Studying dentistry abroad: countries, entrance exams, duration and diploma recognition

Short answer: Dentistry is usually a 5–6 year, practice-heavy and expensive field. In Europe, English-taught dentistry is mainly offered in Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Czechia, Poland, Lithuania and Georgia. Admission often involves a biology and chemistry exam, and diploma recognition in Azerbaijan should be researched in advance.

Programme features

• Duration: usually 5–6 years.
• Early years: core medical subjects such as anatomy, physiology and biochemistry.
• Later years: clinical practice and work with patients.
• Laboratory and material costs may be extra.

Choosing a country

• Hungary: well-known medical universities. See: studying in Hungary.
• Bulgaria and Romania: affordable costs and an EU degree. See: studying in Bulgaria and studying in Romania.
• Czechia, Poland, Lithuania: English-taught programmes. See: studying in Lithuania.
• Georgia: proximity and low cost. See: studying in Georgia.

Admission requirements

• School certificate, especially biology and chemistry results.
• The university's entrance exam (biology, chemistry, sometimes physics) and an interview.
• English level.
• A health certificate and in some cases vaccination records.

Diploma recognition

Dentistry is a regulated profession. To work in Azerbaijan with a foreign degree, recognition and in some cases an extra exam or practice may be required. Learn the conditions from official bodies before choosing a university. See: medical education abroad.

Costs

Dentistry can be even more expensive than general medicine. Include instruments, materials and living costs in your budget alongside tuition.

Frequently asked questions

How to choose between dentistry and general medicine?

If manual skill, precise work and direct patient practice interest you, dentistry may suit you. If you are unsure about your major, take the major selection test.

Is a preparatory year needed?

If your biology and chemistry foundation is weak, some universities' preparatory courses can help.

Note: fees, exam rules and recognition conditions may change. Check the information of the university and official bodies before deciding.

Since 2018, EDDE Global has helped students choose a university and prepare documents and visa applications. Book a free consultation or take the major selection test.