Fast Facts
Location
Commencing
- Cairns: February
Fees
$11,200.00+
+estimated annual Commonwealth Supported Fee for a full-time study load
Plus Student Services and Amenities fee
Fee deferral and scholarships available if eligible
Currently displaying fees for 2024, which are indicative only of the upcoming year's.
Duration
5 years full-time
Entry Requirements
English (Units 3/4,C), Mathematical Methods (Units 3/4,C), Chemistry (Units 3/4,C)
Recommended Knowledge
Biology (Units 3/4,C)
QTAC Codes
- 327091
Course detail
Study the foundational theory of dental science and the promotion of oral healthcare in underserved communities. Train alongside experienced, supportive professionals and explore issues of concern, particularly relating to tropical, rural and indigenous practice. Develop the fundamental skills required to learn how to become a dentist in Queensland or in metropolitan and regional areas across Australia.
Be equipped with practical work skills in ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ’s world-class dental teaching complex, with a state-of-the-art clinical simulation laboratory. Apply your theoretical knowledge as you assess, diagnose and perform dental work on real patients. Expand your network and experience through extensive professional placements.
Discover the strength of ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ’s continued commitment to empowering regional communities and the students within them through the Rural Access Scheme (RAS). If you live or have previously lived in a rural or remote area of Queensland, you may be eligible for a rural place in the Bachelor of Dental Surgery at ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ. Learn more about the Rural Access Scheme and the application process today.
ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ Dental Surgery students graduate in high demand, with a broad range of knowledge and skills to stand out in a competitive field.
Additional information
About ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ's Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Do you have a passion for improving health? Are you especially dedicated to those with poor health access, such as Indigenous communities and remote populations? With your Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree from ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ, you will be equipped with a world-class education that prepares you to work anywhere, including rural, tropical, and with Indigenous populations.
A Dental Degree with Abundant Opportunities
You want to make a difference, but you also appreciate the importance of having a solid foundation for your career. In Australia, dentists have the highest starting salaries of any profession, and with your dental degree, you will be able to make a difference and work almost anywhere.
With your BDS degree, you can work in private practices across the nation. You will also be able to work in state dental health services or move into teaching or research. After graduation, you will be ready to take advantage of the high demand for dentists throughout Australia, and particularly in Queensland.
By studying a Bachelor of Dentistry in Queensland, you will position you as a leader in facing the challenge of the state’s oral health.
Proper Preparation to Study Dentistry
With your dental degree, you will be ready for any dental career you choose. Becoming a dentist requires the right preparation, and you can be sure of getting everything you need when you study dentistry at ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ.
As you prepare with your BDS degree, you will be able to take advantage of ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ’s world-class dental teaching complex, including a clinical simulation laboratory for practical experience and observation. You will also gain real-life experience at the university’s public dental clinics. By the time you graduate, you will have considerable real-world experience in a variety of environments, from rural community health centres, to state-of-the-art training complexes.
Not only will you have useful practical training, you will also acquire the accredited degree you need to move into any dentistry career. ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ’s Bachelor of Dental Surgery, like a Bachelor of Dentistry, will be accredited by the Australian Dental Council, and you will be ready to register with any dental board in Australia or New Zealand.
A Dental School Offering Comprehensive Learning
As you earn your Bachelor of Dental Surgery, you will learn from the best with over 2000 hours of supervised clinical placements in private practices as well as rural and remote clinics across northern Queensland. As you train alongside experienced professionals, you will gain crucial insight into the dental health issues of rural, tropical and Indigenous people.
Your undergraduate dentistry courses will help you grasp a wide range of important aspects of dentistry. You will gain extensive training in subjects like:
- Health care in Australia
- Communication skills for health professionals
- Dental science
- Clinical dentistry experience
- Issues in rural and remote health care
- Anatomy and physiology
- Biological chemistry
- Operative dentistry
- Research for health professionals
- Clinical practice issues
- Lifespan development
- Biological science
Your comprehensive understanding of the issues facing modern health care and dentistry will prepare you for any dental career. You will have a strong mastery of the safety requirements and scientific principles needed to work across all population groups. You will be able to communicate clearly, and critically evaluate situations to attend to the specific needs of your patients.
