Question about history of dental degrees

[DentalRose]

Hello all!

I have a question about the history of 4 year dental degrees. I have been trying to do some research, but I haven't found any concrete data. I have always heard that dentistry was not always a 4 year degree, and it was once completed as the final 2 years of an undergrad degree. I'm not sure what the truth is to these statements, and I was wondering if anyone could provide me a general history of when these changes may have been made. I would generally like to know what it took to get a dental degree in previous generations.

All information is welcome - thanks everyone!

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[UncleJoesVeneers]

There wasn't a universal standard until after the Gies report in 1926 and the regulation of dental education. Initially the ADA required 2 years of dental training (and apprenticeship), but once all the proprietary schools closed it went to 3 and then 4 years. Harvard was even 5 years for a brief period of time. Standardized national boards didn't begin until 1934.