Dentistry is a respected and responsible professional career which demands
high standards of care and skill, as well as an aptitude for dealing with people.
The Adelaide Bachelor of Dental Surgery program develops skilled and progressive
oral practitioners. The practice of dentistry may be defined as the science and
art of preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases, injuries and malformations
of teeth, jaws and mouth. First year topics include health and disease, preventative
dentistry, behavioural consequences of oral diseases, clinical examination and
diagnostic procedures, x-rays and genetic engineering. A major objective is to
provide a stimulating and enjoyable study environment for students that engenders
a desire to continue learning after graduation.
The dynamic curriculum is delivered within a problem-based learning approach,
and formal lectures have been kept to a minimum. There is an emphasis on contextual
learning of relevant scientific information throughout the program. This occurs
concurrently with the development of clinical skills which begins from day one.
You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). You must have gained a 'Recorded Achievement' in four SACE Stage 2 HESS (Higher Education Selection Subjects) General subjects (or interstate/International Baccalaureate equivalents). For a full list of SACE subjects and their HESS status please refer to the SATAC Tertiary Entrance Booklet. A Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER) of 90 or above must be achieved. You must sit the Undergraduate Medicine & Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT) and top UMAT performers must also attend a structured oral assessment. Applications will be ranked on the basis of all 3 components: the UMAT, oral assessment and TER.
You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent higher education study, achieving at least a credit average (a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 or more). You must sit the Undergraduate Medicine & Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT) and top UMAT performers must also attend a structured oral assessment. Applications will be ranked on the basis of all 3 components: the UMAT, oral assessment and GPA. All applicants must meet prerequisite requirements. Later year entry applicants must have completed at least one year full time equivalent study in a World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised Dentistry/Dental Surgery degree. You must undergo clinical skills assessment and attend an interview. Further information can be found here. Applications will be ranked on the basis of Faculty assessment of previous academic results, referee reports, clinical assessment and the interview.
You must meet the following criteria: you must be 21 years or over on January 1st of the year that you will be studying*, you must never have been enrolled in a course leading to a higher education level award. If you meet this criteria, you will be eligible to compete using your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). You must attain a STAT score within the top decile. Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements are not considered. You must sit the Undergraduate Medicine & Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT) and top UMAT performers must also attend a structured oral assessment. Applications will be ranked on the basis of all 3 components: the UMAT, oral assessment and STAT. All applicants must meet prerequisite requirements. *The age restriction is 19 years or over if you have completed either the Flinders Foundation course or the UniSA Foundation Studies program or the UniSA Program for Adult Learners. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
All applicants must sit the Undergraduate Medicine & Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT). Top UMAT performers will also be required to attend a structured oral assessment. See the Faculty of Health Sciences for further information
SACE Stage 2: two Science subjects: one chosen from Chemistry, Mathematical Studies, Specialist Mathematics, Physics; and one chosen from Biology, Geology, Chemistry, Physics
IB: two Science subjects (SL grade 5/HL grade 4); or, one Science subject plus Mathematics (SL grade 5/HL grade 3)
Additional entry requirements include performance in the Personal Qualities Assessment (PQA) and, if selected, a Structure Oral Assessment. Refer to the International Selection Document for more information.
The study plans
given are examples of pathways through this degree. For a complete description,
see the program rules.
Level I
Human Biology aims to provide an overview of the biology of the human species,
a basic knowledge of classical and molecular genetics, and an introduction to
the anatomy of the human body at the gross and histological levels.
Dental and Health Science emphasises the scientific basis of dentistry and
covers oral anatomy, preventative dentistry, and the dentist-patient relationship.
Dental Clinical Practice enables students to develop skills in various technical
and clinical areas of dentistry.
General Studies stream, available during first and second years, includes
Aspects of Basic Chemistry, Aspects of Basic Physics, Biostatistics, Communication
and Learning, Computing, the Social Context of Dentistry and Evidence-based Dentistry.
