Most undergrad dentistry programs are intended to prompt proficient school, understudies in these courses are regularly disheartened from studying internationally by thorough course stacks and the strain to differentiate their resume through different entry-level positions. Notwithstanding, it isn’t just conceivable to think about abroad amid a dentistry degree program, yet it tends to be very valuable expertly too. A wide assortment of abroad degrees is accessible everywhere throughout the world to build up the vital aptitudes and lift the resumes of future dental practitioners.

In many nations, dentistry studies are fundamentally the same as considering medication and require numerous long periods of planning and preparing. You can apply for a dentistry degree in schools, colleges, or in the U.S. in dental schools – which speak to an alternate workforce inside a college.

When it comes to pursuing a career in dentistry, choosing the right institution for your education is crucial. Dentistry schools vary in terms of quality, facilities, and faculty expertise. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the top 10 dentistry colleges and universities in the world, based on the QS World University Rankings by Subject. This ranking aims to serve as a valuable resource for prospective dental students worldwide.

Top 10 Dental Schools in the World

  1. Karolinska Institute, Sweden
  2. University of Hong Kong (HKU), Hong Kong
  3. University of Gothenburg, Sweden
  4. University of Michigan, United States
  5. KU Leuven, Belgium
  6. Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Japan
  7. King’s College London (KCL), United Kingdom
  8. University of Otago, New Zealand
  9. Harvard University, United States
  10. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, United States

Now, let’s take a closer look at these top dental schools in different regions.

Top Dental Schools in the US & Canada

The United States boasts 15 entries among the top 50 dental schools globally, with the University of Michigan leading the way. Harvard and the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, also make the top 10. Other notable American institutions include UCLA, NYU, UCSF, Columbia University, and Boston University.

In Canada, the University of British Columbia and the University of Toronto feature among the top 50 dental schools.

Top Dental Schools in Europe

Sweden stands out with two institutions in the top 10, including the top-ranked Karolinska Institute and the University of Gothenburg. The United Kingdom has the most ranked schools in Europe, with five institutions, including King’s College London and University College London.

Denmark, Finland, and Switzerland each offer two top dentistry schools. Notable European countries with one entrant among the top 50 dental schools include Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain.

Top Dental Schools in Latin America

While Latin America is less represented in this ranking, Brazil stands out with three entries among the world’s top 50 dental schools. These include the Universidade de São Paulo, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, and Universidade Estadual Paulista “Julio de Mesquita Filho.”

Brazil is an important destination for international students to study dentistry for several compelling reasons:

  1. Academic Excellence: Brazilian dental schools have a strong reputation for academic excellence. They offer high-quality education with a curriculum that is often comparable to that of many well-known dental schools around the world.
  2. Global Recognition: Degrees earned in Brazilian dental schools are widely recognized internationally. Graduates can often practice dentistry in their home countries or seek employment in various parts of the world, making it a valuable investment in their future careers.
  3. Clinical Experience: Dental schools in Brazil typically provide students with extensive clinical training. This hands-on experience is crucial for developing practical skills, treating patients, and gaining confidence in performing dental procedures.
  4. Research Opportunities: Brazil has a vibrant dental research community, and many dental schools actively engage in cutting-edge research projects. International students may have the opportunity to participate in research initiatives, contributing to advancements in the field.
  5. Diverse Patient Populations: Brazil’s diverse population offers a unique advantage for dental students. They can gain exposure to a wide range of oral health conditions and learn to provide dental care to patients from various cultural backgrounds.
  6. Cultural Experience: Studying dentistry in Brazil provides international students with a chance to immerse themselves in the rich Brazilian culture. They can explore the country’s vibrant cities, stunning landscapes, and diverse traditions while pursuing their education.
  7. Affordability: Compared to many Western countries, the cost of education in Brazil is relatively affordable. Tuition fees and living expenses in Brazil are often lower, making it an attractive option for international students seeking quality education without the burden of excessive debt.
  8. Language: While Portuguese is the primary language of instruction in Brazilian dental schools, many institutions offer programs in English or provide language support for international students. This allows non-Portuguese-speaking students to pursue dental education in Brazil.
  9. Networking Opportunities: Studying dentistry in Brazil can provide international students with valuable networking opportunities. They can connect with peers, professors, and dental professionals from Brazil and other countries, building a global professional network.
  10. Global Perspective: Studying dentistry in Brazil offers an international perspective on oral healthcare. Students can learn about different approaches to dental practice, gain insights into global dental challenges, and contribute to addressing oral health disparities.

