American vs British Dentists

[JCDenton]

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How long does it take to become a General Dental Practioner in the US Dental education system? Do you have to do a degree in a science field prior to obtaining a place in an American Dental School? Is the standard of Dental Education more advanced in some respects because of this? I ask because in UK Dental Schools you join after completing sixth form/"college" at 18 and complete the course after 5yrs graduating. Also if a British Dentist was to move to the United States how long would conversion examinations take before being granted license to practice? And will the British Dentist have had to complete the post graduation 2 yrs vocational training in the UK before being allowed to practice in the US or will the BDS degree be sufficient?

Also how long does the OMFS speciality take to complete in the US (it takes around 16 yrs in the UK I believe, and is under the umbrella of the General Medical Council oppossed to the General Dental Council - but i understand it is a Dental speciality and no medical degree is required in the US?). I appreciate any feedback 😀.

 

[lekso]

I'm still a predental student so an acutal dental student could give you better answers, but I'll do my best to help you.

Generally, it takes 4 years of undergrad, most students get a baccalaureate degree before going to dental school. It doesn't have to be in any science as long as you complete your predental requirements before going into dental school. The average age to start dental school is around 22-24 years old. After you get accepted to dental school, it takes 4 years to finish and get your DDS/DMD.
If a British dentist comes to the US and wants to practice here he or she would have to take the board exams (I and II). Apply to dental school and do an international dental program (you should take a look at the international thread). Not all schools offer the IDS program though.
For OMFS, it's 4 or 6 years after dental school depending on the program (so that would be 4yrs undergrad + 4yrs dental school + 4 to 6yrs OMFS). The 6 year program does give you an MD (which is one of the degrees that American physicians get).

 

[mike3kgt]

"Why must you turn my office in to a house of lies?!!"

 

[armorshell]

"Why must you turn my office in to a house of lies?!!"

/thread

 

[southpawcannon]

British dentists? Judging by some of those teeth I've seen, I'm shocked something like that exists.

 

[Svart Aske]

Ah, what will we do without brilliant pre-med insight 🙄.

JCDenton, I think you should ask this question in the International Dental forum. They are people who have gotten their dental degrees overseas and have gone through the process of applying to US schools.

 

[KinKs]

I will attempt to answer you question to the best of my knowledge. Fellow SDN members may add or subtract as they see fit.

1. How long does it take to become a general practitioner?

It generally takes 7 to 8 years – many schools require a minimum of 3 years undergraduate work and dental schools last 4 years.

2. Do you have to have a degree?

Most schools require a degree. Some require a minimum of 3 years undergrad work. In both cases you must have the necessary prerequisites.

3. How long will it take to get a license and need for post grad training?

Your training after graduation is irrelevant.
Some schools have programs for internationally trained dentists and I think that program last anywhere from 2 to 3 years. Check international dental forum for this one.

4. OMFS

Training for this specialty takes 4 to 6 years after you obtain your degree. 4yrs non-MD associated and the 6 year track give you an MD degree.
In total OMFS may take anywhere from 11 to 14 years (undergrad + dental + OMFS)