Level II
Structure and Function of the Body includes topics related to human structure
and function, anatomy of the head and neck, and neuroanatomy.
Dental and Health Science includes oral histology and embryology, oral biochemistry
and dental occlusion.
Dental Clinical Practice builds on first year with regard to acquisition and
consolidation of dental clinical skills.
Level III
Diseases and Disorders of the Body includes topics dealing with the nature
and causes of human disease and their manifestation at the cellular, organ and
clinical levels.
Dental and Health Science covers aspects of masticatory function and disorder,
human growth and development, and orthodontics.
Dental Clinical Practice continues the development of dental clinical skills.
Level II
Structure and Function of the Body includes topics related to human structure
and function, anatomy of the head and neck, and neuroanatomy.
Dental and Health Science includes oral histology and embryology, oral biochemistry
and dental occlusion.
Dental Clinical Practice builds on first year with regard to acquisition and
consolidation of dental clinical skills.
Fourth and Fifth Years
The Dental and Health Science and Dental Clinical Practice streams continue, building
the knowledge to manage patients who are medically compromised or require special
care, and to perform complex clinical tasks. Interdisciplinary seminars, focusing
on and reinforcing contextually relevant material from throughout the program
will be presented.
In addition there is a selective stream, comprising a variety of topics, designed
to provide students with an opportunity to broaden their experience in preferred
areas.
Honours
An optional Honours year is available upon the completion of at least the first
three years of the BDS. This will involve the writing of a report or thesis together
with advanced course work. Students with a good academic standard may be permitted
to undertake the Honours program concurrently during the BDS. Honours is usually
the first step towards higher degrees and a career in research.
Career Opportunities
BDS Graduates can register to practise as a dentist anywhere in Australia without
further examinations. Most graduates enter private practice as assistants employed
in established practices. Others choose public sector employment (usually community
hospital or school dental service positions), careers in the armed services, research
or postgraduate study. After some experience in general practice a significant
number of graduates choose to return to postgraduate study leading to qualifications
for specialist practice.
Recent employment prospects for new graduates have been excellent, with most
finding employment before or within a few weeks of completing the program.
Potential careers
Dental Therapist,
Dentist
Graduate Attributes
Philosophy of Dental Education
Good oral health is an integral part of good general health. The aim of this program is to enable graduates to register as dentists to practice in Australia. Graduates are encouraged to strive through their advocacy and clinical practice to empower patients and communities to maintain optimal oral health throughout their lives.
Graduate Outcomes/Responsibilities
The following outcomes should be developed through the learning experiences of the dental degree. The dental graduate should:
adopt and employ professional attitudes and standards/values
effectively manage community-based health
effectively manage individual patient care
effectively manage a dental team
engage in self-directed life-long learning.
Graduate Outcome Indicators
The dental graduate should:
Adopt and employ professional attitudes and standards/values by:
advocating for change
communicating effectively with a range of audiences, eg professional, policy-making bodies, community and patients
providing dental care in a contemporary ethical and legal environment
displaying integrity in all aspects of professional life
applying a wide understanding of social, political and cultural perspectives to inform practice.
Effectively manage community-based health by:
Having a vision of oral health in the wider community
Committing to improvement of oral health in the whole community including disadvantaged groups through diagnosis, treatment and education
Being informed by a preventive approach to management
Engaging in promotion of oral health as it is related to general health
Committed to optimising their own health.
Effectively manage individual patient care by:
Using an evidence-based approach to provide holistic management
Acting as an advocate for patients
Providing a broad range of dental interventions
Having expertise in diagnosis, treatment planning and dental care in the long term
Integrating and applying an understanding of basic, clinical, behavioural and social science concepts to inform practice.
The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
Last updated:
Monday, 22 Dec 2008
Program Talks
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This session provides detailed information about the Bachelor of Dental Surgery and the Bachelor of Oral Health. Hear details about the program, selection and entry along with career pathways.
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