Dentistry is a unique career that provides plenty of rewards and challenges and is a highly respected profession in Malaysia and worldwide. Although many international students aspire to study dentistry in countries like the USA and UK, the high tuition fees and intense competition hampers their plans. Thus, countries like Malaysia, that offer dental education at an affordable price are gaining a lot of attention. To study dentistry in Malaysia, one must enroll in a course that is recognized by the Malaysian Dental Council. There are over 13 universities, both public and private, that offer such courses in the country.
An undergraduate dental course in Malaysia lasts 5 years and includes preclinical and clinical education. At the end of the course, students are offered either a Doctor of Dental Surgery or a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree.
Overview of Study Dentistry in Malaysia
| Number of universities | ~13 (source: Malaysian Dental Council) |
| University types | Both public and private universities |
| Course level | Undergraduate |
| Duration | 5 years |
| Degree awarded | Doctor of Dental Surgery/Bachelor of Dental Surgery |
| Annual tuition fees for international students | RM 100,000 to 131,100 |
Why Study Dentistry in Malaysia?
Global recognition: Many dental programs in Malaysia are recognized by international dental councils and organizations, making it easier for graduates to practice dentistry abroad after fulfilling further prerequisites.
Quality dental education: Malaysian universities offer high-quality dental education with modern facilities and well-qualified faculty. Many of these universities are recognized by the Malaysian Dental Council. Some universities in Malaysia even have gained international recognition and accreditation.
Clinical exposure: Dental education in Malaysia emphasizes hands-on clinical training, allowing students to gain practical experience and develop clinical skills. Exposure to a diverse patient population enhances the learning experience.
English-taught programs: Most dental programs in Malaysia are conducted in English, making them accessible to international students. This ensures a worldwide learning environment.
Cost of living: Malaysia has a lower cost of living compared to many Western countries. This is advantageous for international students, as living expenses become more manageable.
Beautiful learning environment: Malaysia is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, fascinating cultures, and cities. An enjoyable learning environment can be enhanced by studying in such a setting.
State-of-the-art facilities: Many dental schools in Malaysia are equipped with modern facilities and clinics. This ensures that dental students are trained with the newest tools and techniques.
Employment opportunities: Malaysia has a growing healthcare sector, and as a dentist, you will find ample employment opportunities. You can even open up your dental practice. Additionally, the country’s strategic location in Asia provides proximity to other emerging markets.
List of Recognized Dental Schools in Malaysia
- Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST) University, School of Dentistry
- International Islamic University Malaysia, Kulliyyah of Dentistry
- International Medical University, School of Dentistry
- Lincoln University College, Faculty of Dentistry
- MAHSA University, Dental Faculty
- Melaka Manipal Medical College, Faculty of Dentistry
- Penang International Dental College
- SEGi University, Faculty of Dentistry
- Univerisiti Teknologi MARA, Dental Faculty
- Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Faculty of Dentistry
- Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, Dental Faculty
- Universiti Sains Malaysia, School of Dentistry
- University of Malaya, Faculty of Dentistry
Popular Universities to Study Dentistry in Malaysia
Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST) University
Asian Institute of Medicine, Science and Technology (AIMST) University is a privately run, non-profit university. It was founded in 2001 under the non-profit organization the Maju Institute of Education Development.
The Faculty of Dentistry at the School of Dentistry offers a BDS program with state-of-the-art facilities for patient care and laboratory teaching. Years 1 and 2 are focused on teaching basic medical and dental sciences. Dental courses and clinical teaching involving treating patients start from year 3. Years 4 and 5 are reserved for clinical teachings and research and presentations of research findings.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) | 5 years | RM – |
International Islamic University Malaysia
IIUM, International Islamic University Malaysia is a renowned public university in Malaysia. It was founded in 1983 by the government of Malaysia. The university teaches a wide range of courses both in English and Arabic. It had various campuses spread across the country housing over 26,000 students from 117 countries worldwide. 14 faculties (Kulliyyah) offer over 50 undergraduate and over 100 specialized postgraduate programs.
Established in 2006, the Kulliyyah of Dentistry at IIUM offers a Bachelor of Dental Surgery with a comprehensive curriculum. The course is divided into 2 phases: Phase 1 focuses on pre-clinical training from years 1 and 2 and Phase 2, a clinical phase taught from years 3 to 5. The faculty follows a block system and there are four blocks in a year.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery | 5 years | RM 100,000 |
International Medical University
IMU or International Medical University is a private health sciences university in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. IMU was founded in 1992 and is primarily focused on medical research and education, with a strong global focus. The university offers the widest range of healthcare programs at pre-university, undergraduate and postgraduate levels.
