"This means that prospective dentists and dentists should undergo training and further education as part of their dentistry studies. In 2008, 57 dental schools in the United States were accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation. All dental schools require applicants to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). These dentists typically spend an additional 2 to 5 years in continuing dental education in programs run by dental schools or hospitals. Teaching students dealing with dentistry and supervising students in the school dental clinic.