Dentistry and Dental Surgery is no doubt one of the most attractive courses that a science student can apply to study at any of the Universities offering the course. Admission can be competitive, so it’s crucial to understand the requirements clearly.
The course is open to both O’Level and Direct Entry Students. O’Level students need to provide their WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB results, while Direct Entry students can apply with a National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), or Bachelor’s degree.
What is Dentistry and Dental Surgery?
Dentistry and Dental Surgery involve the study and practice of oral health care, focusing on diagnosing, preventing, and treating various dental conditions and diseases. Dentists and dental surgeons work on maintaining and improving the overall oral health of patients, performing procedures such as teeth cleaning, fillings, extractions, and surgeries when necessary.
Why Should I Study Dentistry and Dental Surgery as a Course?
Studying Dentistry and Dental Surgery equips you to become an oral health expert, providing essential care, preventing dental issues, and making a positive impact on patients’ well-being.
Additionally, you will gain meaningful international skills by studying Dentistry, ensuring employability worldwide. Dentists enjoy competitive salaries, with the potential for higher earnings in consultant roles, providing an attractive incentive for pursuing this field.
Dentistry provides the opportunity to work closely in the community, enhancing not only your dentistry skills but also your social skills. Graduates enjoy excellent job prospects, often securing professional positions within six months of completing the course.
Note: Please be aware that the requirements listed below may vary in some schools. In such cases, referring to the PDF version of the JAMB Brochure for accurate information is recommended.
O’Level Requirements to Study Dentistry and Dental Surgery
To study Dentistry and Dental Surgery programs at any University offering the course in Nigeria, applicants are required to have obtained five (5) SSCE credit passes in English Language, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics.
Direct Entry Requirements to Study Dentistry and Dental Surgery
- Three (3) ‘A’ level passes to include Chemistry, Biology/Zoology and Physics.
- National Diploma (ND) or Higher National Diploma (HND) in relevant programmes with either an upper or lower credit respectively.
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification with a minimum of Lower Credit.
Jamb Subject Combination for Dentistry and Dental Surgery
- English
- Chemistry
- Biology
- One (1) other Science subject
Universities that Offer Dentistry and Dental Surgery
- BAYERO: Bayero University, Kano
- BENIN: University of Benin, Benin City
- CALABAR: University of Calabar, Calabar
- IBADAN: University of Ibadan, Ibadan
- JOS: University of Jos, Jos
- LAGOS: University of Lagos, Lagos
- LASU: Lagos State University, Lagos
- MAIDUGURI: University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri
- OAU: Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife
- OSUMS: Osun State University, Osogbo
- PHC: University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt
- UNN: University of Nigeria, Nsukka
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is Dentistry and Dental Surgery a Science course?
Yes, Dentistry and Dental Surgery is a Science course. In most Nigerian Universities, it falls under the Faculty of Medical, Pharmaceutical, and Health Sciences.
Can Commercial or Arts Students Study Dentistry and Dental Surgery?
No, Commercial or Art Students will not be able to study Dentistry and Dental Surgery due to the requirements in relevant science subjects. Nevertheless, students aspiring to pursue the course, regardless of whether they come from a commercial or arts background, should review the university’s unique entry criteria to which they intend to apply to. Some institutions may stipulate specific subject requirements for admission, and candidates may meet these criteria in the special consideration tab.
What Jobs can I apply for after studying Dentistry and Dental Surgery?
After completing a degree in Dentistry and Dental Surgery, individuals can pursue careers as Dentists, Dental Surgeons, Orthodontists, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, Periodontists, Endodontists, Prosthodontists, and Dental Hygienists, specializing in various aspects of oral health and care.
How many years does it take to Study Dentistry and Dental Surgery?
It takes a minimum of 6 years to earn a degree in Dentistry and Dental Surgery. However, if you are a direct entry student, this should take at least 5 years since you are more likely to start from the 200 Level.
How challenging is it to gain admission to study Dentistry and Dental Surgery at Nigerian universities?
Dentistry and Dental Surgery is highly competitive. Admission into these programs is usually based on a combination of high academic performance, particularly in the relevant science subjects, as well as success in entrance examinations like the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and sometimes post-UTME screenings conducted by the individual universities.
What is the cut-off mark for Dentistry and Dental Surgery?
Students who score at least 140 in the JAMB UTME are eligible to participate in the POST UTME as part of the requirements for applying to study Dentistry and Dental Surgery in their chosen universities.
Note: Understand that the conditions mentioned above might differ in some universities. In such instances, it is advisable to check the PDF version of the JAMB Brochure for precise details. You can also access Jamb Subject Combination for other courses.