Become a Dentist and Help Communities
With your BDS degree, you will have the social justice principles necessary to work effectively with people across the social and economic spectrum. You will also be able to work in all contexts, and move effortlessly from remote rural environments to urban environments.
You will also know how to communicate clearly, assess patient needs accurately, and make the right decisions for patients and their families. Equipped with the right training, you will become effective at promoting the oral health of individual patients and the community as a whole.
A Bachelor of Dental Science That Can Lead to Career Success
With your Bachelor of Dental Surgery (similar to a Bachelor of Dentistry), you will be able to take advantage of the high demand for dental services. At the same time, you will be ready to meet any challenge, whether it comes from a fast-moving urban practice or a remote tropical clinic. You will be ready to fulfill your dream of a profitable career while making a positive difference to people across Australia.
Hide additional information
View the Handbook for a detailed overview of available subjects, as well as pre-placement requirements.
Inherent requirements
Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University’s learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please review the inherent requirements for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery.
Honours
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (Honours) degree is available for high-achieving students. It consists of extra study and the development of a personal research project and thesis. An Honours degree is usually essential for entry to research higher degrees. For eligibility information go to the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (Honours) Handbook page. Complete an application through our .
ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ Dental Surgery graduates are healthcare practitioners who are sought-after in a variety of healthcare settings.
Graduates pursue careers as dentists in various areas including private practice, hospitals, community health services, The Australian Defence Force, education, or research.
This course is accredited by the (ADC) and graduates can apply for membership of the .
Entry score threshold
These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2024. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in June each year. Meeting the threshold doesn't guarantee admission.
ATAR/Selection Rank: Special entry requirements
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the Bachelor of Dental Surgery for Semester 1, 2024. The table includes offers deferred to Semester 1, 2024 which may have been assessed using the entry score threshold of an earlier year.
ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ Cairns
Without adjustments | With adjustments* | |
|---|---|---|
Highest | 99.75 | 99.75 |
Median | 97.85 | 97.85 |
Lowest | 88.00 | 88.00 |
Notes:
<5 – indicates less than 5 OP/ATAR-based offers made.
* Refer to Adjustment Factors
Find out more about who you might study with by viewing this course’s student profile.
Handbook year | Information valid for students commencing in 2025 |
Course code | 73010 |
Course type | Bachelor Degree (AQF Level 7) |
Professional accreditation status | This course is accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC). Students enrolled in this degree will be registered with the Dental Board of Australia through the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) for the duration of their program of study or until they are no longer enrolled. Graduates will be eligible for professional registration with dental boards in Australia and New Zealand. |
Owner | Academy |
College | Medicine and Dentistry |
Award Requirements
Admission Requirements
Course pre-requisites | English (Units 3/4,C); Mathematical Methods (Units 3/4,C); Chemistry (Units 3/4,C) Recommended: Biology (Units 3/4,C) |
Minimum English language proficiency requirements | Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of Band 3b – Schedule II of the ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ Admissions Policy. Students also need to take note that in accordance with the National Registration Board’s requirement, they must hold a valid IELTS (academic module) minimum score of 7.0 in all components within 2 years prior to applying for registration. |
Additional selection requirements | Submit ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ internal application form by 30 September (Domestic students) Submit ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ internal application form by 31 August (International students) The written application form (and other information published by ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ or otherwise made available to students when applying), may specify additional criteria to be considered in ranking applicants in order of merit if the number of applications exceeds a quota or other limit on the places made available for the course. Information provided by applicants during the application process and any other information obtained by ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ in the application process may be used by ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ to rank applicants in order of merit by reference to those additional criteria. |
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s) | Clinical placement/professional practice: This course includes prescribed professional or clinical placements. Students may be required to undertake such placements away from the campus at which they are enrolled, at their own expense (Note: health professional courses generally involve extensive professional or clinical placements). Students may be required to be interviewed, in accordance with procedures approved from time to time by the Division, to assess their suitability for entry to the Dentistry profession before undertaking clinical practice and research projects. |
