collageChoosing the most affordable country to study dentistry in Europe takes time, research and focus. You are investing your best years of your life into further studies so you have to be sure that you are choosing the right place. Dentists usually graduate after 5-8 years of studies, which means your decision also concerns your future job opportunities.
As it’s already known, preparing for dentistry school can be fun and at the same time, quite tasking. However, there is really nothing like finally seeing your dreams come true; your dreams of being a dentist in this case. Moving on, how much do you know though, about the best country to study dentistry in Europe? Read on to find out.
The article below brings you the latest information on the best country to study dentistry in Europe, studying dentistry in Europe for international students, best countries to practice dentistry, best dentistry universities in the world, master degree in dentistry for international students, ranking of dental schools, Karolinska Institutet dentistry. You will also find related posts on best country to study dentistry in Europe on Collegelearners .
where to study dentistry in europe For International Students
Going abroad to study dentistry may be a fantasy for many people; after all, who would leave the safety and security of the United States for a country that is 3,000 miles away? This page is for you if you’re thinking seriously about studying dentistry in Europe rather than the US or Canada. I have information about the top European dental schools as well as comparisons of European universities with their North American counterparts, all written from the viewpoint of a student.
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
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 Country To Study Dentistry In Europe
The UK ranks joint second for dental conditions across Europe – despite having one of the lowest numbers of dentists per capita.
In a study assessing the dental health of more than 25 European countries, Italy took the top spot, with Germany coming in second and Spain ranking third.
The research analysed several factors that help to determine one’s dental health. This included sugar and alcohol consumption, and available dental facilities.
These were split into three groups; dental health, dental facilities and negative influences on dental health.
The UK secured sixth place overall, largely down to it having 16 dental schools – the fourth highest number in the 26 countries surveyed.
It also came joint second with Germany for dental conditions. This was assessed by looking at the average number of teeth that have decayed, been lost or filled in by the age of 12 (DMFT index).
In the UK, this stood at 0.5, with Slovakia having the worst rate of decay at 5.1 teeth on average.
Best Countries To Practice Dentistry
What is the best country to study dentistry? In today’s blog article, I’m going to give you a rundown on France, Ireland and Spain as some of the best countries to study dentistry in Europe.
Top 10 countries to practice dentistry
There are a number of countries throughout the world that really care about dental health, and offer better compensation. These areas around the globe are willing to pay more for experts, and many young dentist consider these locations when thinking about where to work. Often these countries pay very well in overall salaries, and are also great areas for other medical professionals.
So if you are a dentist looking for a big city, rural location, or proximity to the beach—opportunities in these countries might be worth a look.
Top 10 Countries for Practicing Dentists
The following results are based and ranked on the average annual salary earned by dentists in the country. The top countries to consider working as a dentist include:
10. Ireland
The average annual salary for dentists in this area is $65,600. Though qualified, many UK dentist opt to go to Ireland because of higher salaries. This is because dentists in the area are allowed to include private fees in addition to their general service fees.
9. Sweden
The average annual salary for dentists here is $70,300. But though the salaries are good, there is one barrier for many dental professionals. To practice in Sweden you would need to learn the complex language. Most dentist in this country are organized under “Tandlakarforbundet,” which also publishes the Swedish Dental Journal.
8. Japan
The average annual salary for dentists in Japan is $71,500. Due to the massive success of dentists in this country, there is also an excess of dentists. To be successful in Japan you would want to find a specific niche or cater to a certain type of community.
7. Australia
The average annual salary for dentists here is $73,600. In Australia dentists are one of, if not the top earners in medicine. They surpass almost every other medical professional. Both the Australian Dental Council and Dental Board of Australia oversee dentistry in the country. To practice there you must obtain licensing and registration from the Dental Board of Australia. However, they do not grant registration to a foreign graduate until you pass the ADC exams or complete two years of schooling and obtain an education from a locally accredited dental school.
