In 2000, the University of Adelaide replaced the former Master of Dental Surgery with the introduction of 9 new sub-programs leading to the coursework degree of Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (D.Clin.Dent.) in a specific discipline. The School of Dentistry offers the degree of Doctor of Clinical Dentistry for experienced general dental practitioners who wish to undertake specialist training programs.

Many of the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry sub-programs have ongoing accredition by the Australian Dental Council and are recognised as the postgraduate qualification associated with specialist dental training at The University of Adelaide.

The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry at the University of Adelaide is now recognised under Australian Commonwealth Government guidelines as a Research Degree. It is a combined clinical training and research program normally taken over three years (minimum three years; maximum four years).

The educational philosophy of the Graduate School in dentistry is to provide students with opportunities to seek, to interpret and to apply knowledge while developing the skills required of a specialist practitioner. Thus the doctoral degree programs are designed to provide candidates with advanced training in their chosen specialty, underpinned by an understanding of applied sciences, critical thought and analysis, interpersonal skills and self development. A major focus of the program is to have students gain an appreciation of the research literature in their clinical field, ethics and research methodology. Students engage in evidence-based practise, clinical research and conduct a major research project.

To facilitate the above at least two supervisors are appointed for each candidate, one of whom is the Head of the Specialist Discipline. The responsibilities of postgraduate students and supervisors are clearly documented by the University and supervisors guide students in all aspects of their research program. In most disciplines sessional clinical tutors (private practitioners) are employed to provide further specialist input. The staff:student ratio in clinical teaching varies from 1:1 to 1:4, depending on the availability of suitable staff, the number of students and their experience, and the discipline. Students are also supported in their research and clinical training by associated academic staff and the general staff of the Graduate School.

There are nine areas of specialist training currently offered by the Dental School of the University of Adelaide.  In addition to these there are three sub-programs that may be available, dependent on the availability of supervisors and facilities.  Neither the program in Forensic Dentistry nor General Dentistry lead to specialist registration but offer advanced training for general dentists.

Specialist training areas

• Endodontics
• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
• Oral Pathology
• Oral Medicine
• Orthodontics
• Paediatric Dentistry
• Periodontics
• Prosthodontics
• Special Needs Dentistry

Sub-programs

• Dentomaxillofacial Radiology
• Forensic Dentistry
• General Dentistry

• School of Dentistry
• Dental Board of SA