NARIC guide on Higher Education Systems in the European Union

Structure of studies, curricula, examinations
Dentistry training is uniformly governed country-wide in the law on dental practice and the regulations governing the
licensing of dentists issued on the basis of this law. It consists of:
at least 10 semesters (five years) of studies in dentistry;
successful completion of the following State examinations:
(i) the pre-degree science examination (Naturwissenschaftliche Prüfung)
(ii) the pre-degree dentistry examination (Zahnärztliche Vorprüfung)
(iii) the degree examination in dentistry (Zahnärztliche Prüfung).
Dental studies are divided up into a pre-clinical and a clinical part of five semesters (two and half years) each and involve
both theoretical and practical training. The regulations governing the licensing of dentists stipulate compulsory courses
(lectures, practical courses, etc.). The various institutions of higher education are free to offer other courses as well.
(a) On registering for the pre-degree science examination, students must document that they:
have studied dentistry in accordance with regulations for at least two semesters at a German university;
have regularly attended a course of lectures in either zoology or biology for one semester and lecture courses in both
physics and chemistry for two semesters, completing them successfully;
have regularly attended a practical course in chemistry for one semester, completing it successfully.
(b) On registration for the pre-degree examination in dentistry, students must document that they:
have studied dentistry for at least five semesters;
have passed the pre-degree science examination;
have attended lectures on histology and embryology, physiol- ogy, physiological chemistry, materials science and
anatomy; and
have regularly attended and successfully completed a course in practical anatomy, a practical in physiology and
physiological chemistry, a course in microscopy and anatomy, a technical preparatory course, and courses in dental
prosthesis.