Dentist (QLD)

Education and Training:

To become a dentist you have to study dentistry at university. To get into these courses you usually need to pass your QCE. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in English, mathematics, biological science, chemistry and physics are normally required. Entry is highly competitive, and you need to sit the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT). Applicants may also have to attend an interview. You can also apply to enter the University of Queensland course after completing one or more years of another relevant degree, such as a Bachelor of Science. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Degree Courses:

Griffith University - 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

University of Queensland - St Lucia 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.

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

Related Courses:

Employment Opportunities:

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

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.

It is a medium-sized occupation with very good employment prospects. Opportunities are good for graduates in Queensland, with a bigger demand in country areas.