The B.Sc.Dent(Hons) degree offers an opportunity to explore in some depth a specific aspect of dentistry, or a discipline related to dentistry, that particularly interests you. It is a research-based degree, so the main component of the program is a research project, leading to the production of a research report or thesis.  Honours programs in dentistry require commitment on your part and a mature approach to learning.  You will be guided and supported by your supervisor(s) but the onus is on you to be organised and self-directed in your studies.

Pre-requisites

You must have completed a Bachelors degree, or at least 3 years of the BDS program.

1. You will need to have a good university academic record.
2. A credit-level GPA is normally required at a minimum.
3. You must demonstrate to your potential supervisor an interest in and aptitude for research.

Study Options

1. Full-time (one year)

   This option is available to:
   • graduates of a minimum three-year Bachelor's program (eg. Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Oral Health, Bachelor of Health Science)
   • students who have completed the third year of the BDS degree and who suspend their BDS studies for one year.
Students selecting this option work full time on their Honours program, completing the B.Sc.Dent.(Hons) degree in one year

2. Half-time (two years)

   This option is available to those eligible for full time enrolment, but entails half-time study completed over two years.

3. Concurrent B.Sc.Dent(Hons)

   This option is available to domestic BDS students, permitting them to complete their Honours requirements at around the same time that they graduate with the BDS degree. This is achieved by taking advantage of summer vacations and other times to work on the Honours project. Students enrol at the end of the third year of the BDS program, but are encouraged to plan a research project, carry out a literature review, and complete one or possibly two essays during their first three years in the BDS. The concurrent program is NOT available to international BDS students

You can choose to do your research in one of the following areas:

Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health
Research in community and preventive dentistry, risk factors for oral disease, and evaluation of dental services.

Colgate Australian Clinical Dental Research Centre
Periodontology, properties of dental materials, ultra-structural investigations of tooth-restoration interfaces, and bio-dental imaging modalities.

Craniofacial Biology and Oral Health 
Studies of normal and abnormal craniofacial growth and development, and oral health.A focus on oro-facial genetics and incorporating studies of the teeth, faces and oral health of Australian twins and other populations.

Dental Education 
Studies of education and learning theory and practice, with a focus on dental education.

Tooth Wear 
Tribological investigations of the mechanisms of tooth erosion, abrasion and attrition.

Forensic Odontology Unit 
Studies of methods of identification, including the use of photographic superimposition techniques.

Oral and Maxillo-facial Surgery

Oral Microbiology
Studies of oral micro-organisms involved in dental caries and periodontal diseases.

Oral Pathology 
Studies of pathobiology of cancer treatment related to mucosal toxicity; mucosal pathology; oral cancer.

Orthodontics

Restorative Dentistry

Faculty of Health Sciences

• Program Information Leaflet
• Application Form
• School of Dentistry
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• University Contact Centre enquiry form