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 pass your VCE. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, higher level mathematics, biology, chemistry and physics are normally required. Entry is highly competitive and requires passing the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT). Applicants may also have to attend an interview. Contact the universities you are interested in 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 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:

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

Bachelor of Health Sciences - Dentistry / Master of Dentistry

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.