UNDERGRADUATE

Bachelor of Dental Surgery

Dentists work to improve oral health in our communities. They’re lifelong learners who care about their patients and their work.

Degree Details

Our Bachelor of Dental Surgery supports you in becoming a highly skilled and patient-focused dentist. You will:

  • build clinical experience starting in your very first year
  • learn in Australia’s newest dental teaching hospital, in the state-of-the-art Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences building
  • explore the full range of dental therapies—from complex restorative to preventative-based treatments
  • practise using equipment in our Dental Simulation Clinic
  • tackle real-life case scenarios in teams
  • benefit from extensive placements across metropolitan and rural settings
  • improve lives through community outreach programs.

Career Readiness

As a University of Adelaide-qualified dentist, students will be ready for a dynamic career in the dental industry and will be sought-after by employers. Some of the choices graduates might have are:

  • Private practice: once students are registered with the Dental Board of Australia they can enter private practice on their own, work as an associate with an established practitioner, or join a partnership.
  • Public sector: students can work as a dentist in government, and community or school-based dental clinics across Australia.

In order to be able to register as a Dentist with the Dental Board of Australia, all applicants must be able to demonstrate English language skills at IELTS academic level 7 or the equivalent.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.

  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Industry Placement

From first year, students undertake compulsory clinical placements in a range of metropolitan and rural settings. These compulsory placements can extend beyond the academic year and can include after-hours and weekend work.

Professional Accreditation

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery is accredited by the Australian Dental Council.

To be eligible to work in Australia as a dentist, graduates are required to register with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Dental Board of Australia on the completion of the degree. In order to register, all applicants must comply with the English language skills requirements as determined by AHPRA. For further details, visit ahpra.gov.au/Registration.aspx 

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery qualification is recognised by:

  • The Dental Board of Australia. Once registered, graduates are also eligible for membership of the Australian Dental Association.
  • The Dental Council of New Zealand under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement.
  • The Commission of Dental Accreditation of Canada. Further examinations are necessary to work in Canada.
  • Singapore Dental Council

International applicants should note that successful completion of this degree may not qualify them to practise/register in their home country. Students will have to contact the relevant health registration bodies of their home country for further information.

Potential careers

Dental Practitioner, Dentist

Australian Year 12SACE Stage 2: two Science subjects: one chosen from Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, Physics; and one chosen from Biology, Geology, Chemistry, Physics; OR IB: two Science subjects (one of Chemistry, Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL) or Physics AND one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics); OR Equivalent University courses (i.e. 1st year Human Biology as part of the Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences program). Subject prerequisites are applicable to all BDS entry pathways. MathTrackX is an online bridging program available as a recognised alternative to Mathematical Methods.
International QualificationsTwo subjects: One from Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics and one from Biology, Chemistry, Geology or Physics.

English Language Requirements

Australian Year 12Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
English Tests accepted by the University of Adelaide
IELTSOverall 7Reading 7Listening 7Speaking 7Writing 7
TOEFLOverall 94Reading 24Listening 24Speaking 23Writing 27
PearsonOverall 65Reading 65Listening 65Speaking 65Writing 65
C1 AdvancedOverall 185Reading 185Listening 185Speaking 185Writing 185
Additional English Tests acceptedOccupational English Test (OET) - A minimum result of B/score of 350 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking)
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery consists of an integrated course in each year level, with clinical experiences being provided from day one.

The focus of the degree is to emphasise a holistic, preventive-based approach to oral health care, with a minimally invasive approach if restorative treatment is required. Students will be expected to apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of relevant biological and medical sciences in managing their patients and demonstrate high levels of professionalism, including an ability to effectively monitor their performance and a desire to continue to learn and grow as a member of the dental profession.

The dynamic curriculum uses a case-based learning approach to integrate learning across disciplines. The emphasis is on learning relevant scientific information throughout the degree at the same time as the development of clinical skills.

From first year, students will undertake compulsory clinical placements in a range of settings, including a city-based dental hospital and community dental clinics located in metropolitan Adelaide, rural South Australia and interstate.

Example Study Plan

Indicative study plan
Year 1DENT 1005AHO / DENT 1005BHO Dental Science and Practice I Parts 1 & 2
Year 2DENT 2005AHO / DENT 2005BHO Dental Science and Practice II Parts 1 & 2
Year 3DENT 3005AHO / DENT 3005BHO Dental Science and Practice III Parts 1 & 2
Year 4DENT 4004AHO / DENT 4004BHO Dental Science and Practice IV Parts 1 & 2
Year 5DENT 5005AHO / DENT 5005BHO Dental Science and Practice V Parts 1 & 2

Further information
All courses are compulsory. The Bachelor of Dental Surgery does not contain elective courses.
Year 1
From a patient-centred care focus, this stream introduces students to the practice of dentistry and provides a foundation for understanding the normal structure and function of a healthy body. This includes the oral cavity, evidence-based maintenance of patients' health and dentistry as a career. By working through a series of integrated learning activities, students develop an integrated knowledge base related to evidence-based patient care and related biodental, clinical and behavioural sciences, clinical skills and professional behaviours. These integrated learning activities provide small-group discovery experiences (SGDE) for students by presenting various practice situations that focus on the initial phases of patient care.  Student learning from these SGDE involve development of research skills and are supported by class meetings, laboratory, tutorial and simulation and clinical exercises. Learning is also supported by independent study and discussion of findings in class. Students work in a collaborative environment to learn to critically evaluate themselves, and plan and implement strategies for improvement.

