Dentistry Schools and Programs in Germany

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Dentistry Studies in Germany

Study Dentistry in Germany: Overview

Are you thinking about pursuing an education and ultimately a career in the rewarding and often lucrative field of dentistry? Have you given any thought to fulfilling your educational goals via a fun and exciting study abroad program in Germany? Germany is a country brimming with history and culture, and its system of higher education is second to none, particularly when it comes to the health and medical-related disciplines, including dentistry. To give you a better idea regarding what you can expect while studying dentistry in Germany, below we have compiled a brief overview of the program, including some quick and useful facts about the country, a short profile of its dentistry education programs, and a description of what Germany has to offer for students who decide to study abroad.

About Germany

Germany, officially known as the Federal Republic of Germany, is a federal parliamentary republic in west-central Europe. The country is divided into 16 states and covers a total area of 137,847 square miles (357,021 square kilometers). With 81.8 million residents it is the most populous country in the European Union, and its capital and largest city is Berlin (population 3.4 million).

The English word "Germany" derives from the Greek term Germania. The name "Germania" came into use after Julius Caesar adopted it from a Gallic term for the peoples east of the Rhine, a term that could possibly have meant "neighbor", or "men of forests", or even "men with spears".

A very advanced country, Germany has the world's fourth largest economy by nominal GDP and the fifth largest by purchasing power parity. As a result, it is the world’s second largest exporter and third largest importer of goods. The country has developed a very high standard of living and features a comprehensive system of social security, which includes the world's oldest universal health care system. Germany system of education is also very sophisticated, and the country has been home to some of the world’s most prominent thinkers, including a number of very influential philosophers, music composers, scientists, doctors and inventors, and is known for its rich cultural and political history.

Dentistry Education in Germany

Germany boasts one of the world’s most exemplary systems of higher education and is home to a number of internationally recognized universities. This includes many, such as the University of Saarland, that offer degrees in dentistry.
The University of Saarland offers a structured system of dentistry education. The school is located on the grounds of a teaching hospital and dental clinic and employs faculty members with real-world experience who are experts in their field. The dentistry degree program offered by Saarland and other universities throughout Germany typically spans 5 years or 10 full semesters. The coursework includes both pre-clinical theoretical study and clinical practice, each lasting five semesters. The pre-clinical portion of the degree includes basic dental topics, including the variety of dental disciplines and scientific bases, biochemistry, anatomy and physiology. The clinical period incorporates more intensive subjects concentrated on the practice of dentistry and dentistry techniques.

Why Study Dentistry in Germany

Although Germany is far less well-known or understood by outsiders than some other popular European destinations, since unification (of East Germany and West Germany) it has gained a higher profile as a travel and study-abroad destination. Whether students decide to study in the busy, cosmopolitan cities of Berlin, Munich or Hamburg, or in a smaller city like Ulm or Furth, they will invariably find friendly people and a land of great historical and cultural pride.

Dentistry tends to be a rigorous and very labor-intensive course of study. Fortunately, there is always plenty of time built into these German study-abroad programs that allow students to relax and unwind by visiting some of the country’s most popular sightseeing destinations, or taking part in one of the many festivals held throughout the year. Some of these destinations/festivals include:

Rügen Cliffs. Located in the Jasmund National Park, these chalk cliffs tower high above the Baltic Sea and offer an unparalleled view of the forests and streams below.
Romantic Rhine. Running between the cities of Koblenz and Bingen, the Romantic Rhine is the most famous section of the Rhine River. Here the river carves its way through steep vineyard-covered hills topped with countless castles and ancient ruins.
Lindau. The historic city of Lindau, located near the convergence of the Austrian, German and Swiss borders, features many medieval and half-timbered buildings and is quite popular among tourists.
Oktoberfest. What would a stay in Germany be without participating in Oktoberfest? Held annually every October in Munich, this cultural festival is the biggest of its kind, attracting more than 6 million people every year. Visitors enjoy a wide variety of traditional fare, such as Hendl, Schweinebraten, Würstl, and Knödel, and consume large quantities of German beer.

In addition to having the rare opportunity to experience Germany’s outstanding educational system, visit some of its one-of-a-kind sightseeing spots and participate in a wide array of festivals and celebrations, students who come to the country to study will also be able to gain insight into Germany’s cultural and historical heritage and acquire valuable language skills, thus bolstering their professional resume. They will also meet people—lots of people—from Germany and around the world, often forging friendships that can last a lifetime.