Application

The six-semester Bachelor programme in Dental Hygiene (BA), due to its specific working conditions and admission requirements, is primarily aimed at the target markets of Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.

In principle, students must meet the admission requirements according to § 63 of the Austrian Universities Act (UG 2002), i.e. in accordance with § 64 UG, they must provide proof of the "general university entrance qualification," a "European Matura certificate," or an "equivalent qualification" (e.g. Abitur, International Baccalaureate). In addition, a subject-specific professional qualification with work experience is required. This includes completed training as a dental assistant/prophylaxis assistant (or a comparable qualification, e.g. ZMF) with at least three years of professional practice.

All applicants without a university entrance qualification are invited to take an entrance examination at the Danube Private University (DPU). The examination consists of an essay from the relevant subject area, a written single-choice test in chemistry, biology, and psychology, as well as an interview with the candidates conducted by members of the examination board on a subject area of dental assistance. Preparation materials are provided for the entrance examination, and tutorials are held at the DPU.

An admission procedure is carried out, the focus of which is not the grade of the secondary school-leaving certificate, but a "Matura-plus concept." The aim of this admission procedure is to identify gifted and motivated applicants who are expected to be able and willing to learn independent scientific thinking, who are ethically motivated in pursuing the desired qualification, and who are ready and able to undergo a professional qualification programme while developing creativity and determination. International applicants, for example from the EU but also from other countries worldwide, are granted equal opportunities in accordance with legal regulations and provided that ENIC-NARIC conditions are met. The admission procedure is conducted according to the principle of an objectified, evidence-based selection process in several stages.

Admission Procedure – Process

1st Stage:
With the submission of the application documents, the first stage involves the verification of formal requirements according to §§ 63/64 UG 2002 for the Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene (BA):

preliminary application form,
CV with passport photo,
certificate of completed training as a dental assistant/prophylaxis assistant (or comparable qualification, e.g. ZMF),
proof of at least three years of professional practice in this field,
certified copy of the secondary school leaving certificate*,
proof of sufficient German language skills, at least at level B2**.

* If the general university entrance qualification is not available, successful completion of the university entrance examination at the DPU is required as an admission prerequisite.

** For applicants from abroad.

Please send your application documents to: Danube Private University (DPU), Steiner Landstraße 124, 3500 Krems an der Donau, Austria, or via e-mail to: Anita.Wimmer@DP-Uni.ac.at.

2nd Stage:
After a positive assessment of the application documents, applicants are invited to take a written entrance test (single choice), a personal individual interview, and a practical examination (this may be waived with corresponding evidence of practice) at the DPU.

The written examination focuses on the type and scope of knowledge in the fields of prevention, resources and process management, and knowledge transfer.

The interview explores the applicant’s personal maturity, motivation for career choice, communication skills, conflict management abilities, and social competence.

As part of the practical examination on the phantom, the manual skills required for the treatment process are assessed.

3rd Stage:
The examination board compiles a ranking list of all applicants and informs the DPU Rectorate of the number and details of suitable applicants for study place allocation according to the annual admission capacity.

Recognition of externally acquired achievements

The admissions committee may recognise previously acquired academic achievements provided that the attainment of the final competencies is ensured. Credits may be awarded for achievements obtained at a recognised European university or at a training institution of a dental chamber.