow and volunteer how can I overcome this?

@stephenraydentist 2 жыл бұрын

I plan to make a short on shadowing this week! But I encourage you to go outside of your comfort zone and just ask to help out at a dental office! It really is a painless process! But I also encourage you to consider if dentistry is definitely for you because it is a profession in which you will constantly be dealing with other people. People skills and communication are critical in dentistry. Of course, if you feel you dont have those skills right now, you shouldnt give up on dentistry because they certainly may develop in the future! But shadowing will be a good way for you to see if dentistry is really for you!

@dakshc3540 2 жыл бұрын

im in high school right now and considering dentistry. what science courses should i take in high school which would help me later on in dental school?

@stephenraydentist 2 жыл бұрын

I wouldn’t worry about courses that will help you in dental school but I would consider courses that would help you in undergrad! Namely biology and chemistry at the highest levels you feel comfortable with in high school.

@stephenraydentist 2 жыл бұрын

watch this video! I made it to answer your question more fully! kzfaq.infoTE2wzmQcLAk?feature=share

@rujadhakal3272 2 жыл бұрын

Hey! As an international students wanting to do dental hygiene in Canada What will it take to be a dentist later ? Is it good to choose to have 2yrs diploma in dental hygiene get license work 3 yrs then get into bachelor in dental hygiene and then do the dentistry course later ? Please reply I really need your help🥺

@stephenraydentist 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the question! If your ultimate goal is dentistry, you don’t necessarily have to start with hygiene. But if you are going into hygiene because there is some sort of insufficiency in your application (low grades, low DAT, etc.) it makes sense! I am just a big advocate of going ahead and chasing dentistry right away if that is what you want for your career! But I do know multiple people who went to hygiene school before dental school!

@rujadhakal3272 2 жыл бұрын

@@stephenraydentist thanks for replying don't we need a 4 yrs of bachelor degree to get into dental school?

@sallynajem3593 2 жыл бұрын

Hello I'm a 11th grade student in high school and i have biology , English and economics A levels, I also have maths and physics but not A level but the easy one I REALLY want to become a dentist but i just don't know what to do . And idk if they can accept me with those subjects . If can anyone tell me?

@stephenraydentist 2 жыл бұрын

Hi Sally! Thanks for the comment and your concern. What country are you in?

@sallynajem3593 2 жыл бұрын

@@stephenraydentist Cyprus

@JothiLearning 3 жыл бұрын

How to become a dentist in the UK ? @

@stephenraydentist 3 жыл бұрын

Now that might not be a question that I am qualified to answer!! I may be talking with a UK dental student on my podcast, however, so more to come on that!

@jacobfoncea9714 3 жыл бұрын

Wish this video had existed a couple years ago :/

@stephenraydentist 3 жыл бұрын

Handing it down to the next generation my friend!

@AP0730 2 жыл бұрын

Lmao… you are a D1 student yet not a licensed dentist kiddo..

@stephenraydentist 2 жыл бұрын

You're right! But that doesn't mean I can't share my experiences and try and help students that are younger than me. I will be a dentist soon (now a D3)

@AP0730 2 жыл бұрын

@@stephenraydentist you are right, best wishes kiddo!