International Dental Exchange Experience of Bilingual Students: Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University

Students from the Bilingual Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Program at Thammasat University gained valuable international experience through a professional exchange at the University of Brescia, Italy. The program offered insights into different patient management systems and teaching approaches, while also enhancing cross-cultural competencies and opening doors to global career opportunities. This experience helps prepare students to become visionary dentists, ready to embrace future challenges with confidence.

International Dental Exchange Experience of Bilingual DDS

Students, Thammasat University

Gaining international professional training is a vital learning opportunity for sixth-year students of the Bilingual Doctor of Dental Surgery Program at Thammasat University. Recently, Ms. Manchuporn Pariwattanasak (Mind), a sixth-year dental student, returned from a two-week exchange program at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Brescia, Italy. Four fellow students from the program joined her. This initiative marks the fourth cohort of students that the faculty has sent abroad for international professional exchange.

What did you learn from studying at an international institution?

There are many things I would like to share. This experience truly broadened my perspective in dental education. Being exposed to a different teaching system gave me new insights. For example, in Italy, professors provide students with more opportunities to think and make decisions on their own. I believe this approach helps Italian students develop greater confidence in managing patients.

What aspects did you find different from your studies in Thailand?

Since my stay was relatively short, I didnt get to see everything. However, at the University of Brescia, they have an Emergency Shift system at night where students take turns on duty, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in managing emergency cases. Their system for clinical requirements also differs from Thailand, with each country having its own strengthsI cant really say which one I prefer. Another point I noticed is that students there begin clinical exposure earlier; from Year 3 they already work as assistants to senior students. This probably helps them become more familiar and confident with clinical work overtime.

What impressed you the most during this exchange?

What impressed me the most was the friendliness of the people, both the professors and fellow students. I also had the chance to listen in on discussions of complex cases with professors from various specialties. Although there were occasional language barriers, everyone at the University of Brescia made a genuine effort to communicate and share knowledge. This experience also opened up new possibilities for my future studies, giving me insights into pathways and opportunities for pursuing further education abroad.

Do you have any advice for students currently studying dentistry?

I would encourage them to be patient, tough, and tolerant. Also, remember to balance your study time with rest time. Dental school can be very demanding, but you will get through it. Whats most important is to take care of both your physical and mental health. If you face any challenges, dont hesitate to consult with your professors to find solutions. Six years go by very quickly, so make the most of the experiencegain knowledge, develop skills, and grow in every aspect. Im cheering for all of you!

Minds international study visit experience highlights numerous benefits that students in the Bilingual Doctor of Dental Surgery Program at Thammasat University can gain from global exposure. Experiencing different educational systems and clinical practices not only enriches professional knowledge but also enhances adaptability and cross-cultural communication skills. It also fosters international networks that may prove valuable for future career and academic opportunities.

The Bilingual Program at the Faculty of Dentistry, Thammasat University, aims not only to produce professionally competent dentists but also to provide students with opportunities to grow through international experiences. This prepares them to become visionary dental professionals, equipped to embrace future challenges with confidence.