A family dentist is a dentist who can provide oral health care to an entire family. They are used to treating young children who might be afraid of going to the dentist and providing all the dental services that adults and seniors might need.
A general dentist, on the other hand, is mostly focused on treating adult patients, and they might not work in a welcoming and kid-friendly environment like a family dentist does.
If this sounds like an interesting career path, learn how to be a family dentist.
Look for opportunities to shadow a dentist
If you want to be sure that becoming a family dentist is for you before considering enrolling in dental school, look for opportunities to shadow a dentist. Perhaps your family dentist would be happy to help you.
By shadowing a dentist, you can get a better idea of what they do day after day and get to know the dental supplies they use. You will also learn how to navigate a dental supply store. These skills will validate your decision to become a family dentist.
You could, of course, shadow a dentist during your studies or even find work in a dental office to gain some experience and a better understanding of what a family dentist does.
Take a Dental Aptitude Test
The admission requirements for dental school will vary from one school to another. However, regarding the admissions process, you must take a Dental Aptitude or Dental Admission Test.
The purpose of this test is to help dental schools assess the potential for success of each applicant. It’s offered year-round, so you can take it whenever it’s most convenient.
However, prepare yourself properly before taking the DAT because you must pay a fee.
Pursue the right education
With the scores of your Dental Aptitude Test, you will be able to apply for dental school. Many universities feature a school or a faculty of dentistry, where you can start by obtaining a four-year undergraduate dental degree.
Of course, the education you need to pursue can vary depending on your location or where you are planning to study. It could be a good idea to seek the guidance of an advisor who can tell you the exact path you need to take to achieve your goal of being a family dentist.
Learning about biology, physics, business management, finance, and accounting can also be useful to an aspiring dentist, especially if you want to start your dental clinic.
But if you are not yet ready to enroll in dental school, remember that strong academic performance will make it easier for you to gain admission. So be sure to always take your studies seriously, and consider taking science classes in high school if you haven’t already.
Learn how to work with the public
To be a family dentist, you need different skills that can’t necessarily be taught in dental school. Above all, you need to enjoy working with the public. After all, you will have to interact daily with your patients, young and old, and with your colleagues.
If you don’t have much experience working with the public, consider engaging in extracurricular activities during your studies. You can also volunteer to support your community while supporting a cause close to your heart.
Any meaningful activity where you have to interact with other human beings will help you become a better dentist.
Work towards developing different skills
As you focus on being a family dentist, you must develop your technical and manual skills. But you need a variety of other skills to become a successful dentist.
You need to be confident and have a positive mindset. You need great communication skills, and you must enjoy working as part of a team while being a good leader.
Dentistry requires a strong work ethic, outstanding attention to detail, and problem-solving skills.
Since you will be working with young patients, you must also know how to make children feel comfortable around you.
Get your license to become a family dentist
Finally, at the end of your studies, you will need to pass clinical exams to graduate from dental school, and you might have to complete continuing education before applying for your license.
When you finally receive your license, you can work as a family dentist. You could work for a dental clinic in your area or even start your dental clinic if being your boss sounds appealing.