6. New Zealand
The average annual salary for dentists in this country is $73,700. Here the dentists with the most experience usually earn the highest salaries. Dentistry in this country is overseen by the Dental Council and any dental specialization is also overseen by the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.
5. Canada
The average annual salary for dentists here is $81,800. Dentists of this country are well compensated for their treatments and services because of public healthcare, depending on location. Some provinces provide free care to children and the elderly. Though dentistry was slow to start in this country, compared to other countries in Europe, today Canada has over 16,000 practicing dentists.
4. Norway
The average annual salary for dentists is $93,100. There is a high demand for dental work in this country, which accounts for the high salaries for dentists. Dental treatments for children are free, covered by the national health service. However, this is one of the countries where the high taxes and cost of living could factor into the decision making process.
3. Switzerland
The average annual salary for dentists is $96,800. This country really cares about oral and dental health. Thus, pay for dentists is relatively high, as is the case with most jobs in Switzerland.
2. United States
The average annual salary for dentists is $146,340. Dental therapists, like dental health aids and dental hygienists, are not allowed to practice independently. As a result, the U.S. provides excellent, but often over-priced treatment and fails to provide affordable services for lower social classes. As you might imagine, dentists in the United States encounter a variety of circumstances. Some states, with difficult policies and high cost of living, are not as friendly to dentists as others.
1. Spain
The average annual salary for dentists is $176,000. This is a significant difference when compared to other countries. No wonder more and more dental professionals are making the move to Spain. Not only does the salary almost double that of Switzerland, but the country has relatively low tax and lower cost of living. When it comes to money, this is obviously the best country to practice dentistry in.
These are the top countries dentists consider for their prospective careers. But the median annual pay should not be the only consideration. Dentists should also look at the cost of living expenses, the local culture and prospective patients, as well as the quotient of dentists in the area. Then they can make the best decision on where to practice.
Best Dentistry Universities In The World
Deciding to become a dentist is a wise career move: the hours are good, the money is even better and, if patients are rude to you, you get to drill into their teeth and poke sharp things at their gums. On the downside, though, the training required to become qualified can be long and rigorous. In the US, for instance, you need to complete a three-year bachelor’s degree followed by four years of dental school, while in the UK, you will spend at least five years studying. It helps, therefore, if you’re at a college or university that excels in dentistry and which can make the whole process more bearable. To help you find one, we’ve compiled the most recent data from Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) and the Academic Rankings of World Universities (ARWU) and averaged their scores out accordingly.
These are the 10 best dental schools in the world:
10. University of Zurich
Location: Zurich, Switzerland The University of Zurich is one of two Swiss schools to make this list. The Center for Dental Medicine offers a wide range of fields to study, from dental reconstruction to oral implantology to esthetic treatments. What’s more, the school offers both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree programme. It should be noted that the bachelor’s and teaching diploma programmes at the University of Zurich are taught in German. But the master’s programmes are instructed in German, English, French, Italian and Spanish. So, you will need to hone your language skills if you’re only pursuing a bachelor’s degree at this fine institution.
9. Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA)
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands Have you ever wanted to live, study and work in The Netherlands? Well, this is your opportunity, especially if you are searching for a career in the dental field. ACTA has become one of the top schools in international rankings for dentistry. But ACTA maintains a diverse array of services that go beyond education, including patient care and scientific research, which is great for students who want to attain practical hands-on experience.
The dental school has been celebrated for going beyond the basics and adopting a so-called Dentistry 3.0, a programme marketed as ‘more than a dazzling smile’.
8. Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
Location: Leuven, Belgium Katholieke Universiteit Leuven – or KU Leuven, for short – is a renowned institution within the oral health sciences world. Unfortunately, the dentistry programme is only taught in Dutch, meaning that you’ll have to scrub up on your language skills if you want to study here. If you’re a non-EU student and your university has an exchange agreement with Leuven, it is possible to spend three months in the department alongside a Dutch speaker. Luckily, many of the school’s master’s programmes are taught in English, so if postgraduate study in the fields of forensic odontology, deglutology or algology sounds like your bag, then you could be in luck. Due to the provincial structure of Belgian higher education, meanwhile, tuition fees can vary widely depending on where you are from and what your financial background is.
