Oral surgeons generally complete eight years of schooling.
Dentistry is an exciting and rewarding career. Some dentists take their careers a step further and become oral surgeons. Becoming an oral surgeon is a lengthy process. On average, it takes at least eight years of schooling. Even so, it's a solid career choice for anyone who wants to specialize in an area of dentistry.
Instructions
1. Apply for a scholarship or grant. Becoming an oral surgeon is expensive, and most students graduate with more than $100,000 in student loan debt. Students can get around costly loans by securing a scholarship or grant money.
2. Get a bachelor's degree from a college or university. Dental schools require a four-year degree from an accredited college or university. Students may choose any major, but dental schools require courses in biology, chemistry and anatomy.
3. Attend dental school. Students can apply to dental school after receiving an undergraduate degree. Dental school is typically four years. Dental school is where students receive a license to practice dentistry.
4. Choose a specialty. Upon the completion of dental school, students may choose to practice dentistry or opt to specialize in an area of dentistry. Students make the decision to specialize during their four years of dental school. Becoming an oral surgeon requires an additional three to four years of school.
5. Complete an oral surgeon residency program. This post-graduate requirement provides oral surgeons with in-depth, hands-on training under the supervision of a qualified physician. A medical residency lasts four to six years.
Tags: four years, Becoming oral, Becoming oral surgeon, dental school, area dentistry, college university
