Dentistry courses can help you learn patient assessment, oral anatomy, preventive care, and restorative techniques. You can build skills in effective communication with patients, managing dental emergencies, and using diagnostic tools like X-rays and intraoral cameras. Many courses also cover topics such as dental materials, treatment planning, and infection control protocols, providing hands-on experience with tools like digital scanners and CAD/CAM systems, that support modern dental practices.

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Dental Care, Patient Evaluation, Dental Procedures, Oral Health, Dental Hygiene, Periodontology, Oral Cancer Screening, Medical History Documentation, Pain Management, Anatomy, Clinical Assessment
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Michigan
Skills you'll gain: Dentistry, Dental Care, Oral and Dental Care, Public Health, Oral Health, Medical Science and Research, Higher Education, Research
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

The University of Hong Kong
Skills you'll gain: Dental Procedures, Dentistry, Treatment Planning, Surgical Suturing, Oral and Dental Care, Patient Evaluation, Surgery, Dental Instruments, Medical Equipment and Technology, Biology, Radiography, Patient Communication, Radiology, Risk Analysis
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Dental Care, Patient Evaluation, Dentistry, Dental Informatics, Dental Procedures, Oral Health, Dental Hygiene, Periodontology, Oral and Dental Care, Oral Cancer Screening, Cardiology, Disabilities, Pain Management, General Medicine, Biomedical Technology, Biomedical Engineering, Endocrinology, Medical History Documentation, Oncology, Anatomy
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

University of Pittsburgh
Skills you'll gain: Dental Radiography, Dental Procedures, Dentistry, Oral and Dental Care, Radiography, Periodontology, Dental Experience, Dental Care, Oral Health, Dental Instruments, Oral Hygiene, Radiology, Medical Terminology, Dental Hygiene, Medical Office Procedures, Surgery, Pediatrics
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Dental Informatics, Dental Procedures, Dentistry, Dental Care, Oral Health, Disabilities, Biomedical Technology, Biomedical Engineering, Emerging Technologies, Digital Transformation, Medical Imaging, Computer-Aided Design
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

The University of Hong Kong
Skills you'll gain: Dental Procedures, Dentistry, Oral and Dental Care, Dental Care, Treatment Planning, Patient Evaluation, Patient Preparation, Surgery, Dental Instruments, Medical Equipment and Technology, Oral Health, Perioperative Care, Clinical Practices, Risk Analysis, Biology
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Oral and Dental Care, Oral Health, Oral Cancer Screening, Dentistry, Cardiology, Pain Management, General Medicine, Endocrinology, Oncology, Hematology, Pharmacology
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Arizona State University
Skills you'll gain: Materials science, Mechanical Engineering, Structural Analysis, Manufacturing Processes, Failure Analysis, Chemical Engineering, Engineering Calculations
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

The University of Hong Kong
Skills you'll gain: Medical Imaging, Dentistry, Dental Procedures, Dental Instruments, Laboratory Testing, X-Ray Computed Tomography, Materials science, Dental Care, Biomedical Engineering, Oral Health, 3D Modeling, Chemistry
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Yale University
Skills you'll gain: Anatomy, Neurology, Human Musculoskeletal System, Respiration, Physiology, Radiology, Surgery
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Pre-Clinical Development, Drug Interaction, Clinical Trials, Pharmacology, Drug Development, Pharmaceuticals, Patient Safety, Clinical Research, Competitive Intelligence, Safety Standards, Laboratory Testing, Biochemical Assays, Medication Administration, Pharmacotherapy, Pharmaceutical Terminology, Safety Assurance, Biotechnology, Biochemistry, Laboratory Research, Chemistry
Intermediate · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Dentistry is the branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of conditions related to the oral cavity, teeth, gums, and related structures. It plays a crucial role in overall health, as oral health is closely linked to various systemic conditions. Good dental care helps prevent diseases, enhances quality of life, and contributes to self-esteem through improved appearance and function.
A career in dentistry offers a variety of job opportunities. You can become a dentist, dental hygienist, dental assistant, or dental technician. Each role plays a vital part in patient care, from performing procedures and educating patients to assisting in surgeries and creating dental prosthetics. Additionally, there are opportunities in dental research, education, and public health.
To pursue a career in dentistry, you need a combination of technical and interpersonal skills. Key skills include manual dexterity for performing procedures, strong communication skills to interact with patients, and critical thinking for diagnosing issues. Additionally, knowledge of dental materials and technologies, as well as an understanding of oral health practices, is essential.
Some of the best online dentistry courses include Dentistry 101, which provides foundational knowledge, and Implant Dentistry, focusing on advanced techniques. These courses are designed to enhance your understanding and skills in various aspects of dentistry.
Yes. You can start learning dentistry on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in dentistry, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.
To learn dentistry, start by exploring foundational courses that cover essential topics. Engage with interactive content, participate in discussions, and practice skills through simulations. Setting a study schedule and seeking feedback from peers or instructors can also enhance your learning experience.
Typical topics covered in dentistry courses include oral anatomy, dental materials, preventive care, and treatment techniques. Courses may also address patient management, ethics in dentistry, and advancements in dental technology, providing a comprehensive understanding of the field.
For training and upskilling employees in dentistry, courses like Frontiers in Dentistry can be beneficial. These courses focus on the latest developments and practices in the field, helping professionals stay updated and improve their skills.