Brazil’s dental schools offer international students a combination of academic excellence, practical experience, global recognition, and cultural enrichment. The opportunity to study dentistry in Brazil can be an enriching and cost-effective educational experience that prepares students for successful careers in dentistry, whether they choose to practice in Brazil or internationally.

Top Dental Schools in Asia

Hong Kong is represented by the University of Hong Kong, which ranks second in the world for dentistry. China, Singapore, and Taiwan each have one top dental school. Japan features Tokyo Medical and Dental University and Osaka University.

South Korea also offers two leading dentistry schools, including Seoul National University and Yonsei University.

Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea are popular destinations for international students in the field of dentistry for several reasons:

  1. High-Quality Education: Universities in these Asian countries offer high-quality dental education, often on par with renowned dental schools in Western countries. They are known for their rigorous academic standards, modern facilities, and well-trained faculty members.
  2. Cutting-Edge Technology: Many Asian dental schools invest in state-of-the-art dental equipment and technology, ensuring that students receive up-to-date training in dental procedures, diagnostics, and research.
  3. Cultural Diversity: These countries are culturally diverse and often host a significant number of international students. This multicultural environment can be enriching and provides opportunities for cross-cultural interactions and learning.
  4. English-Taught Programs: Many dental programs in these countries are offered in English, making them accessible to international students who may not be fluent in the local languages. This eases the transition for students from non-English-speaking countries.
  5. Global Recognition: Dental degrees from universities in these countries are globally recognized, allowing graduates to practice dentistry in their home countries or seek employment internationally.
  6. Research Opportunities: These countries actively engage in dental research, offering international students the chance to participate in research projects and gain valuable research experience.
Popular Courses in Dentistry for Top Dental Schools in Asia:
  1. Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS): This undergraduate program is the primary pathway to becoming a dentist. It covers essential topics in oral health, diagnosis, treatment, and patient care. BDS programs typically include clinical training.
  2. Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD): Similar to BDS, the DMD is an undergraduate program that prepares students for a career in dentistry. It includes both classroom-based learning and clinical training.
  3. Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD): This postgraduate program allows dentists to specialize in various fields, such as orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontology, and more. It involves advanced coursework and clinical practice.
  4. Master of Public Health (MPH) in Dentistry: This program combines dental knowledge with public health principles. Students learn to address oral health disparities, design preventive programs, and work in public health settings.
  5. Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: This specialty focuses on surgical procedures related to the mouth, jaws, and facial structures. It involves advanced training in surgical techniques.
  6. Orthodontics: Orthodontic programs train dentists to diagnose and treat misaligned teeth and jaws, often through the use of braces or other orthodontic devices.
  7. Periodontology: Periodontics deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum diseases and other conditions affecting the supporting structures of the teeth.
  8. Endodontics: Endodontists specialize in treating issues related to the dental pulp and root canals. They perform procedures like root canal therapy.
  9. Prosthodontics: Prosthodontic programs focus on the restoration and replacement of damaged or missing teeth. Prosthodontists often work with dental prosthetics like crowns, bridges, and dentures.
  10. Pediatric Dentistry: Pediatric dentistry programs prepare dentists to work with children and adolescents, addressing their unique oral health needs.

These popular courses in dentistry cater to a wide range of interests and career goals, allowing students to specialize in their preferred area of dentistry and provide specialized care to patients. Whether aspiring to become general dentists or specialists in a specific field, international students can find comprehensive dental education programs in these Asian countries.

Top Dental Schools in Australia & New Zealand

Australia has three universities ranked among the world’s top 50 dental schools: the University of Melbourne, the University of Adelaide, and the University of Sydney.

New Zealand is represented by the University of Otago, which is ranked eighth in the world for dentistry.

Australia and New Zealand are attractive destinations for international students looking to study dentistry for several reasons:

  1. High-Quality Education: Universities in Australia and New Zealand are known for providing high-quality education, and their dental programs are no exception. These countries have rigorous accreditation processes to ensure that their dental schools meet international standards, making them reliable options for students seeking a quality education.
  2. English Language Proficiency: English is the primary language of instruction in both Australia and New Zealand. International students who want to improve their English language skills while studying dentistry can benefit from immersion in an English-speaking environment.
  3. Globally Recognized Degrees: Dental degrees obtained in Australia and New Zealand are globally recognized. Graduates can often practice dentistry in their home countries or seek employment worldwide. This recognition enhances the career prospects of international students.
  4. Cultural Diversity: Both countries are known for their cultural diversity, and their universities typically have a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for international students. This multicultural environment can enrich the educational experience and help students adapt to a new culture.
  5. Research Opportunities: Australian and New Zealand universities are actively involved in dental research, offering international students opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research projects and gain valuable experience in the field.

