Dentist (VIC)

Education and Training:

To become a dentist you have to study dentistry at university. To get into the courses below you usually need to gain your VCE. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, biology, mathematics and chemistry are normally required. Entry is highly competitive and may require passing the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT). Applicants may also have to attend an interview. Contact the universities for more information as requirements may change.

Degree Courses:

La Trobe University - Bendigo Campus:

Bachelor of Health Sciences in Dentistry/Master of Dentistry, 5 years full time

University of Melbourne - Parkville Campus:

Bachelor of Biomedicine, 3 years full time, followed by the Doctor of Dental Surgery, 4 years full time

Additional Information:

In July 2010, a new National Registration and Accreditation Scheme came into effect for a number of health occupations, including dentistry. State and Regional Boards assist the Dental Board of Australia by implementing these national standards and policies. For full details, see the Dental Board of Australia's website.

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.

The above degrees are accepted by registration authorities throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

Employment Opportunities:

Most dentists work in private practice. Some are also employed within state or territory governments and a few seek posts in the Australian Defence Force. Opportunities for careers in teaching and research also exist, mainly within the universities and dental training institutions.

Demand for dental services depends upon demographic factors such as the size and age of the population, the general economic climate, the extent of private health cover and public awareness of new services available. Demand for dentists in the public sector depends upon government funding policies.