Studying Dentistry Overseas.
Over the last decade studying abroad has become a popular option. Use this page to understand what factors are important when deciding whether to apply abroad and what you should consider if you go ahead.
Factors that have increased overseas applications.
There are many factors why studying abroad has increased in recent times. Some of these reasons may include:
Increase in the UK university tuition fees to £9000/year and high UK living costs
Unsuccessful in gaining a Dentistry offer in the UK
Not having gained a good score in the UCAT or other aptitude tests
Not having the GCSE grade requirements or A-level subjects
Keeping a ‘back-up’ option if they were unsuccessful in gaining entry to a UK university (hence applying in the UK and also abroad during the final year of A-levels).
Factors to consider when considering studying abroad
Studying abroad is a huge decision and it should not be taken lightly.
Since there is no central body such as UCAS governing the application process, you are left on your own to find out information about the universities, application process, application deadlines and the differences in the courses available. Here are a few questions you should consider when starting out thinking of applying abroad:
Should I go through an agency/representative or directly to the university?
You will come across many representatives or agencies that work with universities abroad who will help you go through the application process, however, they often have a charge on top of the application fee. Sometimes going through an agency will help make the process easier (as each university has their own application process) and you may be able to have an interview organised in the UK
An agency can also put you in touch with students they have helped in the past from the UK so that you can get first-hand experience of what studying in that university is like.
What factors should I consider when looking to study abroad?
GDC Recognition
Look at how you can obtain General Dental Council (GDC) registration in the UK upon graduating, is the course recognised? Look at the GDC website for more information https://www.gdc-uk.org/contact-us
Please note: EU rules and regulations are fast changing due to Brexit. DO NOT START A COURSE IF IT IS NOT RECOGNISED BY THE GDC ALREADY, you will not be allowed to work in the UK and most probably many other countries.
Cost
First decide by looking at the cost of the annual tuition fee and estimated living costs in that country. For dentistry there may be additional costs in Year 3-5 for clinical materials. Note that these are private courses and no government funding will be available.
Language
When you chose a country of study, most likely you will have to learn the language to a basic level to speak to patients, all universities will help you with this by giving you language classes alongside the dental course. All the international students will be in the same boat as you.
Visa requirements
Some countries may require you to have a student visa (new rules due to Brexit). Find up to date information on each countries government website.
Course structure
Most courses abroad are 5 years in length. The first two years are pre-clinical years where you learn basic sciences and also the language. Third to fifth year are clinical years where you will see and treat local patients.
Application deadlines
When is the deadline to apply? You can find this on the individual university or agency website. If you are applying during the final year of A-levels then you may not want to take a gap year. Look carefully at application deadlines and interview dates.
Dental school entrance exam/ Interview
Each international university will have their own entry requirements and interviews (as every country does not follow the UK system of doing GCSE’s and A-levels). Look carefully at what academic requirements they need. There may also be a written paper as well as an oral exam.
The best way to prepare for a specific University entrance exam is to speak to existing students (use agencies or social media platforms such as facebook groups or instagram to reach out to students).
How do I choose an overseas dental school?
Top tip: Speak to current students at the university
Current and former students are the only ones who will give you an unbiased perspective of student life, examinations and life in that city. You may want to ask the following questions to students from different years on the course. Not every first year student will be able to answer these questions.
It is wise to get multiple opinions from current and former students from the same university. Each student may have had a very different experience and seeking their views is wise, this will help you to form your own opinions.
Some of the questions you may want to ask:
Entrance exam
What did you do to prepare for the exam?
Did you go through an agency or representative?
Were there any hidden costs?
What year did you do the exam? (Has the process changed?)
What was asked in the exam?
Was doing A-levels sufficient?
What evidence/certificates did I have to bring to the interview?
Did you take a gap year before applying?
Dental school
What facilities are there at the dental school? How modern are the facilities?
What is the course structure?
What is their teaching style?
Do you feel confident treating patients?
What is the examination process?
How many students start the course each year?
How many students fail each year? (some universities are notorious for accepting lots more students than they can accommodate for in clinical years)
Is the exam system fair?
If students fail, what is the process for repeating?
How many students graduate each year from the course? (If the starting number is very different to the finishing number, find out why?)
Have students graduated and got jobs in the UK? Can you put me in touch with any?
What is the process of graduating and getting a job in the UK? (ask final year students this)
Did graduates have to do another exam to go back to the UK?
How established is the course? What year did they start taking on international students?
When did the university course get GDC recognised?
Social /other
What is the university social life like?
Which country are most other students from?
What are the range of restaurants/ bars/clubs available?
Can my dietary/ religious requirements be met in this country?
How much does it cost to rent a modern flat/house close to the university?
What is transport like? Is the university close to an airport?
What sports facilities are available?
Is the language hard to learn?
Are there many UK students there?
Do you have university societies?