Universities for Dentistry: Top Universities and Places to Study Dentistry

Published on 7-Sep-2026

Choosing among the many universities for dentistry can be challenging, especially for international students who are comparing countries, degree structures, admission requirements, tuition costs, and future career opportunities. Dentistry is a highly specialized field, and the right university is not simply the one with the highest ranking. Students should also consider the type of dental degree offered, clinical training, language of instruction, admission pathway, accreditation, and the requirements for practicing dentistry after graduation.

There are dentistry programs in many destinations around the world, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Jordan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Cyprus, Germany, and New Zealand. Each country follows a different education and professional licensing system, so understanding these differences is an important part of choosing where to study.

This guide explores universities and destinations for dentistry and explains what international students should consider before selecting a dental school.

What Should You Look for in Universities for Dentistry?

When comparing universities for dentistry, students should look beyond the university name. Dentistry combines scientific education with practical and clinical training, which means the structure of the program can have a major impact on the student experience.

Some of the most important factors to compare include:

Degree type: Check whether the university offers a BDS, DDS, DMD, or another recognized dental qualification.
Program duration: Dentistry programs may take several years depending on the country and degree structure.
Clinical training: Look for programs that provide substantial practical and patient-based training.
Admission requirements: Check academic qualifications, required subjects, entrance examinations, interviews, and language requirements.
Tuition fees: International tuition can vary considerably between countries and universities.
Language of instruction: Some programs are taught in English, while others may require proficiency in the local language.
Recognition and licensing: Make sure the qualification can support your intended career path in the country where you plan to practice.
Location and living costs: Tuition is only one part of the total cost of studying dentistry abroad.

Destinations for Studying Dentistry

United States
United Kingdom
Australia
Canada
Turkey
Saudi Arabia
Jordan
Germany
New Zealand
Ireland
Cyprus
Poland

Universities for Dentistry in the United Kingdom

The United Kingdom is a popular destination for students looking for established dental schools and structured clinical education. Dentistry programs in the UK commonly lead to a BDS or equivalent primary dental qualification, and programs generally combine biomedical sciences, dental sciences, laboratory work, simulation, and clinical practice.

Universities associated with dentistry in the UK include:

For international students, the UK can be attractive because of its established higher education system and the international recognition of many of its universities. However, admission to dentistry is usually competitive, and students should check each university's specific academic and application requirements rather than assuming that general university admission rules apply to dental programs.

Universities for Dentistry in the United States

The United States has a well-developed dental education system, but it is structured differently from many countries where students can enter a dental degree directly after secondary school.

In the traditional US pathway, students normally complete undergraduate-level education and prerequisite science courses before entering a professional dental program. Dental schools may also use admission tests and other selection criteria.

Universities appearing among dentistry-related options include:

International students need to pay particular attention to the type of program they are viewing. A university may have dental research, pre-dental preparation, a professional dental school, or a pathway designed for students who already hold a dental qualification.

This distinction is especially important when searching for universities for dentistry, because not every result associated with dentistry represents a direct-entry undergraduate dental degree.

Universities for Dentistry in Canada

Canada is another destination with a strong healthcare and university education system. However, admission to professional dental programs can follow a different pathway from direct-entry dentistry programs available in some other countries.

Universities appearing in dentistry-related searches include:

Students considering Canada should carefully check whether the program is a professional dentistry degree, a pre-dentistry pathway, or another dental-related academic program. Admission requirements can also differ significantly between universities.

For international students, it is particularly important to review prerequisites, undergraduate study requirements, language requirements, and eligibility for professional dental programs before applying.

Universities for Dentistry in Australia

Australia is an attractive option for students interested in healthcare and dentistry. Dental education can include undergraduate and graduate-entry pathways, depending on the institution.

When comparing Australian universities, students should check whether the available dental program accepts students directly after secondary school or requires previous university study.

Important factors to compare include the academic prerequisites, English-language requirements, admission testing where applicable, clinical training, tuition fees, and professional recognition of the qualification.

Students should also consider the overall cost of living because major Australian cities can have significantly different accommodation and living expenses.

Universities for Dentistry in Ireland

Ireland offers internationally oriented university education and is another destination worth considering for students searching for dentistry programs.

University College Cork is one of the institutions associated with dentistry in Ireland. Students interested in studying there should review the current program structure and international admission requirements directly before applying.

Ireland can be particularly interesting for students who want to study in an English-speaking European country while remaining within a well-established higher education environment.

Universities for Dentistry in Jordan

Jordan is an important option for Arab and international students looking for dentistry programs in the region. The country has universities offering dental education, and studying in Jordan can provide a combination of regional accessibility and university-based clinical training.

