Do you want to become a dentist and are in search of a dental institution in Tennessee? Or do you just intend to gather important information about all there is to know about dentistry schools in Tennessee?
Well, whichever the case may be, we are glad to let you know that your search has come to fruition. As this article contains well-researched and credible information concerning the subject matter.
Dentistry is well recognized as one of the most prestigious medical courses in the medical sciences. It is a widely studied medical course in Tennessee and other parts of the United States like Mississippi and Georgia also retained its relevance in the medical field because of its numerous contributions to human health.
Dentistry as a study course and a practice is quite very broad.
There are a good number of dentistry schools in Tennessee, all of which offer a variety of different graduate-level programs in the dental field for both private and public schools in the state. And the courses offered are specifically designed to suit the various level programs.
What Is Dentistry And What’s The Job Of A Dentist?
Dentistry, simply put, is the medical study of teeth, gums and oral health in general. The study is primarily concerned with diagnosing and treating oral diseases and conditions. And in some cases, preventing such oral problems.
The main area of concern in dentistry is the teeth and gums.
A dentist is a trained medical expert that specializes in the treatment of oral health. The main job of a dentist is to diagnose and treat oral diseases, perform decay tooth extraction and artificial replacement, correct irregular dental formation, repair damaged teeth, prevent oral diseases etc.
It may also interest you to know that dentistry is not strictly restricted to oral treatment and correction alone. There are also other aspects like dental research and education.
As I earlier stated, the dental field is quite broad. It is subdivided into various other sections, and we’d talk about this in this article.
Study Courses In Dentistry Schools In Tennessee?
The dental field is a quite broad one with various areas of specialization. Dentistry as a practice isn’t solely limited to dental surgery, there are still many more aspects to it.
In your quest to become a dentist, you should make proper research on the numerous options available to you in the field. This will help you identify the best area well suited for you so you can delve into it.
We’d be providing you with a list of some of the study courses available in Tennessee Dental schools. This will help narrow your pick for your preferred dental school option.
#1. Pediatric Dentistry
This field of dentistry is concerned with taking care of the oral health of infants and children; diagnosing and treating an adolescent with dental problems.
#2. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is centred around dental research, identification, and diagnosis of oral diseases surrounding such areas.
#3. Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology deals with diagnosing oral diseases and disorders using X-rays.
#4. Dental Anesthesiology
Dental anesthesiology is the aspect of dentistry that handles pain management during dental procedures. It’s the practice of the use of general anesthesia, and sedation during dental surgeries.
#5. Endodontics
This dental field is concerned with preventing and treating diseases and injuries of the dental pulp.
Important Factors You Must Consider When Choosing Dental Schools In Tennessee
It will be of great advantage to you, to know exactly what you should look out for in a good dentistry school. Because such knowledge will help you identify the best from the rest.
In light of this, before we proceed in providing a list of the best dental schools in Tennessee, we’d first of all list, as well as explain some important factors you need to take into consideration before finally making a pick.
Truth be told, there aren’t a plethora of dentistry schools in TN, but this information will help guide you in making a precise pick on the available option that is there for you. Or in case you choose to pick an interest in a different state in the US.
Here is a list of important factors that may largely influence your decision to choose a dentistry school in Tennessee, and other parts of the US:
#1. Type of Dentistry Program Available In School
To a large extent, the level of expertise attained in the dental field is greatly dependent on the level of degree program obtained.
Good schools or dentistry offer a variety of degree programs to choose from:
- Bachelor’s degrees at the undergraduate level.
- Doctorate program at an advanced level.
- Certificate programs in dentistry serve as an alternative to diploma and degree programs in dentistry.
#2. The School Academic Standing
Select a school with a good academic ranking. Yes, a school’s standing or reputation plays an essential role in its selection.
A school with a commendable track record proves and assures you that they offer quality education and its learning system possesses value.
Look up schools with the best dentistry educational practices in years.
There are various academic outlets, websites or media available for you to look up the ranking of a dentistry school before you can finally make a decision.