7. University College London (UCL)
Location: London, England While there is undoubtedly the potential for a joke here about British people and teeth, UCL represents the first of two UK entries on this list. Indeed, the University’s Eastman Dental Institute – adjacent to the Eastman Dental Hospital with which it is affiliated – is home to one of the finest dentistry research groups in the world. Perhaps bizarrely, the school doesn’t offer an undergraduate course in dentistry; its array of specialist certificates, postgraduate programmes and research opportunities make it a more than worthy inclusion, though.
Tuition fees vary depending on your choice, of course, where you are from and what funding you are eligible for, but overall, they are in line with most other UK universities.
6. University of Bern
Location: Bern, Switzerland The University of Bern is the other Swiss institution that offers a comprehensive dental school programme. It contains multiple departments in speciality dental fields, including Department of Oral Surgery and Stomatology, the Department of Periodontology and the Department of Reconstructive Dentistry and Gerodontology. You can receive your bachelor’s, master’s, and post-doctoral training at this school. Moreover, graduates who participate in the school’s clinical activities can earn first-hand experience in treatment planning sessions, observing clinical patient treatment and assisting patient treatment. Plus, your time will be separated into 80% patient care and 20% research. This is one of the most celebrated universities for dental education. Considering what you learn, it is understandable why this is the case. The latest figures suggest that nearly one-fifth of the student body are people from outside Switzerland. Of course, that doesn’t mean you will get off scot-free by not speaking German. You will need to improve your language skills, even if only a little bit.
5. University of Gothenburg
Location: Gothenburg, Sweden
You are participating in Swedish history by simply walking through the halls of the University of Gothenburg. Why? It is the third oldest Swedish university, and it is a massive institution with 37,000 students and more than 6,000 staff members. In fact, it is one of the largest universities among Nordic nations. Its dental programme is also considered to be one of the most advanced in the world, primarily because of its internationally leading dental research centre. Moreover, for students who desire an eclectic education in this field, you can expect to receive a broad base for clinical and experimental education, experience and research. Indeed, there is a reason why the school attracts students from all over the world.
4. University of Washington
Location: Seattle, US Based in the trendy north-western metropolis of Seattle, the University of Washington School of Dentistry (UWSOD) offers students a world-class dental education. On the downside, though, the school is something of a closed shop. According to the university’s admission stats, UWSOD receives around 1,000 applications per year for 63 places – a slim acceptance rate of around 6.3% – with Washington and, to a lesser extent, WICHE residents taking the very large majority of those spots. If you’re one of the lucky few non-residents to squeeze in (some places are reserved for international students), then you can expect to pay tuition costs of around $102,000 (£76,630) per year, not including your personal and living costs.
3. Harvard University
Location: Cambridge, US
When it comes to university rankings, it seems as though, no matter the subject, Harvard is a world leader. Dentistry is clearly no different, with the Harvard School of Dental Medicine – based in Boston – offering numerous postgraduate courses, including the DMD programme. As part of the ongoing curriculum – which makes full use of Harvard’s unique teaching methods – students are also expected to develop and complete a research project in their second, third and fourth years, closely complementing the existing inter-disciplinary approach. Tuition fees are set at around $85,070 (£63,920) per year, although this does not include living costs, travel and other personal allowances.
2. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (tie)
Location: Ann Arbor, US Despite its reputation for athletic prowess, the University of Michigan is also one of the foremost scientific research universities in the US. Unsurprisingly, its dental school, located on the picturesque campus at Ann Arbor, is a beneficiary of this success. There are numerous postgraduate programmes available, with the main dentistry stream following the DDS curriculum, while tuition fees for non-Michigan residents are set at around $68,370 (£51,370) per year (not including living and personal costs).
