In the first and second years of the bachelor’s program—similar to the medical program—students are taught the fundamentals of the humanities and natural sciences, as well as basic medical knowledge. A distinctive feature of the program in Basel is the early exposure to dentistry, including through courses such as “Everyday Life in Dentistry”, “Project-Based Learning” (1st BSY) as well as the advanced course „Dental Medicine“ in the 2nd grade of BSY.

In the third year of the bachelor’s program, the focus is on practical clinical training. In the basic dental science courses and phantom courses, students learn essential skills. In a modern phantom lab with 32 stations, treatment procedures are simulated on phantom heads. At the same time, students gain knowledge of materials in the dental technology lab and independently fabricate dentures, crowns, and bridges.

The training is supplemented by practical courses in orthodontics, suturing, and anesthesia, as well as a radiology course that covers the basics of radiation protection and radiological diagnostics. Upon passing the exam, the trainee is granted authorization to perform X-rays.

During the spring semester, students apply their knowledge in a practical setting and treat their first patients. In addition, starting in their third year of the bachelor’s program and throughout the master’s program, they regularly assist with surgeries and emergencies as part of the outpatient clinic’s on-call duty.

Theoretical instruction is integrated with practical training through numerous lectures. The skills acquired are assessed through twelve major exams (in the areas of conservative dentistry and restorative dentistry) as well as through semester exams. The bachelor’s program is successfully completed upon earning the required credits and passing the exams.

The University Center for Dental Medicine Basel (UZB) has 87 treatment rooms spread across five floors. In the student clinic, students have access to 24 modern treatment rooms where they can treat patients independently under supervision.

Two students form a team and share a treatment room for two years. Together, they manage their own patient base and independently organize treatment and administrative tasks.

Clinical training is provided in the fields of cariology, endodontology, and periodontology (PEK), as well as in restorative dentistry (prosthodontics).

Several half-days a week, students acquire practical core competencies in all key areas of dentistry.

Lectures, seminars, and case presentations complement daily clinical practice. In addition, students gain insights into orthodontics, the triage service, and oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University Hospital of Basel.

During their clinical training, students complete several practical clinical assessments. The program culminates in practical and oral examinations, following which students are admitted to the federal dental examination.