How to Become a Dentist in Spain: Your Complete Guide (For EU & Non-EU Professionals)

Do you want to be a dentist in Spain? You’re not the only one! Spain is known for its nice weather, good food, and its modern healthcare system. Whether you’re a student just starting, or already a dentist hoping to move, this article is your full guide. Stick with me—by the end, you’ll know every step, what you need, and what to expect. You’ll see what might be hard and how to deal with it.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Why Consider Dentistry in Spain?

Spain isn’t just the place for sunshine and paella; it’s a great place for dental education and jobs. If you want a safe job helping others and like science, becoming a dentist here could be perfect.

Problem: The steps can feel confusing, with lots of forms and strict rules.

Agitate: You might be nervous about waiting for degree approval, high costs, or not speaking Spanish.

Solution: This guide gives you simple steps and real tips. We break down everything, so you’ll know what to do, if you’re starting fresh or coming from another country.

2. What Does a Dentist Do in Spain?

Dentists in Spain don’t just pull teeth—they help people smile! Here’s what a normal dentist may do each day:

• Find and fix holes in teeth or gum problems.
• Clean and polish teeth to keep them nice.
• Fit crowns, bridges, or braces—sometimes made by a dental ceramics lab.
• Teach patients how to brush and floss the right way.
• If you keep studying, you can become an orthodontist, oral surgeon, or even work in a removable denture lab.

Dentists are well respected in Spain. You can work in private clinics, public hospitals, or even have your own office.

Did you know? In Spain, you must join your local “Colegio Oficial de Odontólogos y Estomatólogos” (Official College of Dentists and Stomatologists) before you see patients.

3. How Can I Study Dentistry in Spain?

If you want to start in Spain, you need a degree called “Grado en Odontología.” This is a five-year university course (sometimes six).

What do you study? The study mixes basic and hands-on lessons. In the first years, you learn things like biology, chemistry, and body parts. Later, you help real patients, always with a teacher watching.

Here’s a quick table to show how long things take:

By the end, you’ll know about dental surgery, kids’ teeth, how to make crowns, and get good with your hands!

4. What Are the Admission Requirements for Dental Schools?

Getting into dental school in Spain is hard—especially at public schools. Here’s what you need, depending on where you’re from:

For Spanish and EU Students:

• You need a “Bachillerato” (Spanish high school diploma) or something similar.
• Everyone takes the “EBAU” university test. Public schools have a high passing grade called “nota de corte.” It’s often over 12.5 from 14!
• Apply during the official time (usually May–July).

For Non-EU Citizens:

• You must “homologate” your high school diploma. Spain checks if it matches theirs.
• You’ll need to take the “PCE”—a special test for students from other countries.
• Some courses are in English, but most want Spanish B2 or C1.
• There might be a personal chat or extra tests, especially in private schools.

Tips:

• Get your papers translated into Spanish before you apply.
• Check each university’s website for what to do and dates.

5. Where Can I Study Dentistry? Top Universities in Spain

Spain has about 25 dental schools—public and private. Public ones are much cheaper, but harder to get into.

Top Public Dental Schools:

• Universidad Complutense de Madrid
• Universitat de Barcelona
• Universitat de València
• Universidad de Sevilla
• Universidad de Granada

Top Private Dental Schools:

• Universidad Europea de Madrid
• Universidad CEU San Pablo
• Universitat Internacional de Catalunya (UIC Barcelona)
• Universidad Alfonso X El Sabio (UAX)

Public vs. Private: Private schools might offer more English classes and easier entrance. But they cost a lot more!

Tip: Some clinics work with a digital dental lab to use new dental technology.

6. How Much Does It Cost to Study Dentistry?

Money is important when picking a school. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Living Costs: Plan for €700–€1,200 monthly (for rent, food, travel).
• Scholarships: Some are out there, mostly at private schools. Ask as soon as you can!
• Application fees, books, clothes can add more costs.

Some schools even work with a china dental lab for advanced training.

