Becoming a dentist in Turkey requires a combination of rigorous academic training, clinical practice, and specialized education. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the timeline and educational path for aspiring dentists.
Study Dentistry in Turkey
Dentistry programs in Turkey offer students a solid foundation in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. From day one, students engage in hands-on learning, allowing them to apply dental concepts in real-world scenarios. The curriculum includes essential courses such as anatomy, physiology, and oral pathology, as well as opportunities for specialization through clinical rotations and elective courses.
Time
The dentistry program in Turkey typically spans 5 years. During this period, students are introduced to fundamental biomedical sciences and develop their clinical skills through structured learning and hands-on experiences. Students begin with essential dental concepts, theories, and practices in the first two years. From the 3rd to 5th years, students delve into more advanced topics and participate in clinical rotations, gaining valuable hands-on experience across various dental specialties.
The final years of study offer opportunities for specialization through elective courses and residency placements, preparing students for a professional dental career. For more detailed information on what dentistry students study, refer to our article on the dentistry program in Turkey.
After completing a bachelor’s degree in dentistry, it is often recommended to pursue a master’s program for further specialization. These master’s programs typically range from 2 to 3 years and focus on areas such as orthodontics, oral surgery, or periodontics. Additionally, for those seeking to deepen their expertise, a couple of years of postdoctoral education can be pursued in a chosen field, allowing dentists to specialize further. For example, the Integrated PhD program at Yeditepe University in Istanbul allows students who have completed the first four years of their undergraduate education (for example, in Dentistry or Medicine) to begin working toward a PhD as they enter their fifth year (also called “Term 5”). This means students can overlap their final undergraduate studies with their PhD work, effectively reducing the total time needed to complete both degrees.
In total, it usually takes between 5 to 8 years to become a licensed dentist in Turkey. This includes the 5-year undergraduate degree and any additional years of specialized or postdoctoral training. Upon completion, graduates are well-prepared to obtain their professional dental license and begin practicing
Salary
The journey to becoming a dentist is long and demanding, but it often rewards professionals with a high salary. Dentists can explore various career paths, each offering different earning potentials. Below, we outline 6 different career options available after completing a dental degree:
- General Dentist
- Orthodontist
- Oral Surgeon
- Periodontist
- Endodontist
- Pediatric Dentist
Salary Range for Dentists
In Turkey, the starting salary for dentists typically begins at $70,000 per year, but with specialization and experience, it can rise to as much as $300,000 annually. The specific income depends on the chosen career path, level of expertise, and location of practice.
To read more in detail about the salary for each career path, refer to our article on the dentistry program in Turkey.
Conclusion
Becoming a dentist in Turkey takes at least 5 years, but the rewarding career path and future opportunities make it worthwhile. The right university can offer a life-changing experience with state-of-the-art labs, real patient internships, and top-tier academic staff. Choosing the best school is crucial, and StudyU is here to help. Our expert advisors will find the perfect university match for your goals, handling paperwork and deadlines so you can focus on your future.
Start shaping your academic journey by booking a free consultation with our study experts today!
