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    Study dentistry abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying dentistry as an international student.

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    Explore dentistry programs abroad

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    Dentistry degrees abroad

    A degree in dentistry, also referred to as dental medicine, is the first step toward becoming a professional dentist. Programs in dentistry will teach you all about oral health, and you can also learn surgical techniques as well as people skills.

    Choosing to study abroad means you’ll have a huge range of top dentistry schools to choose from. Not only that but going to university in another country is one of the best ways to experience a new culture and expand your personal horizons.

    Dentistry program structure

    Dentistry is typically taught over four or five years. In some countries you need to have a bachelor’s degree before you can study at dentistry school, however in the UK, for example, you can study dentistry over five years as an undergraduate.

    The first year or two of the course will usually cover the foundations of dentistry and also cover some general medical and healthcare areas. Modules in the first two years can include:

    • Dental biology
    • Craniofacial biology
    • Human health and diseases
    • Patient assessment
    • Health sciences
    • Dental skills
    • Primary care/patient management
    • Pediatric dentistry

    Most programs will include clinical experience and contact with patients from the second year onwards. The final years of the course will include research and supervised clinical activity, as well as continuing your skills and academic learning. Modules in the final years can include:

    • Clinical practice
    • Dental pathology
    • Radiography
    • Advanced dental skills

    You’ll be assessed throughout the program through written exams, projects, presentations, essays and clinical assessments. Teaching and learning will take place through lectures, tutorials, skills classes and practical clinical sessions.

    Dentistry program structure

    Dentistry is typically taught over four or five years. In some countries you need to have a bachelor’s degree before you can study at dentistry school, however in the UK, for example, you can study dentistry over five years as an undergraduate.

    The first year or two of the course will usually cover the foundations of dentistry and also cover some general medical and healthcare areas. Modules in the first two years can include:

    • Dental biology
    • Craniofacial biology
    • Human health and diseases
    • Patient assessment
    • Health sciences
    • Dental skills
    • Primary care/patient management
    • Pediatric dentistry

    Most programs will include clinical experience and contact with patients from the second year onwards. The final years of the course will include research and supervised clinical activity, as well as continuing your skills and academic learning. Modules in the final years can include:

    • Clinical practice
    • Dental pathology
    • Radiography
    • Advanced dental skills

    You’ll be assessed throughout the program through written exams, projects, presentations, essays and clinical assessments. Teaching and learning will take place through lectures, tutorials, skills classes and practical clinical sessions.

    Why study dentistry abroad

    Dentistry is a popular and competitive subject to study abroad. It’s a vocational program that’s essential if you dream of becoming a dentist, and choosing to study abroad comes with several advantages.

    Firstly, it means you’ll have a much larger pool of dentistry schools to choose from when deciding where to study. Places at the top dentistry programs are hard to get, so it’s worth applying to several universities and schools to improve your chances.

    It also means you’ll be able to gain your qualification while experiencing and learning about a new country and culture. Learn more about the benefits of studying abroad here.

    Where to study dentistry abroad

    There are many factors to consider when deciding where you want to study dentistry. You should think about:

    • How quickly you want to qualify

      The length of your studies can vary depending on the country you study in. For example, as an undergraduate it could take eight or more years to become a dentist in the US, but you could qualify in five years in the UK.

    • Where you want to work

      If you want to work in a country other than the one you studied in, you may need to take additional tests or do further studies before you can work as a licenced dentist.

    • The countries you want to live in

      Away from the program and career opportunities, think about the location you’d be happy living in for several years. Consider things like the climate, culture and politics of each destination when making your decision.

    Best countries to study dentistry

    If you’re looking for the best dentistry schools, then you should consider studying in Europe or the US. Europe is home to many of the most respected schools in the world, with top universities in the Netherlands, Sweden, the UK and Switzerland.

    If Asia is your preferred destination, Hong Kong, Japan and China all offer well respected dentistry programs. If you want a lucrative career after you graduate, Spain and the US tend to pay dentists the highest salaries but remember you’ll need to have the correct work visa before you can start working abroad.

    Best universities to study dentistry

    When deciding which university is the best for you to study dentistry, it’s worth looking closely at the curriculum and course structure. Although most programs will broadly cover the same material, some dentistry schools and programs put more focus on certain areas, for example some may dedicate more time to patient care, and others may focus more on surgical skills.