Year 2
Second year builds on first year, maintaining the focus on patient-centered care. The aim is to develop an understanding of the changes that occur in the oral cavity when an imbalance of the oral ecosystem develops. The emphasis will be to restore and maintain the balance towards health. As in first-year, students’ SGDE involve participation in integrated learning activities, supported by class meetings, laboratory, tutorials, simulation and clinical sessions and independent study. Second year continues the emphasis on a scientific basis of dentistry by integrating research-informed knowledge of the structure and function of body with an emphasis on developing systematic scientific skills to examine, assess risk and systematically manage healthy patients with minor conditions.

Years 3 & 4
Students will extend their Dental Sciences studies to include the understanding of dental disorders and the human diseases which have direct relevance to oral health and dental practice. The scientific basis of dental practice, and the health and the community components will continue throughout the year. Students clinical skills in comprehensive treatment planning will be developed further through the provision of supervised care for patients in both general dental practice and dental specialities. As in previous years, students’ SGDE involve participation in integrated learning activities, supported by class meetings, simulation and clinical sessions and independent study

Year 5
In fifth year, students integrate the knowledge gained from the previous four years of study and consolidate their clinical skills in a range of settings in order to develop as dental professionals and manage patients with an increasingly complex range of dental problems.

Assessment

A range of assessment formats are used throughout the program. Assessment consists of examinations that may be in the format of written papers using a range of question formats or clinical assessments. There is also continuous self-monitoring of clinical performance and tutor feedback during each clinic or simulated clinic session. At the end of a clinical placement period, tutors complete summative assessments of clinical performance. Other forms of assessment during the semester include Tests of Understanding, assignments, and participation in small group tutorial sessions.

How To Apply

UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

Complete your details and we'll make sure your inquiry is sent to the UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE which will contact you to discuss this degree. For more details, feel free to contact one of the educational consultants at EDVISE HUB Click Here To Book Your Session

Degree Details

Our Bachelor of Dental Surgery supports you in becoming a highly skilled and patient-focused dentist. You will:

  • build clinical experience starting in your very first year
  • learn in Australia’s newest dental teaching hospital, in the state-of-the-art Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences building
  • explore the full range of dental therapies—from complex restorative to preventative-based treatments
  • practise using equipment in our Dental Simulation Clinic
  • tackle real-life case scenarios in teams
  • benefit from extensive placements across metropolitan and rural settings
  • improve lives through community outreach programs.

Career Readiness

As a University of Adelaide-qualified dentist, students will be ready for a dynamic career in the dental industry and will be sought-after by employers. Some of the choices graduates might have are:

  • Private practice: once students are registered with the Dental Board of Australia they can enter private practice on their own, work as an associate with an established practitioner, or join a partnership.
  • Public sector: students can work as a dentist in government, and community or school-based dental clinics across Australia.

In order to be able to register as a Dentist with the Dental Board of Australia, all applicants must be able to demonstrate English language skills at IELTS academic level 7 or the equivalent.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.

  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Industry Placement

From first year, students undertake compulsory clinical placements in a range of metropolitan and rural settings. These compulsory placements can extend beyond the academic year and can include after-hours and weekend work.

Professional Accreditation

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery is accredited by the Australian Dental Council.

To be eligible to work in Australia as a dentist, graduates are required to register with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and the Dental Board of Australia on the completion of the degree. In order to register, all applicants must comply with the English language skills requirements as determined by AHPRA. For further details, visit ahpra.gov.au/Registration.aspx 

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery qualification is recognised by:

  • The Dental Board of Australia. Once registered, graduates are also eligible for membership of the Australian Dental Association.
  • The Dental Council of New Zealand under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement.
  • The Commission of Dental Accreditation of Canada. Further examinations are necessary to work in Canada.
  • Singapore Dental Council

International applicants should note that successful completion of this degree may not qualify them to practise/register in their home country. Students will have to contact the relevant health registration bodies of their home country for further information.

Potential careers

Dental Practitioner, Dentist

Australian Year 12SACE Stage 2: two Science subjects: one chosen from Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, Physics; and one chosen from Biology, Geology, Chemistry, Physics; OR IB: two Science subjects (one of Chemistry, Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations (HL) or Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (SL) or Physics AND one of Biology, Chemistry or Physics); OR Equivalent University courses (i.e. 1st year Human Biology as part of the Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences program). Subject prerequisites are applicable to all BDS entry pathways. MathTrackX is an online bridging program available as a recognised alternative to Mathematical Methods.
International QualificationsTwo subjects: One from Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics and one from Biology, Chemistry, Geology or Physics.