Universities appearing in dentistry-related options include:

The University of Jordan offers a Doctor of Dental Surgery program through its Faculty of Dentistry. International students considering Jordan should check the current admission system, secondary-school requirements, certificate equivalency rules, and university-specific conditions before applying.

Private universities can have their own admission procedures and may offer additional flexibility for international applicants, but requirements can still vary by university and academic year.

Jordan can be particularly relevant for students from Arab countries because of its geographical location, regional environment, and availability of Arabic-speaking communities. However, students should evaluate the program itself, clinical facilities, tuition, and future licensing requirements rather than choosing a university based only on location.

Universities for Dentistry in Turkey

Turkey has become a popular study destination for international students, including students interested in health sciences and dentistry. Universities may offer dental education in Turkish, English, or through different language pathways depending on the institution.

Examples of universities appearing in dentistry-related searches include:

Istanbul Aydın University
Istanbul Okan University
Atatürk University

Students considering Turkey should check the language of the dentistry program carefully. An English-taught program may still require students to complete specific language preparation or meet university language requirements.

Tuition fees, admission requirements, entrance examinations, and recognition can also differ between public and private universities.

Universities for Dentistry in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia offers dentistry education through universities and medical institutions across the country. Students considering dentistry in Saudi Arabia should compare the admission requirements, program structure, clinical training, tuition, and eligibility rules for international students.

Examples of institutions associated with dentistry include Dar Al Uloom University and other universities with established dental faculties.

Because admission rules can differ for Saudi and non-Saudi students, international applicants should always check the requirements applicable to their nationality and educational certificate.

Universities for Dentistry in Cyprus

Cyprus is another destination that may appear in searches for international dentistry programs. Near East University is one institution associated with dentistry and is located in Northern Cyprus.

Students considering Cyprus should pay particular attention to the exact campus, degree, language of instruction, accreditation, and professional recognition of the program. These details are important for anyone planning to return to their home country and practice dentistry after graduation.

Universities for Dentistry in Europe

Europe provides a wide range of options for students interested in dentistry. Programs can differ considerably in terms of language, duration, tuition fees, admission procedures, and professional licensing.

Students may consider destinations such as Germany, Ireland, Cyprus, Poland, and Turkey, depending on their academic qualifications and preferred language of study.

Some European dentistry programs are designed as direct-entry degrees after secondary education, while others follow different national education systems. Therefore, comparing only university rankings is not enough.

Before applying to a European dental school, students should confirm:

Whether the program accepts international students.
Whether the program is taught in English or another language.
Whether a foundation or preparatory year is required.
Which secondary-school subjects are required.
Whether an entrance examination is required.
How the dental qualification is recognized.
What professional registration is required after graduation.

BDS, DDS and DMD: What Is the Difference?

One of the most confusing parts of comparing universities for dentistry is the variety of degree names.

BDS stands for Bachelor of Dental Surgery and is widely used in countries such as the UK and other education systems influenced by the British model.

DDS stands for Doctor of Dental Surgery. Despite the different title, it is a professional dental qualification rather than simply a research doctorate.

DMD stands for Doctor of Dental Medicine. In many cases, DDS and DMD programs represent equivalent professional-level dental education, although the structure and admission pathway depend on the country and institution.

The name of the degree alone should therefore not determine which university a student chooses. Recognition, accreditation, curriculum, clinical training, and eligibility for professional registration are more important factors.

How Long Does It Take to Study Dentistry?

The length of a dentistry degree varies by country and university. Some programs are designed as direct-entry degrees following secondary school, while others require students to complete previous university education before entering professional dental school.

Students should therefore avoid assuming that every DDS, DMD, or BDS takes the same amount of time.

When comparing universities, look at the complete pathway from the beginning of university study to professional qualification. This is especially important in countries where dentistry is a graduate-entry profession.

What Are the Admission Requirements for Dentistry?

Admission requirements vary widely between universities and countries. However, most dentistry programs expect strong academic preparation in science-related subjects.

Common requirements may include:

A recognized secondary-school certificate or equivalent.
Strong grades in relevant science subjects.
Biology and chemistry, and sometimes physics or mathematics.
Proof of English proficiency for English-taught programs.
Entrance examinations where required.
Interviews or other selection procedures.
Academic transcripts and supporting documents.
Certificate equivalency for certain international qualifications.

These requirements should always be checked against the specific university and intake year. A requirement that applies to one country or university may not apply to another.

How Much Does It Cost to Study Dentistry?

Dentistry can be more expensive than many other university programs because students require specialized laboratories, simulation facilities, instruments, clinical training, and patient-based education.

