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Program Outline
This program is currently under curriculum review and awaiting approval for introduction in 2010. 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 Adelaide Bachelor of Dental Surgery program develops skilled and progressive oral practitioners. 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. First year topics include health and disease, preventative dentistry, behavioural consequences of oral diseases, clinical examination and diagnostic procedures, x-rays and genetic engineering. A major objective is to provide a stimulating and enjoyable study environment for students that engenders a desire to continue learning after graduation.
The dynamic curriculum is delivered within a problem-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.
Program Structure
The program consists of integrated streams, 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, x-rays, genetic engineering and career pathways. The dynamic curriculum is delivered within a problem 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.
Admission Information
Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions
information for this program.
I am a:
Domestic applicants
Not a domestic applicant?
Selection Criteria
Year 12 applicants
You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units). A Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER) of 90 or above must be achieved. You must sit the Undergraduate Medicine & Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT) and top UMAT performers must also attend a structured oral assessment. Applications will be ranked on the basis of all 3 components: the UMAT, oral assessment and TER.
Prerequisites
SACE Stage 2: two Science subjects: one chosen from Chemistry, Mathematical Studies, Specialist Mathematics, Physics; and one chosen from Biology, Geology, Chemistry, Physics.
IB: two Science subjects (SL grade 4/HL grade 3); or, one Science subject plus Mathematics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3).
Assumed Knowledge
SACE Stage 2 Chemistry, Physics
Alternative entry pathways
- Higher Education applicants
You must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent higher education study, achieving at least a credit average (a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 5.0 or more). You must sit the Undergraduate Medicine & Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT) and top UMAT performers must also attend a structured oral assessment. Applications will be ranked on the basis of all 3 components: the UMAT, oral assessment and GPA. All applicants must meet prerequisite requirements. Later year entry applicants must have completed at least one year full time equivalent study in a World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised Dentistry/Dental Surgery degree. You must undergo clinical skills assessment and attend an interview. Further information can be found here. Applications will be ranked on the basis of Faculty assessment of previous academic results, referee reports, clinical assessment and the interview.
- Special Entry applicants
You must be 18 years or over before February 1st of the year that you will be studying and you must never have been enrolled in a course leading to a higher education level award. If you meet this criteria, you will be eligible to compete using your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). You must attain a STAT score within the top decile. Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements are not considered.You must sit the Undergraduate Medicine & Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT) and top UMAT performers must also attend an oral assessment. Applications will be ranked on the basis of all 3 components: the UMAT, oral assessment and STAT. Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. See Wilto Yerlo for further information.
- Without formal qualifications?
Additional Entry Requirements
All applicants must obtain a copy of the booklet Faculty of Health Sciences Undergraduate Admissions Guide 2010 from the Student Centre, telephone (08) 8303 7335 or 1800 061 459 (country and interstate callers) or via the Faculty of Health Sciences web site ( www.health.adelaide.edu.au/ugprograms/). This booklet sets out the eligibility requirements and the selection process in detail. Failure to read the booklet will not be grounds for special consideration. There are two distinct parts to the application process. The first is an application to sit the Undergraduate Medicine and Health Sciences Admission Test (UMAT). The second is the SATAC application. Applicants who have not already registered with UMAT at the time of reading this Guide will be ineligible for consideration since applications to sit UMAT closed in June 2009. Applicants who have registered with UMAT must lodge their SATAC application by 31 August 2009. Students studying year 12 in 2009 will be asked to enter their UMAT identification number when they lodge their application on SATACs UniWeb. Selection will be based on three components: performance in the UMAT; performance in a structured oral assessment; and achievement of a tertiary entrance rank (TER) of 90 or above for appropriate year 12 studies, or credit average for tertiary studies (preference may be given to applicants with science-based tertiary studies), or STAT rank in the top decile. All new students must provide evidence of their antibody and antigen status for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV/AIDS to the Dean of the School of Dentistry prior to enrolment. When the immunological status indicates that the prospective student may be infected they will not be admitted to clinic practice and hence will not be enrolled. Annual review of status will also be required. How to Apply
International applicants
Not an international applicant?
