Why study the Dentistry degree?

Dentists help millions of people keep smiling.

Those who aspire to study dentistry will learn to diagnose, maintain and improve people's oral health. But they will also be able to work in cosmetic dentistry, helping them feel more confident and attractive through cosmetic surgery of the mouth, gums and teeth.

If you have ever had a toothache, cavities or any other dental calamity, then you know that a good dentist is not only key to your health, but also to your comfort and confidence.

What is Dentistry about?

Dentists diagnose and treat problems that occur in the teeth and tissues of the mouth. They use a variety of tools and equipment to fill cavities, repair broken teeth and extract diseased teeth.

To keep teeth healthy and strong, dentists remove plaque and perform checkups after a hygienist cleans the patient's teeth. They can also make models for dentures.

Dentists advise patients on dental care and encourage them to keep up with flossing and brushing.

Dentists wear surgical masks, gloves and safety glasses to protect themselves from infectious diseases.

When they are not working with patients, they supervise dental hygienists, assistants and lab technicians, and manage the business aspects of their practice.

Many dentists set up their own private practices or work in already established practices. Others work in hospitals, clinics and research centers.

What is the profile of a Dentistry specialist like?

Physical stamina, good dexterity and patience are important qualities for dentists, as it can be quite exhausting work.

It may be necessary to work weekends or evening hours to accommodate patients' schedules.

Aspiring dentists must have communication skills to explain to patients the procedures that will be performed in their mouth.

They must also have manual skills and dexterity to be able to handle the number of tools commonly used in dental procedures.

They must be a friendly and personable individual, with the ability to work in a team and with leadership skills.

Frequently asked questions about the Dentistry degree

What is the duration of the degree?

The Odontology degree lasts five years and 300 study credits must be completed.

How much does it cost to study Odontology?

For example, the cost for the first year for Odontology is as follows:

Universidad Complutense de Madrid: €1.600 Universidad de Granada: €850 Universidad Internacional de Cataluña: €13.980 Universidad Santiago de Compostela: €835 Universidad Alfonso X: €16.532

What cutoff grade is needed to study Odontology?

Universidad Complutense de Madrid 12.11, Universidad de Granada 13.44, Universidad Santiago de Compostela 11.7

General subjects in Odontology

The general subjects in Odontology are as follows:

• Physiology
• Epidemiology and statistics
• Dental traumatology
• Immunology
• Oral medicine
• Oral-dental system
• Pharmacology
• Periodontics
• Pediatric dentistry
• Pathological Anatomy
• Materials in the Dental Clinic
• Advanced Oral-Dental Histology
• Introduction and History of Odontology
• Forensic Odontological Technique

Career paths and salary

Once they have graduated, the Odontology professional can pursue his/her career in private healthcare or in public healthcare. In the latter case, competitive examinations must be taken in order to gain access to a position in a public hospital.

If he/she chooses private healthcare, he/she can open his/her own practice or apply to be hired in private clinics.

Research and teaching are other fields in which a dentist can pursue his/her career. In the first case, he/she can work in the fields of prosthetics and orthodontics. If he/she dedicates himself/herself to teaching, he/she can teach classes as a university professor.

The average salary of a dentist in Spain is about €43.250 gross per year.

How do I know if this degree is right for me?

If you are a person with high levels of concentration and precision, and with the ability to work under pressure, odontology is a degree you should consider as a study option.

It is also important that you are interested in the health of other people and that you have no problem handling mouths and dentures that may not have been the most hygienic, a situation that could become a little unpleasant.