This program is currently rolling out a revised curriculum from 2010 to 2015. 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 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. The 5-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery Program at the University of Adelaide is the only professional dental program in South Australia. The University of Adelaide's School of Dentistry's mission is to have an internationally recognised impact on oral health education, research and service. It strives to enable students to become competent and caring health practitioners who will meet changing community needs. Students are involved in clinical procedures from the outset of the program, with an emphasis on the recognition and prevention of oral diseases. The program is stimulating and enjoyable and one that develops skills and attitudes necessary for continual learning after graduation i.e. life-long learning. 

The dynamic curriculum is delivered within a case-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.

The program consists of one integrated stream, with coordination of topics within and between years. First year topics include health and disease, preventative dentistry, behavioural consequences of oral diseases, clinical examination and diagnostic procedures. The dynamic curriculum is delivered within a case-based learning approach. The emphasis of contextual learning of relevant scientific information throughout the program occurs concurrently with the development of clinical skills. Places are open to school leavers, applicants with tertiary education experience, special entry and Aboriginal entry applicants.

• 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, postgraduate study, research or dental education. After some experience in general practice many 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

 1. Clinical Competencies (clinical examination, diagnostic and management skills)

• gathering relevant information on presenting problems and obtaining relevant psychosocial, general medical and dental histories
• performing comprehensive oral and dental examination including use and interpretation of appropriate diagnostic tests/investigations
• accurately assessing/interpreting patients’ problems to formulate diagnosis and differential diagnosis
• developing and implementing a comprehensive management plan and monitoring its effectiveness
• participating in health promotion and in prevention of oral disease within and outside traditional practice settings

 2. Interpersonal skills

• communicating effectively with patients, their family / friends / carers, irrespective of their age, gender, background or culture
• communicating and working effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary health team
• being able to  educate patients, their family/friends/carers and other members of the health care team
• identifying potential danger for self and others and takes appropriate action to limit impact
• being able to manage pain, stress and other health issues in self, patients and members of the health care team

 3. Professional behaviours

• adopting a questioning and evidence-based approach to own work and that of others
• working within limits of competence and referring patients appropriately
• maintaining patient confidentiality
• responding appropriately to changes in health care, policy and to advances in scientific knowledge and technology
• maintaining an ethical approach and complying with legal and regulatory requirements
• demonstrating a patient-centred approach
• ensuring a safe working environment
• recognising patient neglect or abuse and knows how to report it to relevant authorities

4. Practical/technical skills 

• Ensures optimal patient comfort and privacy
• Prepares patient for, and explains, technical and practical procedures
• Ensures informed consent is obtained for all investigations and treatments
• Undertakes appropriate tests and imaging investigations
• Produces and maintains an accurate, complete and confidential record of patient's care
• Performs preventive, diagnostic, restorative and surgical oral procedures
• Manages complications of oral health procedures
• Implements appropriate health and safety procedures including infection control
• Applies effective practice management skills
• Recognises and manages dental and systemic life threatening emergencies
• Writes appropriate referrals and prescriptions to other health professionals and dental technicians
• Safely administers anaesthesia and sedation

Underpinning Knowledge

5. Biodental sciences 

Understands and applies knowledge of the relevant aspects of the basic sciences that have a direct impact on present and future dental practice (includes input from disciplines such as anatomy, physiology, genetics, cellular and molecular biology, biochemistry and embryology - and also includes developments in bio-technology, pharmacology, dental materials and genomics).

6. Clinical sciences 

Understands and applies knowledge of the relevant aspects of a wide range of clinical and laboratory sciences and dental health sciences within the context of present and future dental practice(includes input from disciplines such as clinical chemistry, histology, microbiology, anaesthetics, dental hygiene, clinical pathology, dental surgery and its subspecialties, and relevant aspects of general internal medicine).

7. Population Health Sciences 

Understands and applies knowledge of the determinants of dental and general health in individuals and human populations (including indigenous groups) across the life-span.

 Understands and applies knowledge of the range of interventions leading to improvements in health care (includes input from disciplines such as epidemiology, social sciences, public health, biostatistics and health services research).

8. Behavioural Sciences 

Understands and applies knowledge of the determinants of communication, behaviour, attitudes and beliefs (includes input from disciplines such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, psychobiology, ethics and law).

Bachelor of Dental Surgery Program Rules

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