Doctor of Clinical Dentistry

  • N/A
    Guaranteed Entry Score - ATAR
  • Duration

    3 years full-time
    (or part-time equiv.)
  • Start Dates

    February
  • Location

    Teaching Hospitals

What’s your speciality?

Adelaide Dental School is ranked 1st in Australia and number 25 in the world*. Our leading-edge expertise gives our graduates a competitive edge in a flexible and rewarding profession. 

This 3-year degree provides specialist dental education through clinical training and research.

What will you do?

Our Doctor of Clinical Dentistry is a professional postgraduate training program, not a PhD. You will:

  • undertake clinical placements in metropolitan, rural, public and private health care settings
  • conduct evidence-based research
  • propose, present and submit a dissertation
  • advance your knowledge and technical skills in a specialisation of your choice.

We offer the following specialist training areas: 

  • Endodontics
  • Orthodontics
  • Periodontics
  • Prosthodontics
  • Special Needs Dentistry.

Application closing date is 30 April in the year prior to when study commences. Applications may still be considered after this date, where quotas allow for the capacity. 


Where could it take you?

You’ll graduate ready to change lives on your chosen dentistry path. You’ll be eligible for specialty registration in Australia provided you’ve fulfilled all the qualifications and strict conditions outlined by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

Note: Before applying, make sure this degree allows you to register in the country where you intend to work.

*QS World University Rankings 2022


Note:
This degree is only available in blended mode and on-campus attendance is required.  if you are a continuing student in the degree and are unable to attend campus, please contact your program coordinator for program advice.

  • Ranked 25 globally for dentistry^
  • Six specialist training areas
  • Hands-on clinical placements in a variety of settings

^QS World University Ranking by Subject, 2022

Entry Requirements

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:

Before applying make sure you understand the eligibility and entry requirements for your chosen degree.

Look out for any prerequisites or assumed knowledge subjects. Some degrees also have additional entry requirements like interviews and auditions.

Domestic applicants

Deferment Yes - 2 year
Intake February
Additional Entry Requirements
Inherent requirements http://health.adelaide.edu.au/current-students/clinical-placements/ All applicants must: * complete application form; * provide a short description of research interests and aptitudes; * provide evidence of professional qualifications; * provide details of employment history; * provide 2 professional referees; * provide a full CV including work history and publications. Students applying for the following specialisations must complete an interview: Periodontics, Endodontics, Special Needs and Prosthodontic. Students applying for the specialisation in Orthodontics must complete a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI, in person) and manual dexterity assessments. Strict quotas apply. Please note that application closing dates are 30 April for the year prior to when study commences.
Selection Criteria
Graduate entry

Higher Education Study A completed Bachelor of Dental Surgery or equivalent or higher.

Applicants must have:
- at least two years of general practice AND an Honours (research training) degree; OR
- successful completion of the Primary Examinations of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons; OR
- successful completion of the Primary Examinations of the Royal College of Dental Surgeons (UK).


  • Admissions Transparency Data
    Student Profile
    Applicant background Semester one/Full year intake 2023
    Number of students Percentage of all students
    International students N/A N/A
    All students 7 100.0%

Ready to Apply?

Find out more about the application process and start your studies at the University of Adelaide.

Be sure to check the critical dates to avoid missing application deadlines.

Apply

Fees and Scholarships

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I am a:

Domestic applicants

Indicative annual tuition fees
Australian Full-fee place: $55,000

Where the standard duration of the program is less than one year the full cost of the program is displayed.

FEE-HELP
This is an Australian full-fee program. As a domestic student you may be eligible to:

  • receive a zero interest government assistance package to cover your course fees and
  • use over $100,000 in HELP assistance over your lifetime
Check your eligibility today at Study Assist

Scholarships

These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

Find a Scholarship.

Careers

Career Readiness

The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry degree may permit specialty registration in Australia, provided other qualifications and strict conditions are fulfilled. Furthermore, candidates should ensure that the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry degree from the University of Adelaide is registrable in the country in which they intend to work.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
  1. Deep discipline knowledge and intellectual breadth
  2. Creative and critical thinking, and problem solving
  3. Teamwork and communication skills
  4. Professionalism and leadership readiness
  5. Intercultural and ethical competency
  6. Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural competency
  7. Digital capabilities
  8. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Industry Placement

Throughout the program, students will work in the clinical area as members of a health care team. Clinical placements will be undertaken at public and private health care facilities.
Students undertaking clinical placements in the dentistry program are required to obtain the following clearances:

  • AHPRA registration
  • criminal history clearance
  • immunisation
  • prescribed communicable infections screening
  • tuberculosis screening

For further information, visit: www.health.adelaide.edu.au/current-students/clinical-placements/

Professional Accreditation

The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry specialisations are all accredited by the Australian Dental Council.

