To become a dentist you usually have to study a degree in dentistry, dental science or dental surgery at university. Alternatively, you can complete a degree in a related field followed by a postgraduate qualification in dentistry, dental surgery or dental medicine.

To get into the degree courses you usually need to gain your QCE. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics are normally required. Entry is highly competitive, and you usually need to sit the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT) and attend a structured interview. Entry to postgraduate courses usually requires completion of an appropriate bachelor degree. A number of universities in Australia offer relevant degrees. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information:

Practical placements are usually required in dentistry courses. Prior to commencing any practical placements, students must obtain a Suitability Card for working with children (Blue Card), issued by the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian. Students may also be required to obtain a Senior First Aid Certificate, undergo a national police records check and testing for blood-borne transmissible viruses (such as hepatitis B and HIV). Contact the universities you are interested in for full details.

It is a legal requirement for graduates to be registered with the Dental Board of Australia before being able to practise as a dentist in any state or territory in Australia. For full details, see the Dental Board of Australia's website.