How do you become a dentist?

What does it take? If you are interested in a career in dentistry, you need four years of college, with a number of science courses (like organic and inorganic chemistry, physics, etc.), then four years of dental school. The first two years are virtually identical to medical school, since the mouth is connected to the rest of the body. The second two years are a mix of dental courses and clinical dentistry. Many states require a one year full time residency program after that. Then you have to take a licensing exam for the state or area in which you practice.