7. How Can Dentists From Other Countries Work in Spain? (Homologación)

Are you already a dentist and asking, “Can I just work in Spain?” Not right away. You must do “homologación”—Spain needs to check your degree.

How long does it take?

• EU Dentists: The process is faster—because of EU deals. The Ministry of Health just checks your papers.
• Non-EU Dentists: You may need to wait 1–3 years or more. Your paperwork must be translated and approved. You might need extra tests or extra lessons if you missed something during your study.

Tips for a smoother journey:

• Make sure your original school is official.
• Get good translations for your papers.
• Start early. The wait can be long.

PAS in action:

• Problem: Most dentists can’t just start in Spain—paperwork is a must.
• Agitate: Waiting can make your dream job take longer.
• Solution: Start soon and follow a clear list of papers.

8. What Documents Do I Need to Be a Dentist in Spain?

What’s on your list? Most places want:

• Spanish or EU passport (or NIE if you live in Spain)
• Your university degree (plus homologación if needed)
• Proof you have no crimes from your country and Spain
• Valid professional insurance (about €300–€600/year)
• Proof you joined the “Colegio Oficial de Odontólogos y Estomatólogos”

If your Spanish isn’t strong yet, you may need to show a Spanish certificate (DELE/SIELE at B2 or C1).

Tip: Whether in a clinic, hospital, or your own place, these papers are needed.

9. What Is It Like Working as a Dentist in Spain?

Dentists in Spain work in many places—private clinics are most common, but some public health centers and hospitals also have dentists.

Job and Pay

• Starting Pay: €25,000–€35,000 yearly
• Experienced Dentist: €40,000–€70,000+ a year
• Self-employed or clinic owners can make more—especially if they do things like braces or implants.

The job market is growing, but there’s more competition in big cities. Small towns sometimes have more jobs for new dentists.

Wonder about special fields? Many go on to get a master’s in things like braces, surgery, or fixing teeth. Some even work with a zirconia lab for special tooth repair.

PAS in action:

• Problem: It’s tough to find work in crowded cities!
• Agitate: Big cities mean more competition.
• Solution: Look in smaller towns or try less common branches.

10. What If I Don’t Speak Spanish Very Well?

Speaking Spanish is super important if you want to be a dentist in Spain. While a few schools have English classes, you’ll need good Spanish to talk to patients, work with others, and follow the law.

• Needed Level: B2 or C1 is best.
• Proof: DELE or SIELE certificate.
• Tip: Start learning as early as you can! Even a few classes before you move will help.

Don’t let language keep you away! If you keep going, you’ll speak with patients soon.

11. What Should I Know About Visas and Living in Spain?

Visas:

• To study: Apply for a student visa before you arrive.
• To work: If you’re not from the EU, get a work permit and maybe a residence permit.

Living:

• Costs change by city. Madrid and Barcelona are more expensive than Valencia or Granada.
• Most students and young dentists share flats or use student housing.
• Spain has good public transport and good healthcare.

Insurance: You must have professional insurance before you start working.

Fun fact: Many young dentists join professional groups, go to dental meetings, and work with implant dental laboratory teams to learn from around the world.

Bullet Point Summary: Key Things to Remember

• Spain is a great place to become a dentist—but it takes preparing and paperwork.
• The main degree is the “Grado en Odontología” (usually 5 years).
• Getting in is harder at public schools, easier but more costly at private ones.
• Dentists from other countries must get their degree checked (homologación).
• You must join your local dental college before you work.
• Good Spanish is needed to work.
• You must have professional insurance, a clean crime record, and proper visas.
• Try less common fields or jobs in smaller towns for better chances.
• Spain’s dental world is modern, and you can keep learning—like working with new dental tech labs.
• Start early: learn Spanish, get your documents ready, and know the living costs and healthcare.

Reviewed by: Dr. Joe Dental, licensed dentist in Spain and college teacher.

If you’ve made it this far, you’re doing great! Every big smile starts with a first step. Don’t worry—Spain is waiting, and so are your future patients.