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Oral Health Program: Dentist

Dentists are doctors who provide oral health care through evaluation, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases of the mouth. Responsibilities may include:

  • Performing exams and evaluating X-rays to determine a patient’s health.
  • Creating treatment plans for patients to improve their oral health.
  • Filling cavities or removing damaged teeth.
  • Prescribing medications to improve patient health.
  • Interacting with patients and instructing them on proper oral care.
  • Measuring and fitting dental appliances.
  • Referring patients to a specialist if needed.

Why become a dentist?

  • Interest in patient care, health, and science
  • Passion for disease prevention
  • Variety of work settings such as private practice, universities, and public health
  • Option to specialize in areas such as orthodontics, endodontics, and pediatric dentistry
  • Potential to own or run a dental clinic
Smiling denting checking a patients teeth

How do you become a dentist?

  1. Undergraduate programs: You typically complete three to four years of undergraduate education plus four years of dental school to become a dentist. There are many programs that offer pre-dental tracks to prepare students for dental school, but they are not required for entry into dental school. Explore the University of Wisconsin System or Wisconsin’s private colleges to find the right undergraduate program.
  2. Dental programs: You typically take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) during the second semester of your junior undergraduate year, or during the summer between junior and senior years. Learn more about the timeline to apply to dental school and the DAT. Dental schools can award a doctorate of dental surgery (DDS) or a doctorate of dental medicine (DMD). In Wisconsin, the Marquette University—School of Dentistry offers a DDS.
  3. Licensing and dental specialties: Graduates must pass written and practical exams to receive a state license to practice. The Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) Dentist page explains the requirements and fees associated with obtaining or renewing your credential in Wisconsin. Additional education is required to become a dental specialist, such as an orthodontist, periodontist, endodontist, or oral surgeon. In Wisconsin, the Marquette University—School of Dentistry offers Master’s programs in dental biomaterials, periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, and orthodontics.

Learn more about the career outlook for dentists!

Vaccine administration and limitations

  • 2021 Wis. Admin. Code Act 8 says dentists are allowed to administer vaccines
    • SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus
    • Influenza
  • Limitations as defined in Wis. Stat. § 447.059(1-4)
    • Complete approved training
    • Maintain additional liability insurance
    • Adhere to vaccine specific requirements
      • Record keeping
      • Reporting
Smiling dentist in their office

Professional organization support

The Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) is the leading voice for dentistry in Wisconsin. WDA is affiliated with the American Dental Association (ADA). ADA is the largest and oldest national dental association in the world.

Additional resources

Glossary

 
Last revised May 15, 2026