1. King’s College London (tie)
Location: London, England Amalgamated under the academic umbrella of the University of London, King’s College is a research-driven institution with the largest dental school in the UK, graduating around 150 dentists each year. Unlike UCL, it offers the five-year BDS undergraduate programme and provides students with the opportunity to gain clinical experience in several world-class hospitals as well.
Tuition fees for UK applicants are capped by the British government at £9,250 ($12,310) per year, while international students are looking at £43,500 ($57,900) per year. (These fees don’t include living or personal costs, nor do they account for additional costs for travel, graduation and security checks.)
As you can see, there are top-level options for studying dentistry all over the globe, although when choosing a university, you should always look at what is the best fit for you – not everybody else. Alternatively, if you’re not sure whether to choose between medicine and dentistry, then why not check out our list of the best medical schools in the world? In the meantime, where are you planning to study? Let us know in the comments section below!
Master Degree in Dentistry for International Students
Dentistry is a broad subject, which focuses not only on the health of your teeth, but on all issues related to the human skull: from the jaw to the cranium, as well as the health of the facial region. Dentists play a vital role in ensuring that all maxillofacial structures are in proper working order and that everything is healthy and kept in its place.
Studying a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Dentistry lets you specialise in Head and Neck Anatomy, Surgical Techniques, Implant Surgery, Forensic Dentistry, and Biomaterials and Ergonomics in Oral Diseases. Regardless of your choice, Dentistry will always require good manual dexterity, problem-solving skills, and visual memory. What also turns a good dentist into a great one is their awareness of the pain tolerance of the patient and trying to cause them as little stress as possible.
During Dentistry courses, you will learn about the overall health of the oral cavity. You’ll discover numerous dental procedures, as well as diagnosing and treating methods, and the tools needed to apply them. Dental care doesn’t only involve implants, extractions, and treating cavities, but also teaching people how to prevent these problems from occurring in the first place.
After graduation, most students work as dentists, dental hygienists, or dental assistants.
Check out our list of Master’s degrees in Dentistry. Keep in mind you can also study an online Masters in Dentistry.
Study In United States
A young experiment with democracy and a shared national love for fried food, the United States has a long, unique history, especially with producing some of our favorite films and television shows. Add in an enthusiastic love for baseball and (American) football, and you’d come close to arriving at the image of American culture.
The U.S. is a massive place, with each state containing its own history; and when you’re going from one side to another, it feels as if you’re going from planet to planet.
International students from all over the world look to study in the U.S.A., and travelers and explorers are often looking to find out whether Americans are as loud and silly as they are on television (spoiler: they are). Being a student, though, brings you in contact with the top-ranked and largest universities in the world, and they are ready to welcome students like you every year.
Why study in the US?
- American universities are second to none
When you think about universities in the US, Harvard, Stanford, Yale or MIT might come to mind. But these are only the tip of the iceberg, the crème de la crème. There are over 150 American universities and colleges that earn their place in the international rankings created by Times Higher Education, TopUniversities, and others.
For those interested in academic excellency, studying in the US should be at the top of the preference list. There’s something for everybody and you can enrol in any specialisation (or major) you can think of.
- Tuition fees for anyone’s budget
The higher education system in the US is notorious for high tuition fees and an even higher national student debt. Still, you’d make a mistake by thinking studying at an American university is always expensive.
With a simple search on our portals, you’ll discover thousands of affordable courses, with annual tuition fees of 5,000 USD or less. At the opposite end, you can find study programmes at Ivy League universities that easily jump over 50,000 USD/year.
- Academic flexibility
The flexibility students enjoy in America isn’t common in many other countries. In most cases, you don’t need to declare a major until the second year of study; keep in mind numerous undergraduate degrees (Bachelors) take 4 years to complete.
What does it mean? It means you can try out various subjects and classes, see what interests you, learn what you don’t want to focus on, and only then make a decision.
