There’s no doubt Dentistry is a highly sought after degree due to its recognition of lucrative professional salaries. However, realistically, it is a challenging course. So, should you take Dentistry?
If you’re still considering the option of undertaking a degree relating to Dentistry or you’re interested in the profession of maintaining those pearly whites, keep on reading this article.
What is Dentistry?
Dentistry, sometimes known as Dental Science, Dental Surgery, or Oral Medicine, is a branch of medicine having everything to do with oral health and the oral cavity. In other words, Dentistry is related to the health or the conditions of your teeth, gums, and mouth.
Dentistry is the study, diagnosis, prevention, management, and treatment of conditions of the mouth, particularly with a focus on the development and placement of teeth. Dentistry could also entail treatments revolving the craniofacial complex, including the jaw.
Those who professionally practise Dentistry are named Dentists. They might work with other members on a dental team including Dental Technicians, Dental Assistants, Dental Therapists, among others. Those pursuing Dentistry professionally can work in environments such as private practices, dental hospitals, or other institutions including bases for armed forces.
Why study Dentistry?
- Clear Professional Pathway
A reason to study Dentistry is that the profession provides a clear professional pathway. That is, to work in the Dentistry field as part of a dental team. This way, students would not have to be confused about what to do after completion of Dentistry studies.
- Work as a reputable profession
While it is subjective to the individual on what entails a reputable profession, it is widely agreed that a career as a Dentist is one of them. A profession as a Dentist would allow you to help others with their oral health.
- Allows for a Combination of Science and Art
Studying Dentistry allows for a combination of technical scientific skills and artistic elements. These elements can be seen in terms of crafting and sculpting. So, if you’re interested in both Science and Art, then you could consider Dentistry.
- Permits for Own Practice
After completion of Dentistry studies, graduates are permitted for the option of pursuing the professional Dentistry field by opening their own dental practice. If you’re interested in attaining liberty in your own organisation together with providing valuable service, studying Dentistry might benefit that pursuit.
- Promising Job Prospects
There are also promising job prospects if you study Dentistry. Studying Dentistry would enable you to enter a professional field which has job stability as well as lucrative and competitive wages.
What it takes to study Dentistry
- Manual Dexterity
Dentistry calls for many hands-on components. As such, having the skills of manual dexterity is a bonus to being successful and enjoying the Dentistry programme as well as the professional field of Dentistry.
- Passion for helping others
Studying Dentistry will often transition into a profession which will ultimately help patients with their oral health. A passion for helping others is necessary to be empathetic and sensitive for benevolent care towards patients.
- Perseverance
An academic pursuit in Dentistry is definitely not easy. There will be busy schedules involving lectures, practicals, workshops, clinics, pre-clinics, case presentation, and research. Due to these circumstances, it’s important to have perseverance and be determined in the field of Dentistry.
- Communication Skills
In the field of Dentistry, there is a need to be good at networking, have professionalism, and ensure patients’ comfort. This is where good communication skills play its part. Also, good communication is needed to explain oral conditions and treatments to patients in a way that is understood.
- Attention to Detail
Oftentimes, those in the Dentistry field will have to work on intricate details in the mouth, which is a very small space to work with. In essence, those in the field should be detail-oriented to ensure proper oral care.
General Pathway for a Dentist in Australia
After completion of SPM or equivalent examinations, you should enrol in a pre-university such as STPM, A-Levels, or any of which will qualify you into an undergraduate bachelor’s degree in Dentistry, commonly named as Bachelor of Dental Science or Bachelor of Dental Surgery. These Bachelor in Dentistry programmes must be accredited by The Australian Dental Council.
Some Dentistry programmes might necessitate other requirements such as the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) as part of their application process. As such, students need to peruse programme outlines to understand entry requirements. You can also read our article here to understand the test further, or simply reach out to us.
Additionally, some programmes provide seamless pathways to a Master’s Degree in Dentistry in order for you to qualify as a registered Dentist in Australia.
To begin your practise as a Dentist in Australia, you are required to register with the Dental Board of Australia.
After completion of your studies and registration, you are eligible for employment as a registered Dentist in Australia.
Otherwise, you have to academically pursue further Dentistry specialisation in your area of interest which will enable you to become a registered specialist. However, some programmes which offer these specialisations require at least two years of professional experience in the Dentistry field.
