This program is currently under curriculum review and awaiting approval for introduction in 2010.  Any course information provided in the Study Plan area is subject to change.

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.

• Bachelor of Oral Health
• Honours Degree of Bachelor of Science in Dentistry

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Bachelor of Dental Surgery Program Rules

• Program Information Leaflet
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Undergraduate Scholarships
• Student Centre enquiry form