Selection Criteria
Prerequisites
Two Science subjects: one from Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics, and one from Biology, Chemistry, Geology or Physics
Equivalent Scores
| International
TER |
90 |
| IB |
32 |
Total
Reading
Listening
Speaking
Writing
|
6.5
6
6
6
6
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Additional Entry Requirements
Additional entry requirements include performance in the Personal Qualities Assessment (PQA) and, if selected, a Structure Oral Assessment. Refer to the International Selection Document for more information. How to Apply
International applicants applying with Australian year 12 results
Not an international applicant applying with Australian year 12 results?
Selection Criteria
Prerequisites
SACE Stage 2: two Science subjects: one chosen from Chemistry, Mathematical Studies, Specialist Mathematics, Physics; and one chosen from Biology, Geology, Chemistry, Physics.
IB: two Science subjects (SL grade 4/HL grade 3); or, one Science subject plus Mathematics (SL grade 4/HL grade 3).
Assumed Knowledge
SACE Stage 2 Chemistry, Physics
Study Plans
The study plans
given are examples of pathways through this degree. For a complete description,
see the program rules.
| Level I |
- The first year of the program will commence with an introductory phase which will include introductions to human biology, clinical competencies and the study methods to be used throughout the course. The Dental Sciences theme for the remainder of the year will cover human structure and function using a body systems approach, basic human biology, community health and aspects of the scientific basis of dental practice.
The Clinical Competences theme will cover basic technical skills (including chair-side assisting) and communication skills.
Throughout the program students will participate in case-based integrated learning activities which require students to work in groups, to engage in self-directed learning, and to integrate and apply knowledge from each of the themes.
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| Level II |
- The first semester continues with the same Dental Sciences topics as in first year but with a more in-depth approach to the body systems most directly relevant to dental practice. In the second semester students start to learn about the pathogenesis of dental and human disorders. The scientific basis of dental practice, and health and the community, components will continue throughout the year.
In the Clinical Competence theme students build on their basic practical and professional skills. In the later part of the year they will start participating in the care of patients within the Adelaide Dental Hospital. The Dental School places an emphasis on the comprehensive management of patients with dental and oral diseases while adhering to principles of minimum intervention.
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| Level III & IV |
- In the third and fourth years students will extend their Dental Sciences studies to include the understanding of dental disorders and the human diseases which have direct relevance to oral health and dental practice. The scientific basis of dental practice , and the health and the community, components will continue throughout the year.
Within the Clinical Competence theme students further develop skills in comprehensive treatment planning and provide supervised care for patients, obtaining clinical experience in general dental practice and the dental specialties. Students will have the opportunity to undertake an elective at the end of the fourth year.
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| Level V |
- This is planned as an 'Intern' year. Students will undertake a range of placements in the dental hospital and in a range of community settings, both in public and private practice. An elective placement will also be made available to provide students with an opportunity to pursue a particular aspect of dental practice in more depth.
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| Honours |
- An optional Honours year is available upon the completion of at least the first three years of the BDS. This will involve the writing of a report or thesis together with advanced course work. Students with a good academic standard may be permitted to undertake the Honours program concurrently during the BDS. Honours is usually the first step towards higher degrees and a career in research.
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Career Opportunities
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, research
or postgraduate study. After some experience in general practice a significant
number of 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.
Potential careers
Dental Therapist,
Dentist
Graduate Attributes
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
The following outcomes should be developed through the learning experiences of the dental degree. The dental graduate should:
- adopt and employ professional attitudes and standards/values
- effectively manage community-based health
- effectively manage individual patient care
- effectively manage a dental team
- engage in self-directed life-long learning.
Graduate Outcome Indicators
The dental graduate should:
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Adopt and employ professional attitudes and standards/values by:
- advocating for change
- communicating effectively with a range of audiences, eg professional, policy-making bodies, community and patients
- providing dental care in a contemporary ethical and legal environment
- displaying integrity in all aspects of professional life
- applying a wide understanding of social, political and cultural perspectives to inform practice.
- Effectively manage community-based health by:
- Having a vision of oral health in the wider community
- Committing to improvement of oral health in the whole community including disadvantaged groups through diagnosis, treatment and education
- Being informed by a preventive approach to management
- Engaging in promotion of oral health as it is related to general health
- Committed to optimising their own health.
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Effectively manage individual patient care by:
- Using an evidence-based approach to provide holistic management
- Acting as an advocate for patients
- Providing a broad range of dental interventions
- Having expertise in diagnosis, treatment planning and dental care in the long term
- Integrating and applying an understanding of basic, clinical, behavioural and social science concepts to inform practice.
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: Thursday, 27 Aug 2009
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