How to become a dentist in Egypt
The health of the mouth is essential to the general health of the body. The mouth is a major access route through which things enter the body. Studies have shown that diseases relating to the teeth and gums can be pointers to some health challenges. Thus, taking good care of the mouth can help prevent bad breath, tooth decay and gum diseases.
Dentistry is an interesting aspect of medical profession that is concerned with the study, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity. Dentists ensure that the clients have good oral health. Dental doctors are trained to provide dental care to the clients.
Is There Any Difference Between Medicine and Dentistry?
The answer is yes! Medical care is different from dental care. The difference is typified by the kind of trainings they receive. Whereas medical doctors are trained to address broader health concern, dentists are specialists trained to treat oral diseases and concerns.
Despite the differences, both healthcare professionals have some common responsibilities. In some cases, both professionals are required to work together during oral surgery due to trauma.
Who is a Dentist?
Otherwise called a dental doctor, a dentist is a specialized medical professional concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of the teeth, gums and other related mouth parts. A dental doctor helps develop better oral hygiene regimens. In addition, a dentist will encourage patients to practice good dental care because the health of the mouth is vital for the general overall health of the body.
Within this area of specialty in medicine, there are other specific areas too. These other areas will generally require advanced trainings. As a dentist in Egypt, you can delve into any of these specialties: endodontics, orthodontics, prosthodontics, paediatric dentists, etc. There are a number of accredited private and public universities in Egypt that have school of dentistry for your undergraduate dental training. Most public Egyptian universities give bachelor, masters and doctoral degree in all areas of dentistry.
What Does a Dentist Do?
As a dentist in Egypt, you will use a variety of equipment to provide adequate dental healthcare to your clients. Most of these equipment include x-ray machines, mouth mirrors, probes, forceps, brushes, scalpels, drills, etc.
Typically, as a dentist, you will perform the following responsibilities:
- Remove decay from the patients’ teeth and drill
- Repair cracked or fractured teeth
- Educate clients about diets and other aspects of dental care
- Perform tooth extraction and other minor surgeries
- Prescribe medications as necessary
How to Become a Dentist in Egypt
To become a dentist in Egypt, you must be licensed by the State. Before you can obtain the license, you must graduate from an accredited dental programme from the University and pass the prescribed written and clinical examines.
Below are the steps to follow to become a dentist in Egypt:
1. Get a Solid Science Background
If you want to become a dentist in Egypt, you need to have a solid science foundation from high school. Dentistry is a science based discipline. You need a solid foundation particularly in biology and chemistry.
2. Get Trained at an Accredited Dental School
With your high scores in Thanaweyyah A’ama (or Tawjihi, secondary school certificate) or any other equivalent High School Degree (IGCSe, GSCE, Abitur, IB, French BACC, National High School Certificate from Arab Countries). Only scientific science certificate can be used to apply to any of the accredited dental schools to be trained as a dentist. You will spend five years in the dental school for your dental training. At the end of the programme, you will be awarded a Bachelors of Dental Surgery (B.D.S) degree. Further, at the conclusion of course, you must obtain registration and licensing certificate from the Dental Board of Egypt. I’ll provide you with list of some of the accredited universities in Egypt where you can be trained.
Another 2-3 years of postgraduate training is required if you want to be specialized in any of the areas in dentistry. Most public universities give bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees in all areas of dentistry.
3. Get One Year Practical Experience
After your dental training, you will have to get a one year practical experience at a dental facility or public hospital. There are a number of dental facilities in Egypt where you can get this compulsory practical experience from.
4. Join the Egyptian Dental Syndicate
After your dental training and the compulsory one year practical experience, you will have to join the Egyptian Dental Syndicate, a body regulated by the Egyptian Ministry of Health. Note that you cannot practice as a dentist in Egypt if you are not enrolled in the Syndicate.
If you did not have your dental training in Egypt, you will have to apply to the Egyptian Ministry of Health to see if there is any exams you will be required to write before you can be enrolled in the syndicate.
5. Begin Practicing Dentistry in Egypt
After you have obtained your license, you can now begin to practice dentistry in Egypt. You can apply as a dentist to any of the existing dental facilities, if you want to join an existing firm. Otherwise, you can acquire your own dental equipment and set up your dental clinic.
Summary
In summary, to become a dentist in Egypt, you need to
- Have a good science background.
- Get a five years training to obtain your Bachelor of Dental Surgery (B.D.S) degree from an accredited dental school. Also, obtain a practicing license to from the Dental Board of Egypt.
- Get another 2-3 years postgraduate program if you want to be specialized in any area of dentistry.
- Get a one year compulsory practical experience from the hospital or dental facility
- Join the Egyptian Dental Syndicate
- Start practicing as a dentist.
Some Public Schools of Dentistry
- Alexandria University Faculty of Dentistry
- Cairo University School of Oral and Dental Medicine
- Ain Shams University
- Faculty of Dentistry Al-Azhar University- males (Cairo, Assiut)
- Faculty of Dentistry Al-Azhar University- females (Cairo)
- Faculty of Oral and Dental medicine, Cairo University
- Faculty of Oral and Dental medicine, Assuit University
Some Private Schools of Dentistry
- Badr University in Cairo School of Dentistry
- British University in Egypt Faculty of Dentistry
- Misr International University Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine
- October 6 University (O6U)Faculty of Dentistry
- Delta University for Science and Technology Faculty of Dentistry
- Misr University for Science and Technology Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine
- Nahda University Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine
- New Giza UniversityFaculty of Oral and Dental Medicine
- Future University in EgyptFaculty of Oral and Dental Medicine
- Pharos University Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine
