Italy is one of the most popular destinations for higher education, particularly in the field of medicine. It is home to several of the world’s most prominent medical universities, including the University of Bologna and the Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore. When it comes to dentistry and dental studies, Italy has limited options for international students who desire to attend English-taught dental programs. The majority of dental schools in Italy teach dentistry in Italian. Thus, students are usually expected to know the Italian language to study dentistry in Italy. However, this article features a few universities that offer dentistry programs in English.
The dental program curriculum in Italy is comprehensive, with theoretical and practical classes. Dentistry in Italy is a six-year program. The first two years focus on theoretical lessons on essential components and diseases of the human body. From the third year until the last year, students are involved in clinical practice. This helps them gain expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases and communication with patients. Let us discuss some universities where you can study dentistry in Italy in English.
Overview: Study Dentistry in Italy
| Degree offered | Single-cycle master’s degree in dentistry |
| Duration of course | 6 years |
| Program language | English and Italian |
| Minimum admission criteria | High school diploma |
| Selection process | Admission test by MUR or university entrance test |
Universities to study Dentistry in Italy
| University | Shanghai World Ranking for the Subject “Dentistry and Oral Sciences” 2022 | Dentistry Program Language |
| Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore | 101-150 | Italian |
| University of Bologna | 101-150 | Italian |
| University of Siena | 101-150 | English |
| Vita-Salute San Raffaele University | 151-200 | Italian |
| University of Milan | 101-150 | Italian |
| University of Naples | 151-200 | Italian |
| Sapienza University of Rome | 151-200 | English |
| Unicamillus University | NA | English |
English-taught Dentistry programs in Italy
The following Italian universities offer English language programs in dentistry.
| University Name | University Type | Duration |
| Sapienza University of Rome | Public | 6 years |
| University of Siena | Public | 6 years |
| Unicamillus University | Private | 6 years |
Sapienza University of Rome
The university offers a six-year long degree in dentistry (Dentistry and Dental Prosthodontics). It is a single-cycle master’s degree that leads to the qualification of “Laurea magistrale.” It consists of 5,000 hours of theoretical and practical instruction in fundamental disciplines, as well as in the medical, dental, and surgical sectors. It also includes specialized scientific and theoretical-practical knowledge and skills.
| Program | Annual Tuition Fee (EUR) | Total Tuition Fee (USD)* |
| Dentistry and Dental Prosthodontics | 2,924 | 3,002 |
*Tuition fees in EUR are converted to USD at the exchange rate of 1 EUR = 1.03 USD. Exchange rates are subject to change.
Eligibility criteria for the Sapienza University of Rome
- High school diploma
- A minimum score on the admission test by the Ministry of University and Research (MUR)
- English proficiency test scores like IELTS and TOEFL
University of Siena
The University of Siena provides a dentistry course in English called “Dentistry and Dental Prosthodontics.” The course is for 6 years and it is offered as an undergraduate program. The curriculum is based on the recommendation of the ADEE (Association of Dental European Education) and of the Italian Minister of Education. Students are taught basic medical science subjects as well as topics related to dentistry. All topics are delivered through lectures and practical. The final year is reserved for clinical rotations where students must work on dental patients. The University of Siena offers A2-level Italian language courses to all students enrolled in the dentistry program taught in English.
| Program | Annual Tuition Fee (EUR) | Total Tuition Fee (USD)* |
| Dentistry and Dental Prosthodontics | 4,496 | 4,616 |
*Tuition fees in EUR are converted to USD at the exchange rate of 1 EUR = 1.03 USD. Exchange rates are subject to change.
Eligibility criteria for the University of Siena
- High school education
- A passing score on the admission test by MUR
- English proficiency score (IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge, etc.)
Note: The entry requirements for dentistry courses at Rome’s Sapienza University and Siena University are stringent and based on the MUR admission test. The test evaluates candidates’ knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, general knowledge, and logical reasoning.
Unicamillus
Unicamillus offers a 6-year master’s degree course in Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics (MDCDP) exclusively for international students. The comprehensive curriculum allows graduates to practice dentistry at the highest level. The lectures and examinations of the first two years of the degree course are in English. The program is divided into semesters. The program comprises integrated and elective courses. Integrated courses are mandatory courses consisting of scientific and disciplinary courses. Elective courses consist of optional educational activities such as seminars and academic lectures. Unicamillus trains students through seminars and clinical practice apart from regular lecture classes. From the 3rd year, the internship and clinical teaching will be in Italian.
Tuition fees at Unicammilus
| Program | Annual Tuition Fee (EUR) | Total Tuition Fee (USD)* |
| Dentistry and Dental Prosthetics (MDCDP) | 21,000 | 21,560 |
*Tuition fees in EUR are converted to USD at the exchange rate of 1 EUR = 1.03 USD. Exchange rates are subject to change.
Eligibility criteria for UniCamillus
- Completion of higher secondary school
- Basic knowledge in subjects- general culture, logical reasoning, mathematics, physics, biology, and chemistry
- A minimum score on the admission test
- English proficiency level B2
Scholarship for international students
The Promoter of UniCamillus, Foundation Progetto Salute, grants numerous scholarships which fully or partially, cover the tuition fees. They are awarded to deserving non-EU students who need to be financially stable. The scholarship will be awarded on the basis of rank received on the admission test.
General admission requirements for international students
- Secondary school diploma
- English proficiency test
- Basic knowledge in subjects like general knowledge, logical reasoning, mathematics, physics, biology, and chemistry
- Admission test
Application process
| Application | Through university website or via Gyanberry application services |
| Application Deadline | August |
General documents required
- High school certificate
- Academic transcripts
- Proof of English language proficiency
- Copy of passport
- Passport-sized photographs
- Motivation letter
Job opportunities
Dental graduates can practice dentistry in Italy after passing the state exam and enrollment in the “Order of Dentists.” The graduates are allowed to practice their dental profession in various fields such as clinical, sanitary, and biomedical. They can also apply in the National Health Service for 1st and 2nd level managerial activities. Dentists in Italy on average earn 105,000 EUR annually or 8,730 EUR monthly (Salary explorer).
In general international students prefer private Italian universities over public. The reason is that public universities offer a limited number of seats to their dental programs, plus the MUR entrance exam is quite difficult to crack. Private dental schools offer a decent number of seats and conduct their own entrance test, which is a bit easier to pass. Contact Gyanberry for more information on Italian dental universities and their programs.