My Dental Highway

Vermiah | future dentist

When I grow up I want to become a dentist. I was in the second grade when I decided that this was the career that I wanted to pursue. I was born with an abnormality where the tissue under my tongue connected to the floor of my mouth caused me to be "tongue-tied". I was unable to extend my tongue and had difficulty saying certain words. The dentist that performed my surgery was very caring and kind. When I went to his office, I would ask him about the different tools and objects that he used. I was extremely curious and I really enjoyed going to see him because I knew that I would learn something interesting when I went to my appointments.

To become a dentist I must work hard in school and make good grades in science and math. I must graduate from high school, go to college and receive at least a Bachelor's of Science degree before going to dental school. Next I must take a Dental Acceptance Test (DAT) before being accepted into dental school. There are three dental schools in Texas. They are Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry, University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston and University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (Texas State Board of Dental Examiners). After graduating from dental school and passing two required exams, I will get a license in Dentistry.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report that "the employment of dentists is expected to grow 21% from 2010 to 2020. Dentists will continue to see an increase in public demand for their services, Cosmetic dental services are becoming more popular and dental insurance coverage is expanding." I want to open up my dental office in the small town where I live because there are many people who need dental care. Dentists will continue to provide mouth care and promote health for many years.