Requirements To Study Dentistry In Namibia

What is dentistry?

Dentistry, also known as dental medicine and oral medicine, is a branch of medicine that consists of the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions of the oral cavity (the mouth), commonly in the dentition (development and arrangement of teeth) as well as the oral mucosa, and of adjacent and related structures and tissues, particularly in associated maxillofacial (jaw and facial) area.

These are the requirement to study dentistry in Namibia

To apply for the BChD degree, a candidate must be enrolled in Grade 12 studying towards a NSSC certificate or in possession of a NSSC certificate or any other equivalent qualification with at least Admission Requirements

For the BChD, a candidate must be enrolled in Grade 12 studying towards a NSSC (Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate) or any other equivalent qualification with at least 35 points on the UNAM scale with a grade 2 or better on higher level or a grade B or better on ordinary level for Mathematics and Physical Sciences, and a grade B or better on ordinary level for Biology and English (please refer to the scale used by the University to calculate the UNAM score);

OR

A candidate must have successfully completed the entire first year of the BSc curriculum with at least a score of 60% in each of the Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry and Physics modules;

OR

A candidate must have successfully completed a relevant degree program in Health Science.
(“Relevant” means any degree requiring the same Grade 12 subjects as the BChD, i.e. Mathematics Higher level, Physical Science Higher level, Biology Ordinary level and English Ordinary level).

Mature Entry: Candidates aspiring for admission to the BChD through the Mature Age Entry Scheme must satisfy the following conditions:
They should be at least 25 years old on the first day of the academic year in which admission is sought

They should have successfully completed senior secondary education
They should have proof of at least five years related work experience (as determined by the School)
They should pass the prescribed Mature Age Entry Test and obtain a minimum aggregate score of 60%
Candidates, who, in the opinion of the Faculty, merit further consideration, may be called for an oral interview before the final selection is made.
Essay Writing

An applicant can be required to submit an essay on a topic or topics determined by the Admissions Committee of the School of Medicine. (The main objective of an essay so demanded of an applicant, besides evaluating one’s writing skills and ability of formulating thoughts, is to gauge the candidate’s potential as a health service provider to support the sick and disabled.).

Frequently Asked Questions

What subjects are needed to become a dentist in Namibia?

Most dentists obtain an undergraduate degree before completing a four-year dental program and earning a doctoral degree in dental medicine or dental surgery. While no specific undergraduate degree is required, students commonly take science courses in biology, anatomy, chemistry, and microbiology.

What subjects do you need to study dentistry?

To become a dentist, a high school student would need the following subjects, all on the higher grade: Maths, chemistry, biology, and AP Physics. Other subjects that will be accepted are Physical science and Math Literature. A minimum pass rate of 50 is required to enroll into a dental bachelor’s degree program.

How many points do I need to become a dentist in Namibia?

Admission requirements for the bachelor of dental surgery are a valid Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate (NSSC) or other equivalent qualification with at least 35 points on the Unam scale. Applicants should have a 2 or better on higher level or a B or better on ordinary level for mathematics and physical science.

How long does it take to study dentistry in Namibia?

The minimum duration for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BChD) degree is five years. The BChD degree must be completed within seven (7) years of full-time study unless there is an exceptionally motivated reason.

Do you need maths for dentistry?

Chemistry, biology and either maths or physics (or both) will keep all dentistry courses open to you. If you don’t take maths or physics but do take chemistry and biology, most courses will accept you.

Is studying dentistry hard?

Dentistry requires hard working and intelligent candidates and can be a tough profession to gain access to. Students are advised to check with their university and desired courses to ensure they understand the UCAS entry points for their course and their dentistry degree requirements.

Are dentist in demand in Namibia?

Ongoing research linking oral health and general health will continue to increase the demand for preventive dental services. As dental practices grow, more dental assistants will be needed.

How much does a dentist make in Namibia?

A person working as a Dentist in Namibia typically earns around 42,200 NAD per month. Salaries range from 22,000 NAD (lowest) to 64,600 NAD (highest). This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Dentist salaries vary drastically based on experience, skills, gender, or location.

What are the qualifications for a dentist?

To become a dentist you usually have to complete a degree in dentistry, dental science or dental surgery at university. Alternatively, you can complete a degree in a related field followed by a postgraduate qualification in dentistry, dental surgery or dental medicine.

How do I become an orthodontist in Namibia?

It typically takes a total of 10 to 11 years before they are certified and licensed to practice; that’s about four years at an accredited undergraduate school, four years at an accredited dental school and two to three years in an accredited orthodontics residency program.

Does dentistry require physics?

The prerequisite courses to be included in the two years at university are full year equivalents in biology, English, general or inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and half year equivalents in statistics and biochemistry.

Is dentistry harder than pharmacy?

By far dental school is harder to get into and have stricter requirements and also there aren’t much dental schools out there compared to pharmacy schools. Dental students do have a more rigorous program, but that’s also because they are taking more classes at one time.

Is dentist harder than Doctor?

Both dental and medical schools have the same curriculum for the first 2 years. Medical school can be considered harder since students have to learn everything about human bodies, but it can be equally difficult to study exhaustively only one area, which most of dental school students complain about.

What is a dentist degree called?

DDS — doctor of dental surgery. DMD — doctor of dental medicine. Indicates the degree awarded upon graduation from dental school to become a general dentist. There is no difference between the two degrees; dentists who have a DMD or DDS have the same education.

Can you become a dentist without going to university?

While dental schools may accept applicants with any undergraduate focus, a strong background in science is necessary. Some schools offer pre-dental or pre-healthcare bachelor’s degrees. Other colleges may describe a suggested course of study within a more general biology program.