Qualifications & leading Universities
Dentists require the undergraduate Bachelor of Dental Surgery(B.D.S) from a university preferably with a good reputation for the profession. This is a 5 year very demanding course which combines both theory and practical application. You need to apply yourself.
A post graduate degree is required in order to obtain a specialisation in a specific field of dentistry eg: paediatric dentistry or oral surgery. Registration with the State Dental Board is mandatory and membership of Australian Dental Association desirable.
There is much debate on the best undergraduate course on offer, Australian dental graduates are well received by international employers. It is generally recognised Adelaide University, Melbourne University and Sydney University are the top three.
Entry to university usually requires an entry score of above 85.
The entry criteria for tertiary institiutions differs from year to year. The above comments are a guide only. To gain specific entry criteria either contact the relevant university or use Hobson's The Good University Guide.
Relevant Universities Colleges & TAFE
Careernav have trolled through all the universities, specialist colleges and TAFE’s across the nation to identify those courses we consider relevant to this career. We have only focussed on the core single degree and its full time period. We acknowledge many combination degrees are available and different students combine different degrees. Course names also differ by university and we have grouped like courses together. We may have missed the odd course being offered, so we recommend for a more detailed guide check with the universities direct or one of the university course guide books such as Hobson’s. Please note Careernav are totally impartial and do not recommend one tertiary institution over another. To view the A to Z of tertiary institutions that offer relevant courses for this career.
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All tertiary institutions have an open invitation to make available their course outline using the ‘For Institutions’ tab in the footer section of each page. From time to time universities, colleges or TAFE will take up Careernav’s offer to promote their courses and make available ‘Course Outline’ for your consideration. When an icon appears, consider its relevance and download the Course Outline on the one that interests you by clicking “I would like to learn more” at the end of the course profile.
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About the Author
Monika Pawlowski
Monika Pawlowski completed her degree at the University of Adelaide in 1995. Shortly thereafter she relocated to Sydney where she initially worked for the Illawarra Health Service and later as an assistant dentist in local private practice. In 2000 she commenced her own business, Bayside Dental Care, where she currently works on a part time basis. Monika loves to spend her spare time with her husband, kids and two dogs.
Did you know the electric chair was invented by a dentist?