La Sapienza University is the newest addition to Italian institutions that now offer an entirely English dentistry programme. Starting in 2022 Sapienza not only has a medicine in English programme, but now a brand new international dentistry course. The only other university in Italy to offer this unique opportunity is Sienas dentistry in English programme which we’ve written an in depth guide about.
Next to Siena University, which we talked about in a dedicated article, from 2022 it is possible to find a dentistry programme in English at Sapienza University of Rome.
How Many Seats Are There in Sapienza Dentistry?
| EU Seats | EU Final Score | Non-EU Seats | Non-EU Final Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2023 |
19 |
38.7 |
6 |
59.1 |
|
2024 |
19 |
TBA |
6 |
TBA |
In 2023 there were only 6 spots available for candidates from non-EU countries residing abroad, with a cutoff score of 59.1 in the IMAT, making it considerably competitive. For EU candidates, 19 spots were available, with a cutoff score of 38.7.
We have written a detailed article on how many seats are available for each course, as well as everything you need to know about the IMAT.
Why Study Dentistry in Sapienza?
First, let’s consider why studying dentistry in Italy could be the right choice. As widely known, universities in Italy are significantly prestigious, ancient and with high-quality teaching, not to mention that Italy is an amazing country to live in, not only because of its food and culture, but also due to its history and the wide variety of places to explore.
Moreover, the Italian healthcare system is incredibly efficient and advanced and, contrary to what one might think given the low tuition fees for dentistry and medicine in english, these programmes have strong foundations and their graduates are licensed to work in Italy, Europe, and globally, as they exceed the standards of most countries.
Sapienza is located in the heart of Rome, one of the most famous cities in the world, with the university itself being the biggest in Europe. The opportunities offered by studying here are unparalleled.
What’s the Structure of Dentistry at Sapienza?
As previously mentioned, Sapienza University is relatively new to offering this course, so many details may change in the next years, but below you can find the overall course curriculum of all six years.
1st Year
- Medical Physics
- Chemistry and Introduction to Biochemistry
- Biology and Genetics
- Human Anatomy
- Basic Medical Scientific Methods
- Biology and Genetics
- Histology and Embryology
- Human Anatomy
- Basic Medical Scientific Methods
- Biochemistry
2nd Year
- Principles of Dentistry
- Occupational Medicine and Healthcare Management
- Physiology
- General Pathology
- Microbiology and Hygiene
- Biochemistry
- Principles of Dentistry
- Physiology
- General Pathology
- Microbiology and Hygiene
3rd year
- Dental Materials and Prosthetic and Laboratory Technologies
- Medical Sciences
- Diagnostic Imaging and Radiotherapy
- Pathological Anatomy
- Pharmacology
- Oral Pathology and Dermatology
- Dental Materials and Prosthetic and Laboratory Technologies
- Medical Sciences
- Pathological Anatomy
- Pharmacology
- Oral Pathology and Dermatology
4th year
- Neurology and Psychiatry
- Dental Prosthodontics
- Forensic Medicine
- Orthodontics
- Restorative Dentistry
- Periodontology
- Surgical Sciences
- Gnathology
- Oral Surgery
- Dental Prosthodontics
- Orthodontics
- Restorative Dentistry
- Periodontology
- Surgical Sciences
- Gnathology
- Oral Surgery
5th year
- Orthodontics
- Restorative Dentistry
- Oral Implantology
- Prosthetic and Periodontal Rehabilitation
- Maxillo-Facial Pathology and Therapy
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Restorative Dentistry
- Oral Implantology
- Maxillo-Facial Pathology and Therapy
- Pediatric Dentistry
6th year
- Integrated Oral and Dental Therapy
- TPV Odontostomatological Disciplines I
- TPV Odontostomatological Disciplines II
- Integrated Oral and Dental Therapy
- ADE
- Final Exam
For more information, we recommend visiting Sapienza’s course catalogue page.
Class Timetable of Sapienza Dentistry
The academic calendar for the first year at Sapienza University typically has classes from November/December until the end of January for the first semester, and from April until mid-June for the second semester. Exam sessions are usually held in February, June, July, and September. From the second year onwards, classes in the autumn semester start a few weeks earlier.
