Studying abroad
Dentistry abroad: studies, training and diploma recognition
Every country has its own admission rules for dentistry. We help you compare universities and check whether their diploma will let you work in your chosen country.
- 5 yearstypical length of a dentistry degree
- 300 ECTStypical programme size; the EU directive minimum is 5 years
- 2005/36/ECthe directive on recognising dentists’ diplomas in the EU
What the studies look like
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1
Admission
An entrance exam, interview or grade-based selection, usually in biology and chemistry. Some universities also test manual skills.
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2
Basic sciences
Anatomy, histology and phantom-head exercises: manual skills practised on models before the first patient.
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3
Clinical training
Treating patients under supervision: from conservative dentistry to surgery and orthodontics.
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4
Diploma and what next
Final exams, your diploma and having it recognised where you want to work.
Where do you want to work after your studies?
- 1A diploma that meets Directive 2005/36/EC is recognised automatically in every EU and EEA country.
- 2You apply for the licence to practise to the authority or chamber of the country where you want to work.
- 3You usually also need to show the level of the local language required for the job.
- 1A non-EU diploma is not recognised automatically: each country runs its own procedure, such as nostrification or a verification exam.
- 2In Poland, for example, it is nostrification or the LEW or LDEW exam, followed by the internship, the LEK or LDEK and the licence to practise.
- 3It is a longer road, so it is worth knowing it before choosing a university.
- 1Every country has its own rules and exams, such as the USMLE in the USA, DHA in Dubai or KROK in Ukraine.
- 2Before you choose a university, we check that its diploma is recognised where you want to work.
- 3On MedMigrant you can prepare for licensing exams, and in our Guides we describe the route to working in different countries.
Check whether you are ready
Frequently asked questions
Can I work in another country after studying dentistry abroad?
Yes, but the route depends on the university’s country: an EU diploma is recognised automatically across the EU, while a non-EU diploma first has to be confirmed under the procedure of the given country.
Are shorter degrees after a transfer also recognised?
Yes, as long as the whole programme meets the directive’s requirements for the amount of training. What counts is the programme you complete, not the years at one university. Before a transfer we check how many credits will be recognised.
Do I have to pass a state exam after graduating?
It depends on the country where you want to work. In Poland, for example, a non-EU diploma is confirmed through nostrification or the LDEW exam, while other countries have their own exams.
Are there clinical classes from the start?
It depends on the university. The first years are usually basic sciences and phantom exercises, and treating patients starts later.
Other fields
Let’s talk about your studies
Tell us which degree interests you, where you would like to study and when you finish school. We will reply with where to start.
MedMigrant is not a university or a university representative. Admission is decided solely by the university, and diploma recognition and the licence to practise by the relevant authorities and professional bodies. Admission rules change, so we always check them on the university’s website before you apply.