Dentistry Schools and Programs in Spain

Dentistry Studies in Spain

Are you a Dentistry student considering the possibility of studying abroad for a portion of your degree?  Have you considered choosing the beautiful country of Spain as your study abroad destination?  If you haven’t, you may very well change your mind after seeing all that the country has to offer.  From its cutting-edge schools and universities, to its historic and majestic sites to its rich and friendly culture, Spain is the absolute perfect destination for anyone who wishes to pursue courses in Dentistry while participating in a study abroad program.
 
Spain, officially the Kingdom of Spain, is a sovereign nation in Southwestern Europe and a member state of the European Union.  The country, which is situated on the Iberian Peninsula, is bordered to the south and east by the Mediterranean Sea except for a small boundary with Gibraltar; to the north and northeast by France, Andorra, and the Bay of Biscay; and to the west and northwest by Portugal and the Atlantic Ocean.  It is one of only three countries worldwide to border both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the other two being France and Morocco.  The border Spain shares with Portugal, measuring some 754 miles, is the longest uninterrupted land border within the European Union.

Culturally, Spain is a Western country, but because of the great strength of its Roman heritage, present in almost every aspect of Spanish life, Spain is often described as a Latin country. Nevertheless, throughout its history there have been a number of influences on many aspects of Spanish life, from art and architecture to cuisine and music, from many countries across Europe and from around the Mediterranean.  Spain is home to exactly forty-four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, exceeded only by the number in Italy.  With an area of 195,365 sq mi (505,992 sq. km), it is the second largest country in Western Europe and the European Union, and the fifth largest country in Europe.  Its population of just fewer than 47 million ranks 27^th in the world, and its capital and largest city is Madrid.

Dentistry Education in Spain

The country of Spain prides itself on its many excellent universities, a select few of which offer Dentistry as a field of study.  As with most countries, most dental education in Spain is carried out by specialized dental schools that offer both classroom and practical studies and prepare students for the various licensing examinations they will need to take, a passing score on which is needed in order to practice the craft on patients.

At the lower end of the Dentistry education spectrum, students can train to become Dental Assistants, professionals trained to assist doctors when working in a professional setting.  These programs tend to span 18 months to two years depending on the school.  Programs are also offered in the field of Dental hygiene.  Typically lasting 3-4 years in duration, a diploma course in Dental Hygiene prepares students to work as Dental hygienists, usually in a dental office setting in which they are supervised by dentists and other professional staff.

Students who wish to pursue an advanced degree in Dental Medicine or Oral Surgery must first earn at least a Bachelor degree in a science-related field and pass the National Dental School Admissions Test.  Once accepted, students must take and pass a 4-year course of study and complete a one to two year internship program.  While working towards their Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, students will need to take a variety of theoretical and practical courses, including courses in:

• Dentistry biostatistics
• Molecular biology
• Oral microbiology
• Head and neck anatomy
• Dental radiography
• Occlusion
• Operativ e dentistry

During the final one to two years of these degree programs, students will participate in clinical practice—clinical rotations in which they put their new knowledge to the test, working with real patients under the supervision of clinical instructors.  Off-campus clinical experience is often received through internships, which all students must participate in prior to taking the licensing exam.

Why Study Abroad in Spain

Due to Spain’s high-performing universities and talented instructors, the country is a great place to pursue courses in Dental Medicine or Dental education.  It is also a wonderful country to explore during those free hours outside of the classroom.  Here are just some of the wonderful places to visit while you’re studying and living in Spain.

Museo del Prado

Located in the heart of Madrid, the Museo del Prado (Prado Museum) is considered one of the world’s most premier art museums.  With over 4,000 masterpieces, visitors can explore the history of Spain and the various art movements all under one roof.  Much of the art featured in the museum was acquired by Kings and other royalty of Spain and includes the works of some of the masters in the field, including Goya, Caravaggio, Fra Angelico, Botticelli and Hieronymus Bosch.

La Alhambra

The Alhambra, a fortified palace built in the Moorish style, is located in the beautiful city of Granada and is one of the most oft-visited sites in the entire country. The palace and its complex are extremely vast and occupy a large portion of the city. La Alhambra is considered to be one of the world’s greatest representations of Islamic art and architecture, and its Alcazaba or fortress, located within the structure, offers spectacular views of the city.  As a large site, the Alhambra can sometimes take an entire day to explore, so if you’re planning to visit during the summer months, make sure to purchase your tickets well in advance.

Guggenheim Museum

If you find yourself in Bilbao, Spain, be sure to experience the wonderful design of architect Frank O. Ghery at the Guggenheim Museum.  This historical museum opened its doors to the public in the autumn of 1997 and is considered one of the most significant architectural structures of the 20th century.