Dentist School in Illinois - IL

By Jennifer Williams, allied health world Contributing Writer
Published: July, 29 2010

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There are two degree options for dental students in Illinois: the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree and the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. Theoretically, these degrees are one and the same. Before you can enroll into a program offered by one of the dental schools in Illinois, you must pass the Dental Admissions Test, otherwise known as the DAT. The purpose of this test is to determine your level of knowledge and preparedness for entry into a dental degree program. Although the minimum requirement for taking this test is an associate degree, the majority of students in Illinois do not pursue this test until they have received their bachelor degree.

According to the Illinois Division of Processional Regulation, dental students in Illinois must complete no less than 60 semester hours of dental education. Some of the courses you will be taking include:

Pharmacology in Dentistry
Surgical Procedures in Dentistry
Dental Radiography
Dental Emergencies
Dental Science
Oral Anatomy and Structures

Furthermore, dentists in Illinois are required to complete at least 32 hours of continuing education during every 3-year renewal period. This is in addition to maintaining current CPR certification.

Through campus-based dental programs, aspiring dentists in Chicago, Aurora, Rockford, and Joliet, Illinois will be fully prepared for rewarding careers in dentistry with some of the largest medical facilities in the state, including John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Evanston Hospital, Advocate Christ Medical Center, and Northwestern Memorial Hospital.