    Professional programs are usually approved by the country’s dental governing body, for example the General Dental Council (GDC) in the UK, or the American Dental Association (ADA) in the USA. Check the program is approved before you apply, as the degree may not allow you to practice if it’s not.

    See all universities offering dentistry programs

    How to study dentistry abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

    3. Visa & travel advice

      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
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    Dentistry study abroad programs

    Dentistry degree programs vary depending on the country you choose to study in. In the US and some other countries you can study a Doctor of Dental Science (DDS), which is a four year postgraduate program.

    In the UK, it’s possible to study a five year Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS), which is equivalent to a DDS, but can be studied as an undergraduate. Other degrees available include:

    • DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine)
    • BDent (Bachelor of Dentistry)
    • MSD (Master of Science in Dentistry)
    • MDent (Master of Dentistry) - this is recognised in Australia and New Zealand

    Postgraduate options can be taken once you’ve graduated from dental school to increase your expertise. Some countries also require you to have at least one year of experience in a work placement before you can practice dentistry.

    Dentistry undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in dentistry

    • false

      Dentistry - Dual MD/MBChB Astrakhan State Medical University, Russia

      Program type
      Master's/Bachelor's
      Duration
      5 years
      Annual tuition fee
      4,500 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 4,500 USD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Dentistry
    • false

      Dentistry - BHS (with placement) Universidad CEU San Pablo, Spain

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      45 months
      Annual tuition fee
      26,771 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 22,390 EUR

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Dentistry
    • false

      Dentistry - BOH CEU Universidad Cardenal Herrera, Spain

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      5 years
      Annual tuition fee
      25,755 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 21,540 EUR

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Dentistry
    • false

      Dentistry - BDentTech University of Dundee, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      5 years
      Annual tuition fee
      46,746 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 33,985 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Dentistry
    • false

      Dentistry - BDentTech UCAM Universidad Católica de Murcia, Spain

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      5 years
      Annual tuition fee
      16,859 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,100 EUR

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Dentistry
    See all bachelor's degrees in dentistry

    Dentistry graduate programs

    Master's in dentistry

    • false

      Clinical Periodontology - MSc Altinbas University, Turkey

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      5,400 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 5,400 USD

      Start date
      September, March
      Show program overview about Clinical Periodontology
    • false

      Dentistry - Dual MD/MBChB Astrakhan State Medical University, Russia

      Program type
      Master's/Bachelor's
      Duration
      5 years
      Annual tuition fee
      4,500 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 4,500 USD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Dentistry
    • false

      Dentistry - MSc Nizhny Novgorod State University, Russia

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      5 years
      Annual tuition fee
      5,400 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 5,400 USD

      Start date
      October
      Show program overview about Dentistry
    • false

      Forensic Dentistry - MSc University of Dundee, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      30,192 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 21,950 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Forensic Dentistry
    See all master's degrees in dentistry

    Diploma in dentistry

    • false

      Clinical Residency: Therapeutic Dentistry - PGDip Astrakhan State Medical University, Russia

      Program type
      Postgraduate diploma
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      3,700 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 3,700 USD

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Clinical Residency: Therapeutic Dentistry
    See all postgraduate diplomas in dentistry

    Entry requirements to study dentistry abroad

    To study at a dentistry school in another country, you'll need to meet the university’s entry requirements. What you’ll need will depend on the country you choose to study in, and the requirements of the university you’re applying to. As a guide, you’ll usually need:

    • To have completed secondary education with strong grades in chemistry and biology
    • A bachelor’s degree qualification in a relevant area (for study in the US)
    • Completion of the Dental Admissions Test (for study in the US)
    • Good English language proficiency test scores
    • Relevant academic references
    • Personal interview
    • Some relevant work experience is sometimes required

    Find out more about how to study abroad here.

    Future dentistry careers

    As a vocational subject, most students looking to study dentistry abroad do so with the aim of becoming a practicing dentist. However, there are other fields that dentistry, or one of its related subjects, could open up, including:

    • Dental hygienist
    • Dental technician
    • Orthodontist
    • Medical lecturer
    • Dental surgeon
    • Research

    If there is a specific area of dentistry you want to work in, look into what qualifications you’ll need. You may need to gain further postgraduate qualifications to work in your preferred field.