Cosmetic dentists must earn their Doctor of Dental Surgery, or D.D.S., through a four-year program accredited by the ADA's Commission on Dental Accreditation. To get into a dental program, students usually must have a bachelor's degree or at least two years of pre-dental education, which includes several science classes. Courses that prepare students for dental school training include physics, math, health, chemistry and biology. Dental school applicants also must complete the Dental Admissions Test and may have to submit grade point averages and complete interviews. Dental schools offer courses that cover anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and microbiology, and they typically allow students to treat patients in a dental clinic during their final two years. Students then must be licensed by passing the National Board Dental Examinations as well as practical examinations in most states.
Some schools and universities offer specific courses for cosmetic dentistry. These courses cover cosmetic treatments such as bonding for chipped teeth, teeth whitening, tooth-colored cavity fillings, gum lifts, diastema closure and veneers, according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and Boston University. Other training includes courses in esthetic and restorative dentistry, which focuses on changing the composition of teeth or totally recreating them.
Cosmetic dentists can pursue further training in the specialty of prosthodontics, which is one of nine specialties recognized by the ADA. Prosthodontics involves working with implants and other complex dental prostheses. Requirements typically include two to four years of postgraduate training and passing a state exam. Graduates may also have to complete residencies in prosthodontics if they are interested in going beyond cosmetic procedures and delving into reconstructive work as well. They then can be licensed in this specialty area.