Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry provides graduates of dental surgery programs with the knowledge and skills to be able to plan, integrate and coordinate patient oral health and advanced general dental treatment. Graduates will become skilled practitioners and have the ability to direct a team approach to dental care.

The Diploma also prepares students for further studies, either pure research or specialist clinical training. The scientific component of the program complements and supports the requirements of the Primary Examination of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.

There is a strong emphasis on self-directed learning and evidence-based practice.

For local students the Diploma is available in internal and, under special circumstances external mode. External students interact with on-campus students through online activities and can expect to visit Adelaide several times.

The program commences in January each year with a period of orientation, preclinical skills and supervised clinical experience. If satisfactory progress has been made the students will commence clinical sessions within the Adelaide Dental Hospital initially. While on placement students will complete theoretical studies which will be supported by paper and online resources, and participate in face-to-face and online seminars. During the program students will gain experience in the disciplines of crown and bridge, removable prosthodontics, endodontics and minimum intervention.

The program begins with a three week orientation block for international students and a one week block for local students including introductions to the university and dental service environments, technical / preclinical exercises in laboratory facilities and some didactic teaching. A one week intensive course in Research Methods and Ethics then follows.

From Orientation Week of the normal university year (late February) there will be two consecutive eight week supervised clinical rosters at the Adelaide Dental Hospital followed by an assessment / examination week and a two week break. The second half of the year will be two consecutive blocks of eight weeks and nine weeks. The latter allowing one week off for students and staff to attend the IADR meeting. The fourth and final roster will be followed by an assessment / examination week.

Clinic experience will be supported by seminars, treatment planning sessions and discussions.

Prescribed Communicable Infections

Students enrolled in clinical programs including the Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry and the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry must be registered with the Dental Board of South Australia. Students with a prescribed communicable infection (Hepatitis B antigen and antibody, Hepatitis C antibody, and (HIV/AIDS) will be unable to be registered with the Dental Board of South Australia, and are unable to complete the requirements of the program.

All applicants for School of Dentistry clinical programs are required to provide the School of Dentistry with written evidence of their status in relation to Prescribed Communicable Diseases. Successful applicants may also be required to undertake a further test for Prescribed Communicable Infections upon commencement of the program.

• School of Dentistry
• Dental Board of SA