Dentists Participate in the Rural Physician Program for the First Time

In Saxony, 40 women and men will begin their medical studies next week through the so-called “rural physician quota.” For the first time, eight women and two men will also begin their studies through the “rural dentist quota,” according to the Ministry of Health. The incoming students successfully secured a spot in the application process outside the numerus clausus system for the 2026/2027 winter semester.

By accepting their spots, the students committed to working as general practitioners or dentists in a region of Saxony with a shortage of medical professionals for at least ten years. The program has been running since the 2022/23 winter semester. Since then, 174 men and women have been enrolled in the program.

Saxony urgently needs more young professionals, especially in rural areas, to replace retiring general practitioners and specialists, emphasized Health Minister Petra Köpping (SPD). “I am very grateful to the students for agreeing, even at this early stage, to make an enormously important contribution to ensuring future dental and medical care in Saxony’s rural regions.”