However, depending on when the Ministry of Education schedules the IMAT exam, classes (and consequently, exam sessions) in the first year may start with a delay of 1 or 2 months. For example, in the 2023-2024 academic year, classes continued until early July.
Below, you can find an example of the calendar for the second semester.
Classes (which are in person) are held both in the morning and afternoon and the schedule varies a lot based on the day of the week. Some days have around 8 hours of lessons from 9am to 8pm (yeah, you read it right, 8pm!!) with a 1.5-hour lunch break, while other days may have 4 or 5 hours.
In the first year, classes are the same as the one of medical students. In the second year, however, dentistry and medical students will have separate schedules.
Again, the class timetable for dentistry at Sapienza University varies each semester, so it’s important to stay updated via the university website.
Facilities in Sapienza Dental School
Sapienza University offers many facilities, with most classes held at the main campus (Piazzale Aldo Moro) and some in the dentistry building. Being the number of students admitted pretty low in the course, each student has the chance to use their own microscope in labs, and the classrooms are in good condition. The small number of students also allows a closer relationship with professors. As for libraries, they are very well-maintained but extremely crowded during exam sessions.
How do the Exams Work in Sapienza Dentistry?
The winter exam session usually starts in February, but as previously mentioned, there could be a delay in the first year based on when the Ministry of Education schedules the IMAT exam. The summer session goes from mid-June until the end of the July. It also includes September for those who couldn’t complete their exams in July, while August is a complete month off. For each exam in a session, there are typically 2 different dates available to choose from.
Below is an example of the exam session calendar of the 1st year.
As for the modality of exams, it is split between both oral exams and written exams and really varies depending on the professor or the subject, but currently there are more oral exams. A subject can be divided into 2 different parts (written and oral exam), once you pass the written part, you can do the oral one. This latter usually goes into more detail on the topics. Furthermore, there could also be written mid-terms, sometimes 2 per class, and if you pass them you can skip the oral exam.
We suggest you read our dedicated article to better understand how exams work in an Italian university.
Clinical Experience for International Dentistry Students
The actual practical experience begins in the 4th year, but already in the 2nd year, you will start doing practical things such as taking dental impressions (of other students, not real patients). To participate effectively in the clinical practice during the 4th year, you are expected to know Italian. Sapienza University offers free Italian classes, but the schedule can be demanding if you attend all your dentistry courses. Moreover, internships are a required part of the programme.
What are the Tuition Fees for Sapienza University?
The tuition fees for international students at Sapienza University depend on your country of origin and income and range from €300 EUR to €1500 EUR per year. If you receive any deductions via scholarship, fees are different. For more detailed information about fees based on your country, you can visit Sapienza’s Tuition Fees Section.
As just mentioned, like every public Italian university, fees at Sapienza University also depend on your financial situation, so if you’re able to provide the documents stating your (or your family) income, the Italian system is usually pretty generous.
Are there Scholarship Options for Sapienza?
As stated on Sapienza’s course page, the tuition fees are based on both the student’s family income (as shown by the ISEE), and on academic merit, and as it is a public university, it will generally offer the same benefits to its students. We have written a guide to scholarships in Italy for international students if you need more information!
How much does Accommodation Cost in Rome?
A room in a shared apartment not too far from the University campus (in the areas of Policlinico, San Lorenzo, Piazza Bologna, Tiburtina, Pigneto and Piazzale delle Province), which is close to all amenities, could cost around €450 EUR a month (no bills included). Bills usually cost around €50 EUR a month. For a one-room apartment, instead, there’s nothing available for less than €600 EUR a month.
As for the housing provided by the university, like most other universities, Sapienza doesn’t have private dorms (LazioDisco, however, can provide free housing to students who qualify for a scholarship), but works with companies (such as Sturent.it) to help students find accommodation. In general, most students opt for finding housing privately on Facebook, or via sites such as Easystanza, Spotahome or Immobiliare.
Finally, to better understand the requirements and how to enroll in Sapienza University’s dentistry course, we recommend reviewing the call for applicants.