Apply to a good college after high school because dental school admission is competitive. With the assistance of a college counselor, you can plan your own pre-dental program, although many colleges have these programs already in place. Choose a program major that encompasses your pre-dental coursework, otherwise it will delay your degree with extra courses. Majors to consider are biology, physiology, chemistry, zoology and other sciences. Most dental schools require coursework in such subjects as chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physics and microbiology..
Take the Dental Admission Test during your junior year in college and apply to dental school early during your senior year. Make sure you check the requirements you need for all the schools you're applying to, so you don't waste time and money on an application that doesn't meet admission requirements. Some schools require you to shadow a dentist for a certain number of hours, while others may require you to be involved in biomedical research. Each school is a bit different and admission is difficult. For example, the Harvard School of Dental Medicine receives 1,000 applicants for a class of 35 students.
Complete your dental training with high success. Four years is the usual time required to finish a dental program. Schooling begins with scientific classes like microbiology and anatomy, then moves on to clinical sciences and laboratory techniques. Usually, the last two years is spent treating patients under the supervision of licensed dentists. Passing the National Board Dental Examinations is required to practice dentistry.
Apply to an endodontic program. Most states have at least one school that offers specialization training in endodontics. Some endodontic programs offer a certification with preparation for the American Board of Endodontics examination, while others offer master's or PhD degrees. The endodontic program at the University of Minnesota uses your academic record, research and development experience, clinical experience, letters of recommendation and an interview for the selection process. Competition is fierce with only a few individuals accepted into each program every year.
Complete the endodontics program and pass the Board of Endodontics exam. Advanced specialization programs in endodontics follow accreditation guidelines. Your program must include instruction in the biomedical sciences, such as pharmacotherapeutics and neuroscience, and you should receive between 40 and 60 percent of your program time in clinical care. In-depth instruction is needed in pulp management, management of developing teeth and management of traumatic dental injuries. Once your pass your Board of Endodontics exam, you can practice endodontics.