Dentistry plays an important role in our lives because it eliminates oral and dental diseases that pose a threat to human physical health. Foreign students turn to Malaysia to obtain dental courses due to the strength of the academic programs, and also because the universities are recognized by the International Education Authority, and this guarantees the student Obtaining an accredited certificate with which one can work in any developed or developing country in the world.
Advantages of studying dentistry in Malaysia
Studying dentistry in Malaysia offers several advantages, making it an appealing option for both local and international students. Here are some key benefits:
High-quality education
Graduating from a recognized Malaysian dental school can provide pathways to practice dentistry in various countries, especially within the ASEAN region and beyond, depending on the accreditation of the program.
Affordable tuition fees
English-Medium Instruction
Malaysian dental schools often have modern facilities and equipment, providing students with hands-on experience in a clinical setting that mirrors real-world practice.
Diverse cultural environment
Research opportunities
Networking opportunities
Rapidly growing healthcare sectors
Supportive environment
What subjects are needed to study dentistry in Malaysia?
The duration of a degree in dentistry is at least 5 years and is generally divided into two parts.
The first part: lasting from 2 to 2.5 years, concerns pre-clinical training placed in an academic environment. It requires you to learn basic medical sciences, such as anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, oral biology, medical microbiology, pathology, and pharmacology. This will give you a good grounding in dentistry, as well as the structure and function of the human body in general.
The second part, which consists of the remaining years of your degree, concerns clinical training. During your clinical training, you will receive training in teaching hospitals or clinical schools. This is to enhance your knowledge, to be able to make initial contact with patients and prescribe their treatment.
Read more: Things to know before studying abroad
What are the top 5 universities to study dentistry in Malaysia? (Recognized by the Malaysian Dental Council)
1. International Medical University (IMU)
Students can choose to undertake a full 5-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree at IMU or spend the first years at IMU and then move on to prestigious universities abroad.
Program Name: Bachelor of Dental Surgery.
Program duration: 5 years.
Indicative annual fees:
Malaysian students: RM119,600
Non-Malaysian students: RM130,800.
2. SEGi University
SEGi University's Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is a five-year program that aims to graduate competent dental practitioners.
Program Name: Bachelor of Dental Surgery.
Program duration: 5 years.
Indicative annual fees for Malaysian students: RM70,220 but for Non-Malaysian students: RM73, RM210
3. MAHSA University College
At the end of this program, students will have been able to carry out various dental tasks, from basic dental procedures such as extractions
From dental and oral defect repair to complex procedures such as root canal treatment and dental implants.
Program Name: Doctorate in Dental Surgery.
Program duration: 5 years.
Indicative annual fees for Malaysian students: RM76,320
4. Melaka-Manipal Medical College (mmmc)
It provides pioneering medical education that is the single largest contributor of doctors to the Malaysian healthcare system.
Program Name: Bachelor of Dental Surgery.
Program duration: 5 years.
Indicative annual fees for Malaysian students: RM54,500 but for Non-Malaysian students: RM62,100.
5. AIMST university
The five-year BDS program offered by Aimst University is a professional course to educate and train students to become world-class dental practitioners. The course uses a modern approach to dental education based on best educational practices in dental schools in Malaysia as well as internationally.
Program Name: Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Program duration: 5 years.
Indicative annual fees for Malaysian students: RM75,810.
In addition to other famous universities:
University of Malaya.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (ukm).
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
Penang International Dental College (pidc).
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How much time do you need to study dentistry in Malaysia?
The duration of study in dental programs varies depending on your level of study. The duration of the program is listed according to their levels of study:
Levels of study
Foundation/Diploma: 1-2 years.
Bachelor's degree: 4 - 5 years.
Master's degree: 3-4 years.
Doctoral degree: 2-6 years.
How much does it cost to study dentistry in Malaysia?
The cost of studying dentistry in Malaysia varies depending on each institution:
University | Degree | Tuition fees |
SEGi University | Bachelor of dental surgery | 16,340$ |
MAHSA University | Doctor of Dental surgery | 18,649$ |
Lincoln university | Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) | 14,000$ |
IMU | Bachelor dentistry | 31,142$ |
The average cost of studying dentistry in Malaysia is RM100,000 - RM130,000 annually depending on the university.
What are the job opportunities after completing dental studies?
Job opportunities after completing dental studies are not limited only to being a dentist, there are many jobs related to dentistry as well, such as:
Orthodontist.
Periodontist.
Oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
Cosmetic dentist.
Dental therapist.
Dental assistant.
Public dental hygienist.
Dental laboratory technician.
Working in government hospitals.
Private oral health clinics.
Government health services or community health centers.
Dental colleges and universities.
What are the most important basic skills for studying dentistry?
High concentration and attention to small details
Practical training
Good communication
Adaptability
Time management
Perseverance and determination
Communicate effectively with your patients to understand their oral conditions and problems so that appropriate treatment can be provided.
What are the educational paths to study dentistry in Malaysia?
The duration of a degree in dentistry is usually 5 years. However, just like the rest of the specialties, you will need to complete one year of compulsory service with the government before you can become a registered dentist and practice dentistry in Malaysia.
After that, you can choose to specialize in areas such as orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and periodontology. The specialization process usually takes 3 years.
It generally takes about 6 years to be a fully registered dentist (check the Malaysian Dental Council website for a list of registered dentists), and another 3 years to become a specialist!
Read more: Study Dentistry in Cyprus
What are the admission requirements for colleges to study dentistry in Malaysia?
Below are the minimum academic qualifications required to obtain a degree in dentistry, as set by the Malaysian Dental Council.
1. Minimum level of study requirements
stpm “Malaysian Higher School Certificate” or the minimum passing level by obtaining the following grades
(bbb / abc / aac) in the subject: biology + chemistry + physics or mathematics
2. Australian Secondary School Certificate (SAM or AUSMAT) You will need either:
(1) Average of 80% (or equivalent to Level B) in:
Biology + Chemistry + Physics or Mathematics,
or
(2)atar 80.0 “Australian Tertiary Acceptance Ranking” including:
Biology + Chemistry + Physics or Mathematics.
3. SPM/O Levels (Malaysian Certificate of Education)
Pass 5 credit hours in Bahasa Melayu, Mathematics, Science and two other subjects in
(Biology, Chemistry and Physics/Mathematics).
4. Foundation / Pre-University / High School Certificate
CGPA 3.0 in 3 subjects (biology, chemistry, physics or mathematics)
5. International Baccalaureate (ib)
A minimum of 30 points in two science or mathematics subjects.
6. Diploma certificate
Diploma in Health Sciences with a cumulative GPA of 3.5.
7. English language requirements
IELTS: minimum 6.0
TOEFL: 550 paper-based test.
muet: (English language test in Malaysian universities) with a minimum of reaching the fourth range, i.e. an average of (180 to 219 degrees).
Conclusion
Study dentistry in Malaysia as Malaysia plays an important role in university education and is one of the developing countries that has gained great popularity among international and foreign students.
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