#3. Duration of Dental Program
The time duration of the degree program is also an important factor to consider. Because this will directly affect the amount of money you’d be spending on the level degree program.
A normal dentistry bachelor’s degree program takes 4 years. It takes another 4 years to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry in dental schools.
The total length required to obtain a complete dentistry program in dentistry is 8 years.
#4. Tuition Fee Cost For Dental Education
Another very important factor to consider in choosing a dental school in Tennessee is the cost of dental school education.
You should always consider this, and make realistic calculations to know if you can afford it.
Be sure to know the total cost of acquiring a degree program in any dental school of your choice.
List Of Best Schools Of Dentistry In Tennessee
#1. University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry
First on the list is the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry, located in Memphis, Tennessee.
It is arguably mentioned as one of the best dentistry schools in Tennessee. Founded in 1878, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry is well recognized as the earliest dental college in TN and also one of the first in the US.
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry holds a very reputable academic position in dental education. The school’s academic curriculum is in line with modern and updated teaching materials.
And their facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art teaching equipment that helps the learning process students.
Degree programs offered in the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry are:
- A bachelor’s degree program in dentistry
- Post-graduate education
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry works with experienced professionals to supervise and guide students on their academic journey. The goal is to make student learning seamless.
As the university’s academic learning system takes a step-to-step approach to ensure the courses offered at the early stages are prerequisites to a higher level.
In your freshman year, it is mandatory to study biological science courses like biochemistry, anatomy, microbiology, and the like, which are preludes to advanced courses like oral radiology, pain control and other clinical courses as your level increases.
#2. Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry
Next on the list of best dentistry schools in Tennessee is the Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, located in Nashville, TN.
The institution is popularly known for its unique educational practices. As the school learning environment was built with serenity in mind. And the college campus is very conducive to students learning and assimilation.
In line with the meticulously constructed serene environment, Meharry’s Nashville campus, houses well-equipped patient clinics, state-of-the-art research laboratories, and modern-day teaching facilities. All of these are available to provide their students with well-grounded knowledge in dental practices.
Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry has a reputation for providing quality dental education, carrying out continuous research in the dental field, and equipping its students with the best knowledge in dental practices.
The academic learning system at Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry is designed to follow a steady learning curve.
As students offer basic courses like microbiology, histology, biochemistry, pathology, etc at the beginners’ stage of their degree-level program.
And as they progress to a higher level, they pick up more advanced clinical courses on oral health, oral radiography, and pain control.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Schools In Tennessee
See below;
How Many Dentistry Schools Are in Tennessee?
Students have a limited choice of dentistry schools to pick from in Tennessee. There are two dentistry schools in Tennessee.
The first is the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry, Memphis, Tennessee. And the other is Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry, Nashville, Tennessee.
How Much Can I Earn As A Dentist In Tennessee?
It takes a lot of hard work, dedication, studious habits and continuous practice to become a dentist. The task of becoming a dentist isn’t an easy one, and this allows these experts to earn an average salary of $164,000 yearly.
How Long Does It Take To Finish A Dentistry School In Tennessee?
It takes 8 years to complete a dentistry school in Tennessee before you can be recognized as a fully certified dentist.
The 8 years are broken down into 4 years for a bachelor’s degree in the biological science field. And another 4 years for a doctorate, either a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
How Can I Become A Dentist In Tennessee?
Well, as an applicant, your first step is to obtain a bachelor’s degree with sufficient prerequisite science coursework.
Then what is required from you is to attend an interview from your applied school, have a minimum GPA, sufficient Dental School Admissions Test scores, and letters of recommendation. And you’re good to go.
Classroom attention, lab sections and a professional guide are needed for your 4-year dental program.
Conclusion
This article has done well to provide important information concerning the subject matter, of dentistry schools in Tennessee.
As this content gives a detailed definition of what dentistry is, as well as who is a dentist, various dental study courses in dentistry schools in Tennessee, and much more useful information relating to your search query.
Now, it is left for you to make use of the handful of information at your disposal to weigh the pros and cons and make a pick on which of the two dental schools in Tennessee is best for you.