Austria is a country with a long and rich tradition of medical education and dentistry. The first medical faculty in the German-speaking world was founded in Vienna in 1365, and the first dental school in Austria was established in 2002. Today, Austria boasts some of the most prestigious and renowned universities in Europe, offering high-quality dental programs at affordable rates. Moreover, Austria attracts a large number of international students who seek to benefit from the excellent academic standards, the modern facilities, and the cultural diversity of this beautiful country. As a result, it can be an extremely rewarding and enriching decision to study dentistry in Austria.
The dentistry degree program in Austria is a 12-semester (6-year) doctoral study, which leads to the degree of Dr. med. dent. The program consists of three phases: the first phase covers the basic sciences and pre-clinical training, the second phase covers the clinical training and practical skills, and the third phase covers the clinical practice and the final examination. Studying dentistry in Austria also opens up many career opportunities for graduates, as there is a high demand for dentists in the country. Austria’s dental care market size is projected to reach unprecedented heights by the year 2030. This is driven by the aging population, the need for teeth rehabilitation, and the growing awareness of oral health. Furthermore, Austria offers a well-developed and high-quality healthcare system, which provides dentists with a supportive and rewarding work environment.
There is no doubt that studying dentistry in Austria is a smart and worthwhile choice for anyone who wants to pursue a successful and fulfilling career in this field. With its rich history, its prestigious universities, its affordable fees, its international appeal, and its booming market, Austria is the ideal place to study dentistry. There is no better time than now to apply for a dental program in Austria and start your journey to becoming a dentist.
In this article, we will look at some of the best dental degree programs in Austria, along with their tuition fees, entry requirements, and more.
Overview of Study Dentistry in Austria
| No. of Universities | 4 |
| No. of Programs | 4 |
| Degrees Awarded | Dr.Med.Dent |
| Duration of Study | 6 years |
| Tuition Fees (2024/25) | 1453 EUR (Public Unis) – 28,350 EUR (Private Unis) |
Why Study Dentistry in Austria?
High-Quality Education: Austrian universities are known for providing high-quality education. Many universities and dental schools in Austria maintain excellent academic standards and have a strong reputation for their dental programs.
International Recognition: Austrian dental degrees are generally recognized internationally. Graduates from Austrian dental schools can pursue further studies or practice dentistry in various countries, which can be beneficial for those considering a global career.
Clinical Experience: Dental programs in Austria typically include hands-on clinical training to ensure that students gain practical experience in addition to theoretical knowledge. This practical exposure can enhance your skills and readiness for a dental career.
Research Opportunities: Austria has a strong emphasis on scientific research, and dental students may have the opportunity to engage in research projects. This can be particularly appealing for those interested in advancing the field of dentistry.
Tuition Fees: Austria offers relatively affordable education compared to some other European countries. However, tuition fees may vary depending on the university and the specific program. Public universities generally have lower fees than private institutions.
Dental Job Market: Austria has a stable and well-regulated healthcare system, which includes a demand for dental professionals. Graduates from Austrian dental schools may find opportunities to work in public or private dental practices, hospitals, or research institutions.
Post-Graduation Stay: Austria provides a period for graduates to stay in the country after completing their studies to search for employment or start their careers. This post-graduation stay can be beneficial for securing job opportunities locally.
Top Universities to Study Dentistry in Austria
Medical University of Vienna
The Medical University of Vienna (MedUni Vienna) is a public university located in Vienna, Austria. It was founded in 1365 as part of the University of Vienna, making it one of the oldest medical schools in the world and the second oldest in the Holy Roman Empire. It became an independent university in 2004, and is currently the largest medical training center in the German-speaking countries, with almost 8,000 students.