The total cost usually includes more than tuition. International students should calculate:

Annual tuition fees.
Accommodation.
Food and transportation.
Health insurance.
Visa and residence expenses.
Dental instruments and equipment.
Books and academic materials.
Clinical clothing and other university requirements.
Travel expenses.

A university with lower tuition may not necessarily be the cheapest overall option if living expenses are significantly higher. Comparing the complete cost of the degree is a better way to make a decision.

How Should International Students Choose Between Universities for Dentistry?

There is no single best university for every dentistry student. The right choice depends on the student's academic background, budget, preferred country, language, career plans, and eligibility.

A useful comparison process is to start with the degree itself and then work backward.

Choose the countries you are eligible for. Remove destinations where your secondary certificate or academic stream does not meet the requirements.
Compare the dental degrees. Determine whether each university offers a direct-entry or graduate-entry professional qualification.
Check accreditation and recognition. Confirm that the qualification supports your intended professional pathway.
Compare admission requirements. Look at grades, subjects, tests, interviews, and language requirements.
Calculate the total cost. Include tuition and living expenses rather than comparing tuition alone.
Review clinical training. Dentistry is a practical profession, so clinical experience is a major consideration.
Consider your future country of practice. A degree earned abroad may require additional licensing or professional registration when you return home.

Should You Choose a Highly Ranked University?

University rankings can be useful when comparing academic reputation and research strength, but they should not be the only factor in choosing a dental school.

A highly ranked university may have excellent research but may not be the most accessible option for an international student. Another university may offer a more suitable admission pathway, lower overall costs, a convenient location, or a program structure that better matches the student's goals.

For dentistry in particular, students should give significant attention to clinical education, professional recognition, facilities, patient exposure, and graduate pathways.

Universities for Dentistry: What International Students Should Check Before Applying

Before submitting an application, create a checklist for each university. This helps prevent mistakes when comparing programs in different countries.

University and dental school name.
Exact degree title.
Program duration.
Entry level: secondary school or previous university degree.
Required high school subjects.
Minimum academic grades.
English or local-language requirements.
Entrance examination requirements.
Tuition fees.
Estimated living costs.
Application deadlines.
Scholarship availability.
Clinical training structure.
Accreditation and professional recognition.
Post-graduation licensing requirements.

How YouApply Can Help You Compare Dentistry Universities

For students exploring different study destinations, platforms such as YouApply can make the initial university discovery process easier by bringing university and program information together in one place.

Students can use university and program information to compare potential options and create a shortlist based on their preferred destination, field of study, and academic goals.

However, students should always confirm final admission requirements, tuition fees, deadlines, accreditation, and professional licensing conditions with the university and relevant authorities before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions About Universities for Dentistry

Which countries have universities for dentistry?

Dentistry is offered in many countries around the world, including the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Jordan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Cyprus, Germany, New Zealand, and Poland. The available degrees and admission pathways vary between countries.

What is the best university for dentistry?

There is no single best university for every student. The best choice depends on academic requirements, degree structure, clinical training, tuition, location, language, accreditation, and the student's future career plans.

Can international students study dentistry abroad?

Yes. Many universities accept international students, but eligibility varies significantly. Students should check academic qualifications, science subjects, language requirements, entrance tests, and international student admission policies for each university.

Is dentistry a bachelor's or master's degree?

It depends on the country's education system. Dentistry can be offered as a direct-entry professional degree following secondary education in some countries, while other systems require previous university study before entering professional dental school.

What subjects are important for dentistry?

Biology and chemistry are commonly important for dentistry admission. Some universities may also require physics, mathematics, or other science subjects. Exact requirements depend on the university and country.

Can I study dentistry in English?

Yes. English-taught dentistry programs are available in several countries, although availability varies by university. Students should verify the language of the complete program and whether any local-language requirements apply to clinical training.

Should I study dentistry in my home country or abroad?

Both options can be suitable. Studying abroad may provide access to different universities and international experiences, while studying closer to home may reduce living and travel costs and make professional licensing easier. The best choice depends on your academic and career goals.

Final Thoughts

Finding the right universities for dentistry requires more than searching for a list of highly ranked institutions. Dentistry programs differ significantly in degree structure, admission pathway, duration, tuition fees, language, clinical training, and professional recognition.

International students should begin by identifying the countries where they are academically eligible, then compare the actual dental degrees offered by each university. From there, factors such as cost, clinical experience, accreditation, location, and future licensing can help narrow the options.

Whether you are considering dentistry in the UK, US, Canada, Australia, Ireland, Jordan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Cyprus, or another destination, careful comparison can help you find a program that fits both your current qualifications and your long-term career plans.