International study opportunities in the dentistry degree programme at the University of Münster – a needs assessment of student interest and demand

Introduction: Stays abroad in the form of study visits and clinical traineeships, for example, have been rare in dentistry degree programmes in Germany to date. The new ZApprO (date of issue: 8 July 2019) offers the opportunity to integrate stays abroad into the degree programme through the introduction of modules, ECTS points and clinical traineeships, among other things. The aim of this study was to analyse the student perspective on this topic. Methodology: In the summer term of 2021, a voluntary and anonymous online survey was conducted among dental students at the University of Münster. In addition to demographic data, the questionnaire also included key questions on content. Results: With a response rate of 55%, a total of 371 students took part in the survey. 96% of the study participants stated that they would like to gain experience abroad as part of their studies, almost half of them even in the case of missing or only partial recognition of academic achievements. This includes clinical traineeships (30%) and semester-long stays (32%) or both (28%). The loss of time in the progression of studies, financing as well as time-consuming planning and family obligations are the most frequently cited reasons against a stay abroad. Conclusion: The survey shows a very high level of interest among dental students in university-supported stays abroad. This includes both shorter periods of time, such as clinical traineeships, as well as longer stays, e.g. as part of Erasmus collaboration programmes. Based on the results, university-supported stays abroad should be made possible.