Dental studies: How to choose the right course of study?

If you’re planning to study architecture, art or design abroad, you’ll first need to

You may not know it, but you’ve probably already been treated by a dentist who graduated abroad. In fact, according to a Drees study published in September 2017: « One third of new dentists in 2015 graduated abroad. »According to the study, the flow of dentists with diplomas from outside France practicing in France has been rising steadily since 2008.

So where do these expatriate students go? Europe, and more specifically Spain, Portugal, Romania and Belgium. Here’s a quick overview.

Admission procedure

In Spain

According to FrancEspagne, private universities have their own specific selection procedures: in addition to baccalaureate grades and school reports, applications must generally include a score from a Spanish language test such as DELE (Diploma of Spanish as a Foreign Language), or a standardized English language test such as IELTS or TOEFL (for English-speaking courses). Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an admissibility interview, and some universities also require prospective students to undergo a psycho-technical test.

Dental surgery courses in Spain generally last five years and cost a minimum of €16,000 per year for a Spanish-language course at CEU in Madrid or UEV in Valencia, and up to €21,000 per year for an English-language course at Universidad Europea de Madrid (UEM).

The diploma is automatically recognized in France and throughout the EU. Do not hesitate to contact the universities directly for information on registration and pre-registration schedules.

In Portugal

According to GEDS, admission to private Portuguese universities for dentistry (the EGAS MONIZ cooperative university in Lisbon or the CESPU university in Porto) is generally based on the student’s academic record (average grade in baccalaureate and average grade in scientific subjects in baccalaureate), and their motivation during the admission interview.

In Romania

If you’re interested in studying dentistry in Romania, you’ll need to prepare an application including a copy of your baccalaureate diploma, school or university reports and copies of administrative documents (such as a birth certificate or passport copy). As each university has its own requirements, we strongly advise you to contact the relevant institutions to find out about their admission procedures.

Training and qualifications

In Romania and Portugal, dental training lasts six years (five in Spain), at the end of which you will be awarded a dental surgeon’s diploma. To practise in France, students must hold a state diploma that complies with European directives (Directive 2005/36/EC), and be registered with the Ordre national des chirurgiens-dentistes. In both Portugal and Spain, students receive theoretical, practical and clinical training, and carry out patient care under the supervision of their teachers.

Language and tuition fees

In Romania, there are three language options: English, French or Romanian, while in Spain there are two: English or Spanish. In Portugal, some universities offer their students a first year in French, coupled with intensive Portuguese courses, essential for the rest of their curriculum.

In terms of price, Romania remains the most affordable destination, with tuition fees ranging from €3,500 to €6,000 per year depending on the university, compared with €14,000 to €20,000 per year for their Spanish counterparts and around €7,500 per year for Portuguese universities.

Dental studies in Europe – summary table

	Duration	Languages	Admission	Price	Universities
Romania	6 years	English French Romanian	On file	5 000 € in UMF Iași, 6 000 € in Cluj-Napoca and Timișoara, 6 250 € in Arad	– Vasile Goldis in Arad- University of Cluj-Napoca- Victor Barbes School in Timisoara
Portugal	6 years	At some private universities, 1st year is in French and the rest of the curriculum is in Portuguese.	Application and interview	Approximately €7,500 per year	– EGAS MONIZ near Lisbon- CESPU near Porto
Spain	5 years	Spanish and English	Application and interview	Between €16,000 and €21,000	– UCAM- Universidad Internationale de Catalunya- CEU San Pablo

Study to be a dentist

Study dentistry, an essential profession in the field of dental health. As a dental student abroad, you’ll be trained to become a skilled dentist and future dental surgeon. During your studies, you’ll have the opportunity to undertake clinical placements in renowned dental practices, where you’ll be able to provide patient care and gain valuable hands-on experience. Courses cover a range of dental specialties, and each year of study deepens your knowledge and skills. As a dental student, you’ll be introduced to dental surgery, care techniques, clinical practice and dental science. Medical education in dentistry also includes theoretical and practical courses, enabling you to familiarize yourself with the various facets of this profession. Admission to dental programs is often subject to competitive examinations, and the hospital internship is a crucial stage in your training as a dental surgeon. The duration of dental studies can be relatively long, but it offers comprehensive training to prepare you for a successful career. Once you’ve graduated, you can choose to work in a private dental practice or in a hospital environment, where you’ll provide quality care to your patients. Dental training will equip you with the skills you need to provide comprehensive dental care, perform surgical procedures and contribute to the oral health of your patients. What’s more, working as a dentist offers interesting career opportunities and an attractive salary. Research also plays an important role in the development of this exciting profession.

Find all the answers to your questions about studying abroad. our book “Etudier à l’étranger après le Bac” (Studyrama Editions).

Vous souhaitez bénéficier d’un soutien plus personnalisé pour concrétiser votre projet d’études à l’étranger ? N’hésitez pas à contacter contact the Your Dream School team!