The dentistry program at MedUni Vienna is a 12-semester degree program that prepares students for the profession of dentistry. The program consists of three study phases: the first phase covers the basic sciences and pre-clinical skills, the second phase focuses on the clinical disciplines and practical training, and the third phase involves a 72-week clinical training at the University Clinic of Dentistry Vienna. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and disorders of the teeth, mouth, jaw and related tissues. Graduates of the program obtain their professional license and the right to set up a practice, as well as the academic title of Dr. med. dent4 The program admits 80 students per year, based on an admission test called MedAT-Z4 The program is taught in German and requires a minimum level of C1 proficiency.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2024/25) |
| Dr.Med.Dent | 6 years | 1,453 EUR |
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Medical University of Graz
The Medical University of Graz (Med Uni Graz) is a medical university in Austria that has been in existence since January 1, 2004 and has been a part of the Karl-Franzens University of Graz as a medical faculty since 1863. It is one of the four medical universities in Austria and offers degree programs in medicine, dentistry, nursing science, and interprofessional health care studies. It has over 2,500 academic and general staff members and around 5,000 students. It is a center of innovative, cutting-edge medicine and research in southern Austria and ranks among the top 200 universities in the world in the field of life sciences and medicine. The dentistry program at Med Uni Graz is a diploma program that prepares students for a future career as a dentist in all specialties of dentistry, such as conservative dentistry, dental surgery, prosthetic and restorative dentistry, periodontology, and orthodontics. The program is based on the biopsychosocial model and teaches theoretical principles and practical skills in an integrative, topic-centered, and patient-oriented manner. The program also provides the basis for research in dental, oral, and maxillofacial medicine and for postgraduate professional development programs in all specialties of dentistry. The program lasts six years and consists of three phases: phase 1 covers the basic medical education, phase 2 covers the clinical-theoretical education, and phase 3 covers the clinical-practical education.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2024/25) |
| Dr.Med.Dent | 6 years | 1,453 EUR |
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Danube Private University
The Danube Private University (DPU) is a private institution located in Krems-Stein an der Donau, Lower Austria, within the Wachau UNESCO World Heritage Site. The DPU was founded in 2009 and was the first private university in Austria to receive accreditation for a faculty of medicine/dentistry. The DPU has about 2300 students and 7300 graduates from 66 nations. The DPU is known for its high-quality education and research in dental medicine and related fields. The DPU offers a six-year diploma program in dental medicine (Dr. med. dent.), which is the first undergraduate program of its kind in Austria. The program covers both theoretical and practical aspects of dental medicine, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, radiology, oral surgery, orthodontics, prosthodontics, and more. The program also includes clinical training at the DPU Dental Clinic, which is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and facilities. The graduates of the program are qualified to practice as dentists in Austria and other European countries.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2024/25) |
| Dr.Med.Dent | 6 years | 28,350 EUR |
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Medical University of Innsbruck
The Medical University of Innsbruck (German: Medizinische Universität Innsbruck) is a public university in Innsbruck, Austria. It was founded in 1669 as one of the four faculties of the Leopold-Franzens-Universität Innsbruck and became an independent university in 2004. It is the most important medical research and training facility in western Austria, with about 3,400 students and 2,200 employees. It offers degree programs in medicine, dentistry, molecular medicine, and pharmaceutical sciences, as well as doctoral and postgraduate programs. It is ranked among the top 200 universities in the world for clinical medicine and pharmacy. The dentistry program at the Medical University of Innsbruck is a six-year diploma program that prepares students for the profession of dental medicine. The program consists of three stages: the first stage covers the basic sciences and preclinical training, the second stage focuses on the clinical disciplines and practical skills, and the third stage involves the final examinations and the diploma thesis. The program is accredited by the Austrian Accreditation Council and the European Federation of Periodontology. The program also offers opportunities for international exchange and cooperation with other universities and institutions.
| Program Name | Duration of Study | Tuition Fees (2024/25) |
| Dr.Med.Dent | 6 years | 1,453 EUR |
Suggested Reading: Study Dentistry in New Zealand
Admission Requirements for Dentistry Programs in Austria
- High school diploma or equivalent, with a focus on science subjects.
- Proficiency in German is crucial; many dentistry programs are taught in German. Proof of language proficiency through exams like DSH or TestDaF may be required, with a minimum proficiency level of C1.
- Successful completion of a university entrance examination, if required by the specific institution.
- Submission of required documents, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a well-prepared personal statement.
- Some universities may conduct an entrance interview as part of the selection process for international students.
Career Opportunities for Dentistry Graduates in Austria
Dentistry is a field of medicine that deals with the health and treatment of the teeth and mouth. Dentists can work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, dental practices, or research institutions. Dentists can also specialize in different areas, such as oral surgery, orthodontics, periodontology, or prosthodontics. To work as a dentist in Austria, one needs to have a recognized dental degree, proficiency in German at the C1 level, a work visa, registration with the Austrian Dental Chamber, professional indemnity insurance, and health and legal clearance. The recognition and registration process may vary depending on the country of origin of the dental degree. Dentists from the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland have an easier time getting their qualifications recognized than those from outside the EEA. The career opportunities for dentistry graduates in Austria are quite good, as there is a high demand for dental services and a shortage of dentists in some regions. According to a report by the Austrian Dental Chamber, there were 5,600 dentists working in Austria in 2020, but the estimated need was 6,300. The report also projected that the number of dentists would decrease by 10% by 2030, while the demand would increase by 15%. This means that there will be more job openings and less competition for dentists in the future. Dentists in Austria can enjoy a variety of career opportunities, a high demand for their services, and a competitive salary.
The salary profile for dentists in Austria depends on several factors, such as experience, qualifications, location, and type of practice. According to PayScale, the average salary for a dentist in Austria was 92,500 EUR in 2023. However, this figure may not reflect the actual income of dentists, as they may have additional sources of revenue, such as fees from private patients, bonuses, or profit-sharing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be a life-changing decision to study dentistry in Austria, with its high-quality education, advanced research facilities, and diverse cultural opportunities. Studying dentistry in Austria can provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to become competent and clinically experienced dentists, as well as the chance to learn from leading experts in the field. Moreover, it can also open up many career possibilities, as graduates can practice in Austria or other European countries, or pursue further education and research in dentistry or related disciplines. However, before making such a big decision, you need to consider all the factors involved such as budget, scholarships, the reputation of the university, and so on. As such, it’s imperative to make an informed choice. Don’t be overwhelmed by the variety of options, our admission experts at Gyanberry, are more than happy to help you make that correct choice. Book your free video call appointment now!