- Unique student life and on-campus experiences
Although most Hollywood movies exaggerate things to make us laugh, don’t think there isn’t some truth behind the on-campus student life, which can be described anywhere from vibrant to wild or even over-the-top.
If parties aren’t your thing, don’t worry. You can always take up sports, enrol in clubs (e.g. drama, music) or volunteer and support a cause that’s meaningful to you.
- Travel and explore amazing sights and tourist attractions
While living and studying in the US, you’ll be presented with the opportunity to see some of the most impressive and beautiful natural and man-made attractions in the world.
From the Yellowstone National Park to the Grand Canyon, from the Statue of Liberty to the Golden Gate Bridge, from the Mount Rushmore National Memorial to Alcatraz Island — these and many other unique sights and structures are ready to leave you speechless.
What is it like to study in the U.S.?
The American university system is known for being quite casual, and students at the university level are given quite a level of flexibility with regard to attendance, course requirements, and assignments.
However, students still have to abide by the classroom rules set by their individual instructors, and understand what the expectations are for each course.
Generally, courses are discussion-based, seminar style classes, where it’s a smaller group of students debating or questioning different topics. You’ll also find the normal lecture-style classes, especially for topics that have a lot of students (Computer Science, Medicine, Business, etc.). The way courses are structured really depend upon the content or the subject being taught.
What to study in the United States?
All over the U.S., universities offer a lot of topics and degree programmes that you can choose from. Some of the biggest names, at the biggest Ivy League schools, teach programmes in the subject you’re most interested in. Here are some of the subjects you can consider:
- Study Biotechnology in the U.S.
- Study Entrepreneurship in the U.S.
- Study Health Management in the U.S.
- Study for an MBA in the U.S.
- Study International Relations in the U.S.
Major cities in the U.S.
In every major city in the U.S., you’ll find a large, diverse community of people that live nearby the university of your dreams. Take a look at some of the big cities to choose from:
- Study in Chicago
- Study in New York City
- Study in Los Angeles
- Study in Boston
- Study in San Francisco
- Study in Atlanta
- Study in Seattle
- Study in Tampa
- Study in Miami
- Study in Charlotte
- Study in Minneapolis
Which Universities To Attend In The US
Although the Ivy League universities, plus Stanford and M.I.T., are all major, world-renowned universities to pick from, there are literally hundreds of universities all over the country. Below we’ll run through some of the lesser-known favourites:
- The New School
- Columbia University
- California State University Northridge
- Georgia Tech
- Harvard Kennedy School
- Johns Hopkins University
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Louisiana State University
- Mississippi State University
Practical Information
Each university in the U.S. has its own system on their website that allows future students to apply for and enroll in their degree programmes. So, once you select the university of your choice, you can go through their application and submit your materials there.
Here are some of the basic requirements you’ll need for every application:
- A scan of your diploma (high school or Bachelor’s degree)
- A transcript/record of your previous courses
- A scan of your passport
- Your CV
- Testing scores
- Evidence of scholarship or funding
- Letters of recommendation (between 2-3)
- Portfolio and/or writing samples
Helpful ways to make sure you qualify for an American university
Take Preparation Courses
These kinds of courses enable degree-seeking students to get an extra educational boost just before they start their Master’s degree or other post-graduate degree programmes.
Try a pre-M.B.A., pre-Law, or pre-Medicine programme, as well as any other foundation or preparation courses that will allow you to study in the degree programme of your choice.
Improve your English through an English-language prep course
If you’re attending a degree programme in the U.S., you will need to prove that your language skills are good enough to participate in the classes and understand the lectures. These courses will also prepare you for any of the English-language tests that universities require.
English Language Tests
To apply to study in the U.S., you’ll need to provide proof you have a diploma for your English proficiency.
The certificates generally accepted by the universities in India are:
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL
- IELTS
- C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
Still, you should always check on your university’s website, just to be sure what the exact requirements are.
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