Dentists examine patients, assess dental health, and diagnose diseases of the teeth, mouth, and jaw. They determine therapeutic measures, perform dental treatments and preventive examinations, and document diagnoses and treatment progress. Additionally, they advise patients on ways to prevent dental and jaw diseases or damage.
Most dentists work in private dental practices and dental clinics. At universities and research institutions, they are involved in the field of dental, oral, and maxillofacial medicine. Health departments, the armed forces, or private companies such as pharmaceutical firms also offer additional career opportunities. Dentists may also work for dental associations or statutory health insurance organizations.
The Career Service’s "What’s Next?" page provides a comprehensive overview of potential career paths and fields of activity, along with interviews with alumni from Goethe University.
Continuing Education
Dentists can pursue specialization as a dental specialist in oral surgery, orthodontics, or public health. Some state dental associations also offer additional specialization options, such as dental specialist in periodontology or general dentistry. Becoming a specialist in oral and maxillofacial surgery requires dual licensure in dentistry and medicine. During the training period (at least 3–4 years), candidates must fulfill an extensive performance catalog and pass an exam at the end. Specialist dental training is independent of the university and takes place full-time—meaning it is completed alongside corresponding paid dental work.
Postgraduate master’s programs, such as those in implantology, are typically part-time (and often fee-based).