"Go after your dream, it's worth it," says Klára Čermáková, a second-year dentistry student at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Ostrava

Dentistry was a big dream for Klára Čermáková. And although it initially seemed like she wouldn't be able to fulfill it anytime soon, she didn't give up. After the dental medicine program received accreditation, she applied to the University of Ostrava, and she succeeded. "When I graduated from high school, the dental program hadn't been accredited yet. But I often wondered what it would be like to study in that pioneering year. In the end, my expectations are quite close to reality. The teachers know us by name, the facilities are new and clean, and the curriculum places a strong emphasis on practical skills," says the future dentist, praising her decision.

What advice does she have for those who want to get into dentistry? How expensive is the program? And why was Ostrava her first-choice faculty? You'll find the answers in the following interview.

Klára, you originally studied general medicine. Why did you ultimately choose dentistry over medicine?

I hesitated between these two fields for a long time, but dentistry was always my big dream. As someone who enjoys manual work and has a strong desire to help people, I see myself in the profession of a dentist. Unfortunately, getting into this program is not easy. After high school, I applied to three universities for both general and dental medicine. When the entrance exam results were announced, I was accepted into general medicine everywhere, including the University of Ostrava, but not into dentistry anywhere. I planned to study medicine in Ostrava for a year and then reapply for dentistry. Luckily, that wasn't necessary.

You are part of the very first class to study dentistry in Ostrava. The beginning must have been quite challenging, right?

It wasn't easy, the entire first year was tough. When we started our first semester, the academic year for all other programs was already well underway, and the atmosphere in our classes was a bit chaotic. Many of us were under a lot of pressure because we were six weeks behind due to the delayed start. However, within a few months, things settled down, and thanks to our dedicated teachers, we managed to catch up.

How did the new dentistry lecturers, who had never taught before, handle their role?

They are amazing. Not once has a lecture been dull or uninteresting. Each lecturer brings unique insights from practice, modern methods, case studies, and fascinating details. I truly appreciate the consistently friendly approach they've had from the very beginning. They treat every student individually and are always helpful, especially during practical training. They are always willing to assist and advise us, which I deeply admire. Most of us completed mandatory summer internships with dentists we know from school, and I don't know anyone who didn't enjoy the experience.

Was the Faculty of Medicine in Ostrava your first choice? And how do you like studying at the University of Ostrava?

For general medicine, yes. I prioritized Ostrava mainly because of the smaller number of students per year and the modern facilities, which made a great impression on me when I visited the Open Day. At the time of my high school graduation, the dentistry program hadn't been accredited yet, but I often thought about what it would be like to study in that pioneering year. My expectations are quite close to reality, many lecturers remember our names, the equipment is new and clean, and the curriculum places a strong emphasis on practical skills. Apart from the stress before exams and the occasional lack of study materials, I have nothing to complain about.

A common question is how expensive it is to study dentistry. There's a myth that only children from wealthy families can afford it. So, how costly is it?

Honestly, I haven't noticed a significant difference in expenses compared to studying general medicine. Students need to buy white medical clothing, indoor shoes, and one or two lab coats. Regarding special equipment, we purchased a set of resin teeth for training basic dental procedures and, in the summer semester, a few instruments for root canal treatments. Although the investment in textbooks and study materials can be substantial, there are various student book exchanges where you can buy and resell books, creating a cycle. We didn't have to spend more than 6,000 CZK in the first year.

Do you have time for any hobbies or extracurricular activities? We can reveal that you spend some of your free time at the Institute of Anatomy...

Most of my free time disappeared when I started university, but you must keep some hobbies. I've always enjoyed sports—I did competitive athletics, archery, horseback riding, and many other activities. Thanks to the beautiful inline skating park next to the Faculty of Medicine, I've gotten into rollerblading. I also love drawing, which came in handy in my first year when I sketched almost every anatomical structure. Although I had (and still have) great respect for anatomy, I quickly fell in love with it. Currently, I work as an assistant at the Institute of Anatomy, helping younger students navigate the overwhelming amount of material.

If you could give just one piece of advice to a high school senior considering studying dentistry, what would it be?

Start preparing for the entrance exams early and have a backup plan. The competition is tough—one small mistake can completely change your results. But go after your dream. It's worth it.

Updated: 17. 03. 2025