What is a Dental Degree and Why Should you Pursue it?

Why Getting a Dental Degree Provides a Promising Career Choice

Everybody knows what a dentist does, but do you know what it takes to become one?

In this article, we'll tell you what getting a dental degree gives you and why pursuing a career in the field can be a challenging but highly rewarding experience that provides a promising career choice. 

Additionally, we'll take a look at the current job market for dentists, the benefits and negatives that come with the profession, and where you can get your own internationally recognised dentistry degree.

What is a dental degree?

A dental degree is an academic qualification that is awarded to students who have completed a course of study in dental medicine at a higher education institution. It certifies that you are qualified to become a licensed dentist who can diagnose and treat a variety of conditions and disorders relating to a person's teeth, gums, and mouth.

Why study dentistry?

Dentists are highly sought-after healthcare professionals who play a crucial role in improving people's daily lives by maintaining good oral health and preventing future problems. There are many reasons that make studying dentistry an attractive option for students looking for a fulfilling and well-paying career in healthcare.

1. Dentistry is a respected profession that will allow you to secure a comfortable lifestyle with excellent earning potential.
   
2. There is a high demand for dental practitioners, which will only continue to grow as the world's population increases and ages.
   
3. Dentistry evolves constantly, and new techniques and technologies are developed all the time. If you would rather devote yourself to research, the field provides some fantastic prospects in that direction.
   
4. You will have the opportunity to practise dentistry in a variety of work environments, including hospitals, community health centres, and even establishing your own private dental clinic.
   
5. Dentists work with patients directly, meaning you get to personally improve the daily lives of people. You will lead a fulfilling life, knowing you help people every day, earning their gratitude.

Types of Dental Degrees

To become a successful dentist, one must first complete a dental course, and Europe is one of the best places to receive an excellent education at an affordable price. Typically, studying dentistry in English in Europe takes 5 or 6 years, depending on the country, and the tuition fee can cost as low as €4200 per year.

There are two main types of dental degrees available: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry/Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). Although they are different in name, they are essentially equivalent, and students go through very similar curricula.

The reason there are two different titles is mostly historical and due to the fact that different major dentistry schools developed their own programme and named them how they saw fit. However, as dental education has become standardised over time, the differences between them have become minor. 

What's it like to study dentistry?

Studying dentistry can be as rewarding as it is demanding. Students go through a comprehensive education, which requires the capacity to learn a large amount of theory. Additionally, you will also need to be skilled with your hands and be able to work in a team. Here are the main components of the curriculum of a typical dentistry programme: 

• Acquiring a solid theoretical foundation through reading and learning from lectures.
• Applying your knowledge in lab work and simulations.
• Learning teamwork. Dentistry is a team-oriented profession, and you will learn how to cooperate with other dental professionals such as assistants, hygienists, and lab technicians.
• Getting hands-on clinical experience under the supervision of skilled professionals.
• Some universities may include the opportunity to participate in research projects.
• European dental universities have a solid network of international partners, and you can be given the opportunity to participate in events and collaborations with respected establishments from all over the world.

Is becoming a dentist a good career choice today?

Healthcare professionals are an essential and irreplaceable part of our society. This is especially true today due to an increasing and ageing global population. Additionally, the average life expectancy continues to increase worldwide thanks to access to better healthcare, improved hygiene, healthier lifestyles, balanced diets, and modern medicine.

It is safe to say that dentistry as a profession will always be in high demand, and job security will never be an issue, especially in rural and underserved areas. 

Two main disadvantages of being a dentist

Like any career, working as a dentist has its challenges. Dental professionals often have a high influx of patients, and although it is good to have a constant stream of work, you may be required to work long hours when demand is high. Additionally, emergencies may occur, and you could be needed outside of your regular business hours. This could lead to burnout, especially if you don't make time for adequate rest.

Another thing to consider is that dentistry can be stressful, as you are entrusted with the well-being of your patients. You may be required to work on difficult patients or perform complex procedures, and mistakes are costly. Successful dental practitioners need to be able to manage stress effectively in order to maintain their own good health.

Is a dental degree worth It?

Although challenging, pursuing a career in dentistry can be a rewarding choice. For many, the advantages make the effort well worth their time, but naturally, there are negatives surrounding the profession as well. To answer this question, we have prepared a table with the pros and cons that come with working in the dental field:

Ultimately, whether or not earning a dental degree is the right choice for you depends on your goals, values, and interests. If you are passionate about healthcare and helping others, then dentistry is an excellent career path for you.

Where can I study dentistry in English?

Europe is abundant with high-quality, accredited, and affordable dental schools which offer world-class education. By studying dentistry in Europe, you can expect to acquire comprehensive theoretical knowledge while developing your practical skills through the use of modern equipment and hands-on clinical experience. You will earn an internationally recognised dental diploma, which will allow you to become a successful and sought-after dentist.

Here are just a few of the excellent higher education institutions on the continent that offer high-quality dental courses in English:

1. The European University in Georgia is a modern and well-respected institution of higher education, which is recognised by many of the world's most prominent educational and medical establishments. Its first-rate dental programme and an affordable tuition fee of just about €4250 per year have made the university an attractive option for international students.

2. The University of Novi Sad is one of the largest and most respected universities in Serbia and Europe. It has a strong reputation for producing outstanding healthcare professionals and is known for its commitment to research and innovation. It provides excellent career prospects and has an affordable tuition fee of €6500 per year. 

3. Charles University First Faculty of Medicine is one of the oldest and most prestigious higher education institutions on the continent. It is located in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, and consistently ranks as the best university in the country. Although it is nearly 7 centuries old, it boasts a modern and well-equipped dental school. The tuition fee for their dentistry course is €21000 annually. 

4. Riga Stradins University in Latvia has been recognised as the country's institution with the best reputation for 4 years in a row and counting. Thanks to its high educational standards, the university is home to a diverse international community, with over 27% of its students coming from different parts of the world. The tuition fee is €14000 for the first 2 years and €15000 for the final 3 years. 

5. Comenius University is one of Europe's most prestigious and well-respected universities. It is located in Slovakia's capital city, Bratislava and has a long-standing commitment to excellence. It has produced many notable alumni, and the tuition fee for their dentistry course in English is €11900 per year.

These are just a few excellent examples out of the hundreds of fantastic higher education establishments on the continent. If you would like to find out which university is the best for you, Medlink Students specialises in guiding students toward choosing the right place to study according to their individual needs. Sign up for a free consultation, and our expert advisors will help you get accepted to the university of your dreams and kickstart your successful career as a dentist.

Conclusion

Pursuing a dental degree can be an excellent choice for students interested in a fulfilling, engaging, and challenging profession. Becoming a successful dentist takes significant time and dedication, but for many, the effort is well worth the reward. If you want to improve people's lives every day and have a well-respected, high-paying profession with reliable job security, then dentistry is the right choice for you.

Contact us using the form below, and our expert advisors will tell you how you can secure your position at a high-ranking dental school with a proven track record of producing outstanding healthcare professionals.