As for “population dentistry courses,” this term refers to courses that focus on understanding and addressing the oral health needs of specific populations or communities. These courses go beyond traditional clinical dentistry and explore the broader aspects of public health dentistry. Here are some key features of population dentistry courses:

  1. Community Oral Health: Population dentistry courses often emphasize the oral health of communities and populations rather than individual patients. Students learn how to assess the oral health needs of a specific group and design interventions to improve oral health outcomes.
  2. Preventive Dentistry: Preventive dentistry plays a central role in population dentistry. Students are trained to develop and implement preventive programs and strategies that can reduce the incidence of dental diseases within a community.
  3. Public Health Perspectives: Population dentistry courses incorporate principles from public health, epidemiology, and health promotion. Students learn how to analyze oral health data, plan community-based oral health programs, and advocate for policy changes to improve oral health on a broader scale.
  4. Cultural Competence: Given the diverse populations in Australia and New Zealand, these courses often include components on cultural competence and working effectively with diverse communities.
  5. Interdisciplinary Approach: Population dentistry often involves collaboration with professionals from other healthcare fields, such as public health professionals, social workers, and community organizers. Students learn how to work in interdisciplinary teams to address complex oral health issues.

Overall, population dentistry courses prepare students to make a positive impact on the oral health of entire communities and populations, aligning with the broader goals of improving public health. This specialization is particularly relevant in countries like Australia and New Zealand, where oral health disparities and the needs of diverse populations are important considerations in healthcare delivery.

Some other popular universities for Dentistry around the world to consider a degree in dentistry are:

1. Karolinska Institute, University of Gothenburg, Malmo University:

The Karolinska Institute is a therapeutic college in Solna inside the Stockholm urban region of Sweden. It is perceived as Sweden’s best college and one of the biggest, loftiest restorative colleges on the planet. The Nobel Assembly at the Karolinska Institute grants the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The get together comprises of fifty educators from different therapeutic controls at the college. The present minister of Karolinska Institute is Ole Petter Ottersen, who took office in August 2017.

The Karolinska Institute was established in 1810 on the island of Kungsholmen on the west side of Stockholm; the principle grounds were moved decades later to Solna, simply outside Stockholm. A second campus was built up more as of late in Flemingsburg, Huddinge, south of Stockholm. The Karolinska Institute is reliably positioned among the best medicinal colleges globally in various positioning tables.

2. University of Copenhagen:

The University of Copenhagen is the most seasoned college and research organization in Denmark. Established in 1479 as a studium generale, it is the second most established foundation for advanced education in Scandinavia after Uppsala University. The college has 23,473 college understudies, 17,398 postgraduate understudies, 2,968 doctoral understudies, and more than 9,000 workers. The college has four grounds situated in and around Copenhagen, with the base camp situated in focal Copenhagen. Most courses are educated in Danish; be that as it may, numerous courses are additionally offered in English and a couple in German. The college has a few a huge number of outside understudies, about a portion of whom originate from Nordic nations.

3. University of Zurich:

The University of Zurich, situated in the city of Zürich, is the biggest college in Switzerland, with more than 25,000 students. It was established in 1833 from the current universities of religious philosophy, law, prescription and another workforce of rationality.

As of now, the college has seven resources: Philosophy, Human Medicine, Economic Sciences, Law, Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Theology and Veterinary Medicine. The college offers the most stretched out scope of subjects and courses of any Swiss advanced education foundation. As of 2018, 23 Nobel laureates and 1 Turing Award champ have been partnered with the University of Zurich as a graduated class, workforce or analysts.

4. University College London:

UCL is an open research college situated in London, United Kingdom. It is a constituent school of the government University of London and is the third biggest college in the United Kingdom by complete enrolment, and the biggest by postgraduate enrolment.

UCL has its primary grounds in the Bloomsbury zone of focal London, with various establishments and showing doctor’s facilities somewhere else in focal London and satellite grounds in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, east London and in Doha, Qatar. UCL is sorted out into 11 constituent resources, inside which there are more than 100 offices, organizations and research focus. UCL works a few socially noteworthy exhibition halls and oversees accumulations in a wide scope of fields, including the Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archeology and the Grant Museum of Zoology and Comparative Anatomy, and controls the yearly Orwell Prize in political composition. In 2017/18, UCL had around 41,500 understudies and 15,100 staff and had an all-out gathering salary of £1.45 billion, of which £476.3 million was from research allows and contracts.

