Job Guide

To become a dentist you have to study dentistry at university. To get into these courses you usually need to pass your HSC/ACT Year 12. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, higher level mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics and geology are normally required. Entry is highly competitive, and you usually need to sit selection tests and attend an interview. The various universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

The University of Sydney, Camperdown/Darlington Campus offers a graduate entry degree in dentistry, 4 years full time. To get into this course requires completion of any undergraduate degree from a recognised tertiary institution. Entry is highly competitive, and you need to sit the Graduate Australian Medical Schools Admission Test (GAMSAT) and attend an interview. Alternative entry may be available. Contact the university for details and to discuss your circumstances.

There are no suitable undergraduate courses available in NSW or the ACT. The following courses are offered interstate.

Degree Courses:

Griffith University (QLD) - Gold Coast Campus:

• Bachelor of Oral Health in Dental Science, 3 years full time, followed by a graduate diploma in dentistry, 2 years full time

La Trobe University (VIC) - Bendigo Campus:

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

University of Adelaide - North Terrace Campus:

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery, 5 years full time

University of Melbourne - Parkville Campus:

• Bachelor of Dental Science, 5 years full time

University of Queensland - St Lucia Campus:

• Bachelor of Dental Science, 5 years full time

University of Western Australia - Crawley Campus:

• Bachelor of Dental Science, 5 years full time

Additional Information:

Dentists must register with the Dental Board of the state or territory in which they intend to work.

Clinical studies in the University of Sydney course are undertaken at Sydney Dental Hospital and Westmead Centre for Oral Health. In addition, rural placements and training may be required. The degree is accepted by registration authorities throughout Australia and in New Zealand.