Dentistry Schools and Programs in Switzerland

Dentistry Studies in Switzerland

The study abroad programs in Switzerland, including the many options offered for students studying dentistry, provide for participants a number of alternatives for personal and academic growth, and a myriad of sightseeing possibilities. 
Officially known as the Swiss Federation, Switzerland is a federal parliamentary republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern serving as the seat of the federal authorities, the so-called Bundesstadt, or "federal city.” The nation is located in the West-Central portion of the European continent, where it shares borders with Austria and Lichtenstein to the east, Italy to the south, France to the west and Germany to the north. 

As a landlocked country, Switzerland is divided geographically between the Alps, the Swiss Plateau and the Jura, spanning a total geographic area of nearly 16,000 square miles (41,285 sq. km).  While the Alps cover the greater part of Swiss territory, the population of Switzerland—approximately 8 million inhabitants—is concentrated primarily on the Plateau, where the largest cities are located.  Among these are the two international cities of Zurich and Geneva, both of which serve as major European economic centers.

As is the case with many countries around the world, Switzerland exhibits a strong sense of regionalism that makes it difficult to truly define a singular Swiss experience. Switzerland has been influenced in many ways by the German, Italian, and French cultures, but it retains aspects that are uniquely Swiss.  Switzerland is incredibly scenic and beautiful, and the country is home to a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites that encompass sweeping natural landscapes and quaint, historic mountain towns. Switzerland is unique in many ways: the country is isolated, politically neutral, and retains a large amount of financial power.  It is also a popular location for international conferences and conventions; most notably, the city of Geneva, which is home to the United Nations.

Switzerland is one of the wealthiest countries in the world and its people enjoy a very high standard of living.  A portion of the country’s success can be rightly attributed to the country’s excellent system of education, particularly its higher education system, which includes many universities that are internationally ranked for their excellence and the quality of their graduates.

Dentistry Education in Switzerland
 
Dentistry education in Switzerland is similar to that of most other countries in Europe and the United States.  Specialized schools of dentistry, which are usually affiliated with one or more of the major universities, are responsible for providing this type of education. 
 
Dentistry degree programs usually span four years in duration; in the first two years students study the required dental and medical sciences, while the final two years are dedicated to clinical practice, where they will learn dental techniques under the watchful eye of the licensed dental school faculty.  Once a student graduates from one of Switzerland’s dental school programs, he or she must then pass the national dentist’s licensing examination before being allowed to practice his/her newly-mastered craft.  Some students go on to pursue one to two year internship programs after graduation, in which they specialize in a certain dental discipline, such as oral surgery or orthodontics.
 
Students who wish to pursue an advanced dental school education must first earn a bachelor degree. Pre-dentistry programs are available on the undergraduate level, and aspiring students will often major in biology or similar fields. Several schools located in and around Switzerland offer undergraduate dental programs.
 
In addition to earning (at minimum) a bachelor degree, prospective dental school candidates must also sit for the national dental school entrance examination.  Individual schools may also have additional enrollment requirements.

Why Study Abroad in Switzerland
 
There are countless reasons to choose Switzerland for your study abroad adventure, as the country offers something for everyone’s tastes.  Outdoor enthusiasts will love the notion of skiing the majestic Alps in the winter, while those who enjoy hiking, camping, fishing will find a number of scenic lakes and campsites that are perfect for these activities scattered throughout the country.  City slickers will love the international flair and flavor of Switzerland’s major cities, home to trendy boutiques, 5-star restaurants and hotels, theaters, nightclubs, opera houses, museums, cafes and lots of delicious Swiss chocolate.

The culture of Switzerland, which is heavily influenced by some of its European counterparts, is both diverse and friendly.  Iconic Swiss music styles, employing things like yodeling, the accordion and alphorn, have come to define the country and can still be found—and heard—in some of the remote areas of the country.  Despite its relatively small size, Switzerland has made notable contributions in the areas of literature and science, including two Nobel Prize winners for literature. Folk art, particularly with regard to dance and dress, is also very emblematic of Switzerland.

Sports lovers will feel right at home in Switzerland, as the Swiss are a very sports-conscious people.  Skiing and mountaineering are widely popular throughout the country, but there are also a number of traditional Swiss sporting activities you may want to check out, including shooting and hornussen, a unique type of alpine baseball.  Enthusiasts of more "traditional" sports will also find Switzerland appealing, as the country offers everything from tennis, golf and soccer to paragliding and sailing.

Switzerland is a great place to visit for those looking to master a new language.  The country is home to four official languages—German, French, Italian and Rumantsch—although most of the country speaks either German or French as their first language. Studying abroad in Switzerland offers ample opportunities to learn and practice new language skills while immersed in European culture.
 
Finally, sightseers will never be at a loss when touring the stunning country of Switzerland.  The nation is incredibly scenic, with massive mountains and sparkling alpine lakes. Photo opportunities and weekend mountain getaways abound in this snow-capped paradise, where visitors can take in sights such as the Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe; and the amusing Penguin Parades, held daily and considered the highlight of the wonderful Zurich Zoo.