Potential careers

Graduates of this program have gone on to roles such as:

Oral Pathologist;  Orthodontist;  Periodontist;  Prosthodontist;  Endodontist;  Special Needs Dentist;  Specialist Dental Practitioner;  Dentist

Degree Structure

The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry is a combined clinical training and research program normally taken over three years (minimum three years; maximum four years).

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Areas of Specialisation

There are 5 areas of specialist training offered by the School of Dentistry. Specialist training areas include:

  • Endodontics
  • Orthodontics
  • Periodontics
  • Prosthodontics
  • Special Needs Dentistry

Example Study Plan

To qualify for the degree of Doctor of Clinical Dentistry the student must complete satisfactorily a program of study consisting of the following requirements with a combined total of not less than 72 units.

Core Courses

DENT 7200 Research Methods, Experimental Design & Ethics
DENT 7280 Doctor of Clinical Dentistry Research A

Specialisation
Students must also complete courses in their specialisation or major area of study. The following specialisations are offered:
Endodontics
Orthodontics
Periodontics
Prosthodontics
Special Needs Dentistry.

Research Dissertation
Students complete a research dissertation of not longer than 40,000 words, and must allow for undertaking the research and preparing the dissertation as follows:
Year 1
DENT 7200 Research Methods, Experimental Design & Ethics
DENT 7280 Doctor of Clinical Dentistry Research A
Years 2 and 3
Equivalent of 3 units embedded in each of the Specialist Clinical Courses.
 
Indicative study plan for Endodontics
Year 1 DENT 7212A Specialist Clinical Endodontics I Part 1 DENT 7212B Specialist Clinical Endodontics I Part 2
Year 2 DENT 7213A Specialist Clinical Endodontics II Part 1 DENT 7213B Specialist Clinical Endodontics II Part 2
Year 3 DENT 7214A Specialist Clinical Endodontics III Part 1 DENT 7241B Specialist Clinical Endodontics III Part 2
Indicative study plan for Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Year 1 DENT 7331A Spec Clin Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology I Part 1 DENT 7331B Spec Clin Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology I Part 2
Year 2 DENT 7332A Spec Clin Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology II Part 1 DENT 7332B Spec Clin Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology II Part 2
Year 3 DENT 7333A Spec Clin Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology II Part 1 DENT 7333B Spec Clin Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology II Part 2
Indicative study plan for Orthodontics
Year 1 DENT 7232A Specialist Clinical Orthodontics I Part 1 DENT 7232B Specialist Clinical Orthodontics I Part 2
Year 2 DENT 7233A Specialist Clinical Orthodontics II Part 1 DENT 7233B Specialist Clinical Orthodontics II Part 2
Year 3 DENT 7234A Specialist Clinical Orthodontics III Part 1 DENT 7234B Specialist Clinical Orthodontics III Part 2
Indicative study plan for Periodontics
Year 1 DENT 7252A Specialist Clinical Periodontics I Part 1 DENT 7252B Specialist Clinical Periodontics I Part 2
Year 2 DENT 7253A Specialist Clinical Periodontics II Part 1 DENT 7253B Specialist Clinical Periodontics II Part 2
Year 3 DENT 7254A Specialist Clinical Periodontics III Part 1 DENT 7254B Specialist Clinical Periodontics III Part 2
Indicative study plan for Prosthodontics
Year 1 DENT 7262A Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics I Part 1 DENT 7262B Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics I Part 2
Year 2 DENT 7263A Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics II Part 1 DENT 7263B Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics II Part 2
Year 3 DENT 7264A Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics III Part 1 DENT 7264B Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics III Part 2
Indicative study plan for Special Needs Dentistry
Year 1 DENT 7272A Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry I Part 1 DENT 7272B Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry I Part 2
Year 2 DENT 7273A Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry II Part 1 DENT 7273B Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry II Part 2
Year 3 DENT 7274A Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry III Part 1 DENT 7274B Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry III Part 2

Assessment

Students engage in evidence-based research and conduct a research project. Research activity continues throughout the three years of the degree, including oral presentations of the research proposal and results, culminating in the submission of a dissertation. Students also develop academic literacy and presentation skills in the specialist clinical courses provided throughout the degree.

Related Degrees

Testimonial

The degree is constantly evolving and improving to meet the demands of society and needs of the patients.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Tuesday, 10 Oct 2023