The IMU School of Dentistry has an undergraduate program called Bachelor of Dental Surgery with a choice of two tracks. Students can either complete the entire degree at IMU or spend the initial years at IMU and then transfer to a partner university abroad in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. A unique feature of the BDS program at IMU is the early exposure to clinical studies starting from semester 1. Students can start working on real patients from year 2 itself.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery | 5 years | RM 131,100 |
Malaysia MAHSA University
Established in Pusat Bandar Damansara in 2004, Malaysia MAHSA University is a private medical university in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia. It was founded by a renowned clinical practitioner of Medicine, Senator Professor Tan Sri Dr. Hj. Mohamed Haniffa. The university provides a huge range of programs in medicine, dental, engineering, business, technology, finance, health sciences, nursing, etc. It is home to a diverse international student body from 75 different countries in the world. There are a total of eight faculties at Malaysia MAHSA University.
MAHSA’s Faculty of Dentistry teaches courses at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The undergraduate dental program, Doctor of Dental Surgery is a 5-year program taught in pre-clinical and clinical modules by excellent staff in fully equipped laboratories and clinics.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Doctor of Dental Surgery | 5 years | RM – |
Lincoln University College
Lincoln University College (LUC) is a private higher education institution located in Malaysia. It was established in 2002 as Lincoln College before being upgraded to university college status in 2011. The university’s main campus is situated in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia. LUC offers a range of programs at the diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels in various fields, including medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, business, information technology, and more.
The DDS course at LUC is a 5-year long program that includes both preclinical and clinical training in dentistry and covers topics like
- Preclinical dentistry
- Clinical dentistry
- Hospital-based dentistry
- Community/Society-based dentistry
- Research
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) | 5 years | RM – |
Admission Requirements to Study Dentistry in Malaysia
High school education: The minimum eligibility to study dentistry in Malaysia is to have a high school diploma in subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, and/ or mathematics. The most commonly accepted qualifications are A-levels (grades BBB, ABC, or AAC), IB (30 points), HSC, ATAR (80%), UEC, etc.
English language proficiency: Students from non-English speaking countries are required to prove their English proficiency through the following tests
| IELTS | Overall band score of 6.5-7.0 |
| TOEFL | 550 |
| Cambridge English | 180 |
| Pearson Test of English | 63 |
| MUET | Band score of 4.0 |
Interview or test: Applicants are also required to pass an aptitude test and/or a personal interview depending on the university they are applying to.
Additional requirements: Students must have a valid student visa to be admitted. They must also provide proof of financial support to cover both tuition fees and living expenses for BDS courses in Malaysia.
Career Opportunities
The Malaysian Dental Council is responsible for the registration of dentists in the country. To be eligible, graduates must undergo a one-year compulsory service after completing their undergraduate education in either a public or private sector. Once they have completed the compulsory training, they will need to sit for the Professional Qualifying Examination. If they pass the examination, they can register themselves with the Malaysian Dental Council to start practicing dentistry. Dentists in the country can work for the following:
- Ministry of Health Dental Services
- Armed Forces dental services
- Private dental practice
- University teaching
- Research
After BDS, graduates can go for specializations in dentistry and continue with their education. The average salary of a dentist in Malaysia is RM 89,197 per year (Indeed).
Suggested reading: Study Medicine in Malaysia, Job Opportunities After Medical Studies in Malaysia, Scholarships to Study Medicine in Malaysia, Best Medical Universities in Malaysia, Cost of Medical Studies in Malaysia, Admission and Eligibility for Medical Studies in Malaysia
Conclusion
Malaysia boasts reputable universities and dental schools that are recognized for their high academic standards and modern facilities. The dental programs in the country are designed to provide students with a comprehensive education, blending theoretical knowledge with practical skills through clinical training. The curriculum often aligns with international standards, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the global dental community. If you are looking to study dentistry in Malaysia, check out Gyanberry. Their experienced counselors are trained well in providing the best advice to help students choose the best university and course as per their requirements. To know more you can get in touch with our expert counselors by filling out the form or by booking a free video appointment.