5. Newcastle University:

Newcastle University is an open research college in Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England. The college can follow its roots to a School of Medicine and Surgery, built up in 1834, and to the College of Physical Science, established in 1871. These two schools came to frame one division of the government University of Durham, with the Durham Colleges shaping the other. The Newcastle universities converged to frame King’s College in 1937. In 1963, after an Act of Parliament, King’s College turned into the University of Newcastle.

Newcastle University is a red block college and is an individual from the Russell Group, a relationship of renowned research-escalated UK colleges.

6. University of Michigan:

The University of Michigan, frequently essentially alluded to as Michigan, is an open research college in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The college is Michigan’s most seasoned; it was established in 1817 in Detroit, as the Catholepistemiad, or the University of Michigania, 20 years before the domain turned into a state. The school was moved to Ann Arbor in 1837 onto 40 sections of land of what is presently known as Central Campus. Since its foundation in Ann Arbor, the college grounds has extended to incorporate in excess of 584 noteworthy structures with a joined territory of in excess of 34 million gross square feet spread out over a Central Campus and North Campus, two territorial grounds in Flint and Dearborn, and a Center in Detroit. The college is an establishing individual from the Association of American Universities.

7. The University of Hong Kong:

The University of Hong Kong is an open research college in Hong Kong. Established in 1911, its causes follow back to the Hong Kong College of Medicine for Chinese, which was established in 1887. It is the most seasoned tertiary foundation in Hong Kong.

Starting at 2019, HKU positions second in Asia by QS and forth by THE, and around best 30 globally. It has been usually viewed as a standout amongst the most internationalized colleges on the planet just as a standout amongst the most renowned colleges in Asia. Today, HKU has ten scholarly resources with English as the primary dialect of guidance. HKU additionally positions vary in the sciences, dentistry, biomedicine, training, humanities, law, financial aspects, business organization, etymology, political theory, and the sociologies.

The University of Hong Kong was additionally the primary group on the planet to effectively seclude the coronavirus, the causative operator of SARS.

8. Tokyo Medical and Dental University:

Tokyo Medical and Dental University is a piece of Japan’s national college framework. Tokyo Medical and Dental University offers advanced educations in medication, dentistry, and related fields.

Tokyo Medical and Dental University has more than 200 global understudies, fundamentally from Asian nations. The college has college trade and alliance concurrences with colleges from more than 25 different nations. Since 2002 the college has had a concurrence with Partners Harvard Medical International including improvement of TMDU’s instruction programs. A trading program between the Faculty of Medicine and Imperial College London was propelled in 2004. The workforce of dentistry has concurrences with a few schools in the US, UK, Australia, and Canada.

9. Peking University:

Peking University is a noteworthy research college in Beijing, China, and an individual from the first class C9 League of Chinese colleges. The primary present-day national college built up in China, it was established amid the late Qing Dynasty in 1898 as the Imperial University of Peking and was the successor of the Guozijian or Imperial College. The college’s English name holds the more seasoned transliteration of “Beijing” that has been supplanted in most different settings.

Peking University’s personnel incorporates 76 individuals from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, 19 individuals from the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and 25 individuals from the World Academy of Sciences. Peking University Library is one of the biggest libraries on the planet with more than 8 million volumes. The college likewise works the PKU Hall, an expert performing expressions focuses, and the Arthur M. Sackler Museum of Arts and Archeology. Peking University’s partnered Founder Corporation is the biggest college associated organization in China, with all-out resources esteemed at 239.3 billion renminbi starting in 2016. Peking University is particularly prestigious for its grounds and the magnificence of its customary Chinese design

10. Seoul National University:

Seoul National University is a national research college situated in Seoul, South Korea. Established in 1946, Seoul National University is viewed as the most esteemed college in the nation. The college has three grounds: the fundamental grounds in Gwanak and two extra grounds in Daehangno and Pyeongchang. The college involves sixteen universities, one master’s level college and nine expert schools. The understudy body comprises almost 17,000 undergrads and 11,000 alumni understudies. As per information aggregated by KEDI, the college spends more on its understudies per capita than some other college in the nation that enlists somewhere around 10,000 understudies.

Seoul National University holds a reminder of comprehension with more than 700 scholastic organizations in 40 nations, the World Bank and a general scholarly trade program with the University of Pennsylvania. The Graduate School of Business offers double graduate degrees with Duke University, ESSEC Business School and Peking University, twofold degrees with the MIT Sloan School of Management and Yale School of Management and MBA-, MS-and PhD-applicant trade programs with colleges in ten nations on four mainlands. Following an administration command to globalize Korean colleges, the college’s worldwide personnel head check crested at 242 or 4% of the aggregate in 2010, yet along these lines declined.

