How to Become a Dentist in Wisconsin

Are you considering attending dental school? This is a big decision because the school you attend will impact your career for years. You want to ensure you have all the necessary information before selecting a school to attend.

It should be noted that there are only 70 accredited dental schools in the U.S., which may limit your choices. Some things to consider are your state’s requirements for working in the field of dentistry, how to become certified and what you want to do with your education. When you have the answers to these questions, you can confidently choose the right dental school.

After you have chosen a school, you should check that you meet the requirements to attend. Remember that admission to dental school is competitive- in 2019, only 55% of applicants in the U.S. were accepted to a school of dentistry.

State Requirements for Dentistry in Wisconsin

You must meet specific requirements to work in the dental industry, which will vary by state and the job you choose. For instance, the criteria for becoming a dentist differ from the criteria you would need to meet to become a dental assistant.

The Wisconsin Board of Dentistry sets the standards for obtaining a dental license in Wisconsin. The basic requirements for becoming a dentist in Wisconsin are:

Complete an undergraduate program at an accredited institution
Pass the Dental Admission Test (DAT)
Earn either a doctor of dental surgery (D.D.S.) or a doctor of medical dentistry (D.M.D.) degree
Pass the national dental examination
Pass an examination administered by the board on the rules relating to dentistry
Pass a CPR course
Provide proof of the above to the board for approval of a license

These rules apply to anyone attempting to become a dentist in Wisconsin. Furthermore, the board may have other requirements, particularly if someone is pursuing a specialty in dentistry, such as orthodontics or periodontics. Applicants must submit the licensing applications with a non-refundable fee, so check with the state board for further requisites to ensure you have everything in order before applying.

Becoming a Dental Assistant in Wisconsin

Wisconsin does not license dental assistants. However, dentists must train dental assistants and document all training and certifications completed with verifiable records.

The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) lists the following duties for dental assistants in Wisconsin:

Process dental x-rays
Sterilize instruments and equipment
Take impressions

Dental assistants in Wisconsin may not perform:

Any duties pertaining to nitrous oxide, aside from monitoring the patient’s condition while undergoing such treatment
Procedures that may cause permanent damage to the mouth or teeth
A procedure that may cause adverse reactions
Assessments, screenings or treatment plans

Because of these restrictions, most dentists will only hire a dental assistant with some experience or formal training. Dental assisting programs are available. These programs take 9-11 months to complete, and many have accreditation through the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

Becoming a Dental Hygienist in Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services’ Dentistry Examining Board licenses dental hygienists in the state. To become a dental hygienist in Wisconsin, applicants must:

Complete an approved Dental Hygiene program
Pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)
Pass an approved clinical dental hygiene exam
Apply for a license with the board
Keep the license up-to-date

Wisconsin allows dental hygienists to administer local anesthetics if they take the proper courses and pass an exam. Dental hygienists must also complete courses and an exam on dentistry laws and CPR.

Wisconsin Dentistry Boards and Licensing

The Wisconsin Dentistry Board accepts these exams as proof of competency after a student has obtained a degree in dentistry:

American Board of Dental Examiners
Council of Interstate Testing Agency
The Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA)
Western Regional Examining Board (WREB)
Central Regional Dental Testing Score (CRDTS)
Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA)

Those seeking a dental license must also complete a state ethics examination and an open-book exam on the Wisconsin Statutes and Administrative Code. Dentists in Wisconsin must be re-licensed and take additional classes to keep their license current.

Choosing Marquette University’s School of Dental Medicine

Marquette University’s School of Dental Medicine is Wisconsin’s only dental school. The university offers advanced clinical resources and technology to train students to provide quality dental care.

This CODA-accredited school enrolls only 100 first-year students yearly. These 100 students consist of 50 Wisconsin residents and 50 non-residents.

At Marquette University, students will find:

State-of-the-art-facilities
A challenging curriculum
A program that serves communities in need

The dental school boasts a 40,000-square-foot facility and a 5,000-square-foot laboratory, which includes a 24-chair clinic, an expanded simulation lab and various classroom and student spaces.

Aside from degrees in general dentistry, Marquette University also offers the following graduate degree programs:

Dental Biomaterials- M.S.
Endodontics- M.S.
Orthodontics- M.S.
Periodontics- M.S.
Prosthodontics- M.S.

Additionally, this university is one of six U.S. dental schools with a Special Care Dentistry Association (SCDA) student group. This group is specifically trained to administer dental services to individuals who have special needs.

Visit the school’s website to learn more about its admissions requirements, fees, curriculum and areas of study.

Opportunities After Graduation

After graduation, students can become licensed in dentistry in Wisconsin or any other state that administers exams to graduates from a CODA-accredited university. Graduates can then move into the workforce or continue learning in the dental field and become a professional in one of the many specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA).

Those specialties include:

Dental Anesthesiology
Pediatric Dentistry
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Periodontics
Dental Public Health
Endodontics
Prosthodontics
Orofacial Pain
Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Oral Medicine

People interested in dentistry in Wisconsin have many opportunities to pursue a career that is perfect for them. Still, that career must start with a solid education, which comes from choosing the right dental school. School will be challenging, but the career can be rewarding.