Dentistry Schools and Programs in Netherlands
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AmsterdamDentistry Studies in Netherlands
Are you planning on pursuing a career in dentistry or dental hygiene? Did you know that you can now earn a portion of your education for that career by studying and living abroad for time in a foreign country? Dentistry education can be a long and grueling process, which is why many students are now opting to break up their educational journey by participating in a study abroad program—a program that allows students to earn the equivalent amount of credits offered by the home university while studying in a variety of countries around the world, including the beautiful Netherlands.The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The nation consists of twelve distinct provinces in Western Europe and three islands in the Caribbean. The mainland or European portion of the Netherlands is bordered by Germany to the east, Belgium to the south, and the North Sea to the north and west; and shares maritime boundaries with Belgium, Germany and the United Kingdom. Its territory Sint Maarten borders France in the Caribbean via France’s territory Saint Martin.
The Netherlands is organized as a parliamentary republic and unitary state. Its capital city, as mandated by its constitution, is Amsterdam, although the government seat of the country is located in The Hague. The Netherlands in its entirety is often referred to as Holland, which in strict usage, refers only to North and South Holland, two of the nation’s provinces; however the former usage is generally accepted around the globe.
The Netherlands is a founding member of the European Union, G-10, NATO, OECD, WTO and part of the trilateral Benelux economic union. A highly developed country, the Netherlands enjoys a high standard of living and ranks 17th (out of 177 countries) on the Index of Economic Freedom. Part of the reason for the success the country enjoys can be attributed to its excellent system of education, particularly its system of higher education.
Dentistry Education in the Netherlands
As it is in most developed countries, prospective dental education students in the Netherlands must, at minimum, possess a four-year bachelor degree, preferably in a science or health-related discipline, and earn a passing score on the national Dental School admissions test. Other perquisites may also be required and are determined by each individual dental school offering dental education in the Netherlands.
In recent years, the dental education curriculum in the Netherlands was changed from a 5-year to a 6-year course of study. There are currently three dental schools in the Netherlands, but almost all of the higher education institutions in the country offer pre-dental school courses for interested students. The three dental schools in the Netherlands are:
- Amsterdam (ACTA): a joint venture between the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and Free University of Amsterdam (VU)
- Groningen University
- Nijmegen University
Students earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.D.M.) degree in the Netherlands learn about providing dental care to diverse populations, diagnosing and treating oral conditions and mastering dental treatment procedures by practicing on models and patients. They learn this information through a combination of classroom study and practical clinical work, in which they treat patients under the watchful eye of licensed faculty member. Some of the courses students can expect to encounter while studying dental education in the Netherlands include:
- Dentistry biostatistics
- Molecular biology
- Oral microbiology
- Periodontics
- Head and neck anatomy
- Dental radiography
- Occlusion
- Operativ e dentistry
All practicing dentists in the Netherlands must be subscribed to the national medical register called the BIG-Register. The registry can be freely consulted through the internet should an individual want to check if his or her dentist has obtained the proper credentials.
Why Study Abroad in the Netherlands
In addition to its wonderful universities and top-notch dental schools, the Netherlands offers study abroad participants an once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience they won’t soon forget. One of the most oft-visited countries in Europe, the Netherlands is home to a number of great cities, sites, and attractions; and its people are some of the friendliest in the world. Below are just a few of the great destinations students will have the chance to visit whilst studying and living abroad in the fascinating country of the Netherlands.
The Hague
The renowned home of the World Court, The Hague is the third-largest city in the Netherlands and a great place to visit due to its many interesting sites and attractions. Located in the province of South Holland, in the west of the Netherlands, the city is also a provincial capital and the seat of the national government.
Binnenhof
The Binnenhof in the Netherlands is a complex of ancient structures that together look like a castle. Established in the year 1248, the Binnenhof has been home to the city parliament since the year 1446. The prime minister of Netherlands operates from one of the buildings in the complex, whose architecture alone is worth a visit.
Dom Tower of Utrecht
The Dom Tower of Utrecht is the tallest and perhaps the most awe-inspiring cathedral tower in the Netherlands. The Gothic-style tower is an emblem of the city and, quite understandably, its pride and joy. The Utrecht is also known as Dom Church and was established in the years between 1321 and 1382. The cathedral was designed by the renowned architect John of Hainaut.
Keukenhof
The Keukenhof, or Garden of Europe, is the most well-known—and some say the most beautiful—spring garden in the world. The Garden is renowned for its gorgeous tulips, the aura of sparkling and vivid colors and for its detailed horticulture. Each year, nearly a hundred thousand visitors flock to the Keukenhof to partake of its beauty.