Pulling in the oral cavity, throbbing pain when chewing – toothache can be really nasty. Fortunately, no one has to be afraid of the dentist anymore. Because the Middle Ages are long gone: At that time, so-called “tooth breakers” tore broken teeth out of their mouths with rough pliers. Today, only state-approved dentists are allowed to perform dental treatments. The first step to this approval is to study dentistry. See best business schools in Idaho.
The subject of dentistry
Preclinical study phase
In the first semesters of the so-called pre-clinic, the scientific and medical basics that are necessary for further studies are taught. The curriculum includes:
physics
chemistry
anatomy
physiology
Many of these subjects visit the “Zahnis” together with the human physicians. After the second or third semester, the pre-physics or first state examination takes place, with exams in the areas of biology, chemistry and physics. See Jibin123 for graduate schools in Idaho.
The students also learn the basics of dental technology. They manufacture crowns and prostheses and practice on models how to drill, take impressions and use prostheses. The second state examination takes place at the end of the pre-clinic. In this preliminary dental examination (formerly known as Physikum), the students have to prepare dental work under strict time constraints and the theoretical knowledge is also checked.
Clinical study phase
The second stage of study is also called “clinic”. After the last exercises on the plastic model, students are now treating real patients in the university’s own dental clinic – naturally under the guidance of an assistant doctor. In addition, the students expand their knowledge in the areas of orthodontics, X-rays, hygiene and internal medicine. You will learn, for example, how to put anesthetic syringes and how to clean your teeth professionally.
In addition to the work in the dental clinic, there is also an internship in the operating theater where the students assist with operations. At the end of the course there is the dental examination or the state examination. This extends over a period of five months in which the learned practical and theoretical knowledge is checked.
Possible specialization through a master’s degree
Those who want to specialize in a specific area of dentistry after the state examination can add a master’s degree. Master programs offered include dental prosthetics or oral implantology. Some of the courses are designed to be part-time, so that graduates can start their careers despite continuing their studies.
Requirements for a degree in dentistry
One of the biggest hurdles on the way to the dentist is getting a study place in the first place. All applicants must apply to the Foundation for University Admission, formerly ZVS. The study places are then allocated as follows:
20 percent of the study places are allocated according to high school grades. The average has been between 1.1 and 1.5 in recent years.
Another 20 percent of the places are allocated after waiting. This can last up to 11 semesters.
The universities can allocate the rest of the places themselves. Here, too, the grade point average on the Abitur certificate decides on admission. Some universities carry out additional tests and selection interviews.
In any case, applicants should bring good grades on the Abitur certificate. Good knowledge of biology, physics and chemistry is particularly helpful for the course. Subsequent treatment of patients also requires manual skills and empathy.
Study abroad dentistry
For applicants who were unable to get a place in Germany, studying abroad can be a worthwhile alternative. On the one hand, annoying and long waiting times can be avoided, on the other hand, students have the opportunity to get to know another country up close during their studies. Since the study language is partly English, they also perfect their English skills.
What career opportunities are there for dentists?
Most students apply for the license after the state examination. This allows graduates to work as a dentist. Initially, only jobs in other dental practices and dental clinics are possible. After two years of preparation by the health insurance company, the graduates then have the opportunity to set up their own practice.
In addition to practical work as a dentist, a scientific career is also an option, for example in the research departments of the universities. It is also possible to work as an expert for health insurance companies and authorities.
