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Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree (DDS) for Military and Veterans

Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree (DDS) for Military and Veterans

What is a Dentistry Degree?

A Dentistry Degree is known as a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) and is a graduate degree for preparing students to become licensed dentists. A DDS or DMD spans four years and focuses on oral health, dental anatomy, dental diseases diagnosis and treatment, patient care, and procedures such as fillings, crowns, bridges, and extractions.

After a Dentistry Degree, further training is required for specific modalities, such as Pediatric Dentistry. Students can also get degrees in Dental Clinical Sciences, Dental Public Health and Education and Dental Assisting, among others.

Associate’s and Bachelor’s Degrees are also available for dental hygienists, lab techs and assistants.

What can you do with a Dentistry Degree?

There are various paths students with a Dentistry Degree can take in oral health and dental care. They can become general dentists who provide routine check-ups, cleanings, and treatments like fillings, crowns, and root canals.

Some dentists also work in academia, research, public health, dental education and dental tech, among other fields. Others may specialize in following fields:
  • Orthodontics: Correcting teeth and jaw alignment
  • Periodontics: Treating gum diseases and conditions
  • Oral surgery: Performing complex dental surgeries
  • Pediatric dentistry: Caring for children's dental health
  • Prosthodontics: creating dentures and implants
  • Endodontistry: Treating tooth diseases and conditions
Students can also work as dental hygienists, dental assistants or lab assistants with an Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree.

Is a Dentistry Degree hard?

Dentistry is not an easy major; students need to complete an undergraduate degree before getting a Dentistry Degree. Common pre-dentistry majors are typically science-based and include biology, chemistry, biochemistry, math or other related fields.

To enter a U.S. dental school, students must take a Dental Admissions Test (DAT). Students will then go through four years of graduate school in general dentistry.

They may attend between two to four years of schooling afterward if they have a specific focus. Students often become dental residents during that time—in general, dentistry residencies are typically one-year programs with the option of a second year.

Is a Dentistry Degree worth it?

Dental school can be expensive, but having a Dental Degree opens students up for lucrative and long-lasting careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the occupation will grow 4 percent by 2032, with about 5100 job openings projected per year. Dental hygienist jobs are also expected to grow by seven percent during that time with 2032, with 16,400 openings projected per year.

What you can make with a Dental Degree

The BLS states that a person working as a Dentist can make $159,530 annually. Dental specialists can make even more, according to Zip Recruiter:Even dental hygienist jobs are lucrative—the BLS states people in this position average

$84,860 annually.

Select VA-Approved Colleges with Dentistry Programs

University of Kentucky- The University of Kentucky offers a Master’s Degree in Dental Client Sciences. The school has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and awards credit for CLEP and DSST exams.

Harvard University- Harvard University offers a Master’s Degree in Dental Public Health and Education and has GI Bill approved programs and is approved for Tuition Assistance. Harvard University is a Yellow Ribbon school.

Alamo Colleges District- Alamo Colleges District offers Associate’s Degrees in Dental Assisting and Dental Laboratory Technology. It has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, is approved for Tuition Assistance, and awards credit for the CLEP exam. Alamo Colleges District is a MyCAA-approved school. =

University of Louisville- University of Louisville offers a Bachelor’s Degree Dental Hygiene and Master’s Degree in Dental Client Sciences. Concorde Career College has GI Bill approved programs, offers credit for military experience, awards credit for CLEP and DSST exams and is approved for Tuition Assistance. University of Louisville is a MyCAA-approved and Yellow Ribbon school.

*Average annual salaries adapted and calculated from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates. For more information, click here.