So far this year, 302 people have received study support to study dentistry abroad.
According to CSN, the figures show a significant increase since 2004. Then there were 32 people who received study support for dental studies abroad – now the figure is almost ten times higher.
Poya chose to study in Lithuania
One reason is believed to be higher entry requirements and limited education places in Sweden. For Poya Esmailpoor, this is precisely the reason behind his choice to study dentistry in Lithuania.
– I could not fulfill the admission requirements in Sweden, he says.
Hear him tell more about dental education abroad in the video.
316 training places for dentists in Sweden
In total, there are 316 education places for the dental program at the four schools in the country. In addition, there are 48 places for a one-year supplementary education for dentists with degrees from countries outside the EU/EEA.
– The dimensioning in terms of the number of training places for dentists is not something that the universities themselves can decide on, but is decided by the state, says Peter Lingström, professor at the Sahlgrenska Academy in Gothenburg who is responsible for one of the Swedish dental training courses.
Lack of dentists in 17 of Sweden’s regions
According to National Planning Support, there is a shortage of dentists in 17 of the country’s regions, including Värmland.
– Yes, we have a certain shortage in some places in the county, but we probably belong to the regions that are doing relatively well, says Åke Ericsson, HR strategist at Folktandvården Värmland.