Choosing the right dental school is a critical step towards a successful career in dentistry. The institutions mentioned in this list are renowned for their excellence in dental education and research. Whether you aspire to study in Europe, North America, Asia, or the South Pacific, these top dental schools offer world-class programs that can help you achieve your goals in the field of dentistry. Be sure to explore each school’s unique offerings and consider which one aligns best with your aspirations and career objectives.

TOP 50 Key Takeaways on Applying for Dentistry and Medicine Overseas, Particularly in the UK

  1. Research and shortlist universities for your application, considering various factors like clinical test requirements, GCSE grades, A-level/poly/IB subject and grade requirements, shortlisting criteria for interviews, and more.

  2. Check the number of places offered to international students per year at each university.

  3. Consider the course ranking, such as the Guardian University guide.

  4. Ensure the university is on the approved list of med/dent schools in your home country if you plan to return.

  5. Evaluate the surrounding environment, including city life, safety, and cost of living.

  6. Calculate the course cost for each university.

  7. Keep an eye out for annual university handbooks or reliable sources of information on overseas universities.

  8. If applying to Ireland, use resources like IUMC for information on med/dent schools.

  9. Know the types of clinical tests required, like UCAT and BMAT, and choose the appropriate one based on your destination country.

  10. Register for the UCAT or UCAT ANZ exam, and choose a suitable test date and center.

  11. Plan to take the UCAT at least two months before your final exams.

  12. Consider the test center environment when choosing a location for the UCAT.

  13. Subscribe to an online assessment preparation course like Medify or Medentry for UCAT practice.

  14. Be aware that Singapore LKC school of medicine now requires applicants to take the UCAT.

  15. Understand the requirements for the BMAT exam if needed for certain institutions.

  16. Register for the BMAT exam and choose a test cycle that aligns with your application plans.

  17. Utilize the Cambridge assessment board’s question bank for BMAT preparation.

  18. Be aware that BMAT results are typically released in November/December.

  19. Learn about the UCAS application process for UK universities.

  20. Know the UCAS deadline for med/dent courses, which is earlier than other courses.

  21. Inform your teachers early about your UK med/dent application to ensure sufficient time for testimonials.

  22. For Ireland applications, contact IUMC Singapore for information brochures and apply accordingly.

  23. Recognize that Ireland applications may not have a fixed start date or deadline, but interviews usually happen in May.

  24. For Trinity College Dublin dentistry applicants, be prepared for A level H2 Math and H2 A level Physics requirements.

  25. Research the application process for med/dent courses in Hong Kong, such as at the University of Hong Kong.

  26. Note the application deadlines for Hong Kong universities, which come after UK UCAS applications.

  27. Understand that some universities may have higher grade requirements than stated on their websites due to competition.

  28. Be prepared to take a compulsory Chinese course during med/dent studies at the University of Hong Kong.

  29. Research application processes for Australia and New Zealand, which vary by university.

  30. For University of Otago Dentistry in New Zealand, expect to take a Health Sciences foundational 1-year course before applying to their BDS program.

  31. Highlight academic or casual readings related to med/dent in your personal statement.

  32. Gain internship experiences in clinics and hospitals to enhance your personal statement.

  33. Showcase your insights and drive to study med/dent in your personal statement.

  34. Personalize your personal statement to reflect your unique qualities and experiences.

  35. Prepare for interviews, which may include MMIs, by reviewing ethical and moral dilemmas and practicing standard interview questions.

  36. Review the General Dental Council guidelines for dental practice (for dent) or Good Medical Practice (for med).

  37. Consider using application agents such as Crimson Education, TheRightU, IDP, or Jackstudyabroad for guidance during the application process.

  38. Know that application services provided by agents are typically free.

  39. Understand that from January 1, 2029, foreign dental graduates in Singapore will need to take a qualifying test before practicing as dentists.

  40. Be aware that BMAT will be discontinued from the 2024 application cycle.

  41. Recognize that the number of places allocated for overseas applicants varies by university and country, typically around 7%.

  42. Understand that international applicants may need higher grades than the minimum requirements due to competition.

  43. Consider applying for postgraduate medicine courses overseas if you have a related undergraduate degree.

  44. Research options in the US for MD programs and the MCAT exam.

  45. Explore postgraduate medicine options in the UK for mature applicants with the required grades.

  46. Check the grade requirements for specific universities and courses when applying as a postgraduate student.

  47. Be aware that London med schools tend to be more competitive.

  48. Remember that IB grade requirements may not impact your application ranking until after the interview stage.

  49. Keep in mind that successful applicants often score at or above the minimum IB grade requirements.

  50. Understand that overseas universities typically have limited spots for international students, so competition can be fierce.