English Language Requirements

Australian Year 12Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
English Tests accepted by the University of Adelaide
IELTSOverall 7Reading 7Listening 7Speaking 7Writing 7
TOEFLOverall 94Reading 24Listening 24Speaking 23Writing 27
PearsonOverall 65Reading 65Listening 65Speaking 65Writing 65
C1 AdvancedOverall 185Reading 185Listening 185Speaking 185Writing 185
Additional English Tests acceptedOccupational English Test (OET) - A minimum result of B/score of 350 in each of the four components (listening, reading, writing and speaking)
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery consists of an integrated course in each year level, with clinical experiences being provided from day one.

The focus of the degree is to emphasise a holistic, preventive-based approach to oral health care, with a minimally invasive approach if restorative treatment is required. Students will be expected to apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of relevant biological and medical sciences in managing their patients and demonstrate high levels of professionalism, including an ability to effectively monitor their performance and a desire to continue to learn and grow as a member of the dental profession.

The dynamic curriculum uses a case-based learning approach to integrate learning across disciplines. The emphasis is on learning relevant scientific information throughout the degree at the same time as the development of clinical skills.

From first year, students will undertake compulsory clinical placements in a range of settings, including a city-based dental hospital and community dental clinics located in metropolitan Adelaide, rural South Australia and interstate.

Example Study Plan

Indicative study plan
Year 1DENT 1005AHO / DENT 1005BHO Dental Science and Practice I Parts 1 & 2
Year 2DENT 2005AHO / DENT 2005BHO Dental Science and Practice II Parts 1 & 2
Year 3DENT 3005AHO / DENT 3005BHO Dental Science and Practice III Parts 1 & 2
Year 4DENT 4004AHO / DENT 4004BHO Dental Science and Practice IV Parts 1 & 2
Year 5DENT 5005AHO / DENT 5005BHO Dental Science and Practice V Parts 1 & 2

Further information
All courses are compulsory. The Bachelor of Dental Surgery does not contain elective courses.
Year 1
From a patient-centred care focus, this stream introduces students to the practice of dentistry and provides a foundation for understanding the normal structure and function of a healthy body. This includes the oral cavity, evidence-based maintenance of patients' health and dentistry as a career. By working through a series of integrated learning activities, students develop an integrated knowledge base related to evidence-based patient care and related biodental, clinical and behavioural sciences, clinical skills and professional behaviours. These integrated learning activities provide small-group discovery experiences (SGDE) for students by presenting various practice situations that focus on the initial phases of patient care.  Student learning from these SGDE involve development of research skills and are supported by class meetings, laboratory, tutorial and simulation and clinical exercises. Learning is also supported by independent study and discussion of findings in class. Students work in a collaborative environment to learn to critically evaluate themselves, and plan and implement strategies for improvement.

Year 2
Second year builds on first year, maintaining the focus on patient-centered care. The aim is to develop an understanding of the changes that occur in the oral cavity when an imbalance of the oral ecosystem develops. The emphasis will be to restore and maintain the balance towards health. As in first-year, students’ SGDE involve participation in integrated learning activities, supported by class meetings, laboratory, tutorials, simulation and clinical sessions and independent study. Second year continues the emphasis on a scientific basis of dentistry by integrating research-informed knowledge of the structure and function of body with an emphasis on developing systematic scientific skills to examine, assess risk and systematically manage healthy patients with minor conditions.

Years 3 & 4
Students will extend their Dental Sciences studies to include the understanding of dental disorders and the human diseases which have direct relevance to oral health and dental practice. The scientific basis of dental practice, and the health and the community components will continue throughout the year. Students clinical skills in comprehensive treatment planning will be developed further through the provision of supervised care for patients in both general dental practice and dental specialities. As in previous years, students’ SGDE involve participation in integrated learning activities, supported by class meetings, simulation and clinical sessions and independent study

Year 5
In fifth year, students integrate the knowledge gained from the previous four years of study and consolidate their clinical skills in a range of settings in order to develop as dental professionals and manage patients with an increasingly complex range of dental problems.

Assessment

A range of assessment formats are used throughout the program. Assessment consists of examinations that may be in the format of written papers using a range of question formats or clinical assessments. There is also continuous self-monitoring of clinical performance and tutor feedback during each clinic or simulated clinic session. At the end of a clinical placement period, tutors complete summative assessments of clinical performance. Other forms of assessment during the semester include Tests of Understanding, assignments, and participation in small group tutorial sessions.

How To Apply

UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE

Complete your details and we'll make sure your inquiry is sent to the UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE which will contact you to discuss this degree. For more details, feel free to contact one of the educational consultants at EDVISE HUB Click Here To Book Your Session

Apply With:

Duration:Full-time 5 years

Location:Australia

Fees:AUD$83,000

intake: February

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