Haley / MZ – To address the growing emergency staff shortage, Saxony-Anhalt dentists will use new methods in the future: so that high school graduates with a middle grade point average can also begin training as dentists, with some young people training abroad in the future. The Saxony-Anhalte Association of Statutory Health Insurance Dentists (KZV) will offer twelve scholarships to study at the Hungarian University of Pax, starting this coming winter semester. “This is a breakthrough in dentistry,” said KZV CEO Joachen Schmidt.
Background: According to KZV, applicants up to Abitur grade point average 2.6 are also admitted to Hungarian universities. In German universities, on the other hand, the required average was between 3 1.3 and 1 1.1 This is a big hurdle for many, says Schmidt. The reason for the high demand in Germany is the widespread interest in the profession and the relatively small number of places of study. Schmidt said there are now about 16,000 applicants for 1,500 seats each year. “You don’t just find people who are inspired by their grades,” the dentist continued.
A tuition fee of 7,720 euros per semester will be paid
The State Association will therefore, along with health insurance companies, estimate the tuition fees of selected scholarship holders – according to KZD, these are currently 7,720 euros per semester. The funding period covers the standard period of study of ten semesters. However, there is a condition attached to this: Probable dentists promise to work at Saxony-Anhalt for at least five years after finishing their studies.
According to Schmidt, a member of the KZV board, the impetus for the offer is the impending supply of dental supplies to Saxony-Anhalt: According to the KZV, the average age of dentists in the state is about 54 years, and many will retire soon. “The wave of retirement is upon us. The problem will be huge. “
The method has already proven Saxony
The method has already proven itself. The state of Saxony is already struggling with a shortage of general practitioners in the state, with scholarship holders for Hungarian universities. Since 2013, the Ministry of Social Affairs, Dentists Association and health insurance companies have been paying fees for selected students here. The country has recently increased the number of scholarships from 20 to 40 per year. According to KZV, Pécs University degrees are recognized in Germany without any problems. “There are a lot of talented young people out there,” Schmidt said. KZV accepts applications.