General Entry Requirements to Study Dentistry in Australia
Academic Entry
Academic entry | Minimum Score |
STPM | CGPA 3.33 |
Matriculation | CGPA 3.33 |
A-Levels | Aggregate of 13 |
UEC | Aggregate of 9 |
IB Diploma | Aggregate of 34 |
Australian Matriculation (ATAR) | 75 |
Canadian Pre-University (CPU) | 85% |
Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
English Language Entry Requirements
Entry Level | Minimum Score |
IELTS | 7.0 |
TOEFL | 94 |
Pearson Test of English (PTE) | 65 |
Note: Universities may have different English Language requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!
Top Universities to study Dentistry in Australia
1. University of Adelaide
University of Adelaide is a renowned public higher education learning institution with four campuses across Australia, and is a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight network. The University of Adelaide, established in 1874, is the third-oldest university in Australia with recognition from multiple university ranking platforms.
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery from the University of Adelaide will permit students to have clinical experience and placements from their first year of study. They will also be able to access Adelaide’s Dental Simulation Clinic, Adelaide’s Health and Medical Sciences building, as well as community outreach programmes for more hands-on practical learning of Dentistry.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Dental Surgery |
Duration | 5 Years |
Intake | February |
Indicative Fees (2024) | International Students: AU$ 470,000 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
2. University of Queensland
University of Queensland, typically referred to as UQ, is a prominent higher education learning institution in Australia with three main campuses across Australia. The University of Queensland, established in 1909, was one of the top 50 in the world according to QS World University Rankings 2024.
University of Queensland is one of Australia’s most respected dental schools. Students will gain thorough knowledge and technical skills on general Dentistry practices as well as other related Dentistry study areas to ensure graduates are able to make a genuine difference to the oral health and lives of others.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Dental Science |
Duration | 5 Years |
Intake | February |
Indicative Fees (2024) | International Students: AU$ 418,270 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
3. James Cook University
James Cook University, or JCU, is a public higher education learning institution established in 1961. James Cook University has a total of four campuses with one campus being located in Singapore. JCU is known as the second oldest university in Queensland driven by the belief aiming to empower students for them to realise their potential and contribute to communities and society as a whole.
Students enrolled in James Cook University’s Bachelor of Dental Study will learn the fundamental theory of dental science as well as the promotion of oral healthcare in underprivileged regions. Enrolling in the curriculum will provide students with the opportunity to work alongside experienced, supportive professionals while exploring problems of concern, particularly those relevant to tropical, rural, and indigenous Dentistry practice.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Dental Surgery |
Duration | 5 Years |
Intake | February |
Indicative Fees (2024) | International Students: AU$ 365,200 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
4. Charles Sturt University
Charles Sturt University, also referred to as CSU, is a notable higher education learning institution with over six campuses located across New South Wales, Australia. Charles Sturt University was founded in 1989, priding itself as an institution valuing wisdom and tenacity to transform communities and shape sustainable futures.
The Bachelor of Dental Science by Charles Sturt University will be conducted in an environment with simulation clinics, biodental science learning suite, anatomy teaching facilities where you can undertake placements at any of the five Charles Sturt University dental health clinics, which are open to patients from the local community. These conditions enable students’ professional training for them to become successful Dentists or Dental Educators.
Programme Offered | Bachelor of Dental Science |
Duration | 5 Years |
Intake | February |
Indicative Fees (2024) | International Students: AU$ 335,200 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
5. Griffith University
Griffith University is a reputable higher education learning institution with five campuses across South East Queensland, Australia. Griffith University was established in 1975, with over two hundred offered degrees in a wide array of study areas. Griffith University is a dominant choice for international students due to their vibrant and diverse campus community.
Griffith University’s Bachelor of Dental Health Science requires you to continue with their Master of Dentistry programme for you to qualify as a registered Dentist in Australia. Both programmes have comprehensive curriculum with extensive clinical placements and hands-on practical training.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2024) |
Bachelor of Dental Health Science | 3 Years | March | International Students: AU$ 195,000 |
Master of Dentistry | 2 Years | March | International Students: AU$ 177,000 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
For more information regarding the university, programme offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
About The Author
Hannah Hir
Hannah appreciates various art forms, especially Asian literature, film and music. Most of her favorite Malaysian kuihs are green-coloured.