Post admission requirements | This course may have specific admission requirements such as immunisation, a Suitability to Work with Children Card, a federal police check and/or other conditions that students must comply with. Students must complete all professional experience placement requirements by the prescribed deadlines and maintain currency of these requirements in order to stay admitted in the course. You will find your course requirements here: |
Academic Requirements for Course Completion
Credit points | 120 credit points as per course structure |
Additional completion requirements | Students who contract a blood-borne viral disease during the course of their studies will be unable to complete placements and consequently will be unable to complete the requirements of the course as accredited by the relevant professional accrediting body. |
Course learning outcomes | The ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ Bachelor of Dental Surgery will prepare graduates to be dental health practitioners who meet the professional attributes and competencies of the newly qualified dentist as defined by the Australian Dental Council. On successful completion of the course, the graduate will be able to:
|
Inherent Requirements
Inherent Requirements | Inherent requirements are the identified abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours that must be demonstrated, during the learning experience, to successfully complete a course. These abilities, attributes, skills, and behaviours preserve the academic integrity of the University's learning, assessment, and accreditation processes, and where applicable, meet the standards of a profession. For more information please visit: Bachelor of Dental Surgery. |
Reasonable adjustments | All ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ students have the opportunity to demonstrate, with reasonable adjustments where applicable, the inherent requirements for their course. For more information please visit: Student Disability Policy and Procedure. |
Course Structure
CORE SUBJECTS
Level 1
Teaching Period 1:
:09 Dental Science 1
:03 Communication Skills for Health Professionals
Teaching Period 2:
:06 Dental Science 2
:03 Lifespan Development for Health A
:03 Health and Health Care in Australia
Level 2
Teaching Period 1:
:06 Simulated Clinical Dentistry 1
:03 Health Professional Research 1
:03 Health Promotion in Dentistry
Teaching Period 2:
:12 Simulated Clinical Dentistry 2
Level 3
Teaching Period 1:
:12 Introduction to Clinical Dentistry
Teaching Period 2:
:09 Clinical Dentistry 1
:03 Rural and Remote Primary and Public Health Care
Level 4
Teaching Period 1:
:12 Clinical Dentistry 2
Teaching Period 2:
:12 Clinical Dentistry 3
Level 5
Teaching Period 1:
:12 Clinical Practice 1 (Comprehensive Oral Care)
Teaching Period 2:
:12 Clinical Practice 2 (Comprehensive Oral Care)
Location
COURSE AVAILABLE AT | NOTES |
ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ Cairns |
Candidature
Expected time to complete | 5 years full-time or 7 years part-time (part-time study is not permitted in Year 2 second semester, Years 3, 4 and 5) |
Maximum time to complete | 7 years |
Maximum leave of absence | 1 year |
Progression
Course progression requisites | Must complete all level 1 and 2 subjects before attempting any level 3 subject Must complete all level 3 subjects before attempting any level 4 subject Must complete all level 4 subjects before attempting any level 5 subject |
Course includes mandatory professional placement(s) | Clinical placement/professional practice: This course includes prescribed professional or clinical placements. Students may be required to undertake such placements away from the campus at which they are enrolled, at their own expense (Note: health professional courses generally involve extensive professional or clinical placements). Students may be required to be interviewed, in accordance with procedures approved from time to time by the Division, to assess their suitability for entry to the Dentistry profession before undertaking clinical practice and research projects. Refer to Review of a Student’s Suitability to Continue a Course Involving Placement policy. |
Special assessment requirements | At the discretion of the College Dean, students may be required to undertake a prescribed English language test to ensure that they have an acceptable level of English language proficiency, including at least at the level required to be admitted to the course, to safely participate in professional experience placements. |
Professional accreditation requirements | Nil |
Supplementary exam for final subject | Not applicable |
Credit
Eligibility | Students may apply for credit transfer for previous tertiary study in accordance with the Credit Transfer Procedure. |
Maximum allowed | 18 credit points, except as otherwise approved by the Dean of the College. |
Currency | Credit will be granted only for studies completed in the 5 years prior to the commencement of this course. |
Expiry | Credit gained for any subject shall be cancelled 12 years after the date of the examination upon which the credit is based if, by then, the student has not completed the course of study prescribed for the degree. |
Other restrictions | Nil |
Award Details
Award title | BACHELOR OF DENTAL SURGERY |
Approved abbreviation | BDS |
Inclusion of majors on testamur | Not applicable - this course does not have majors |
Exit with lesser award | Students who have completed 24 credit points of their course award requirements, and withdraw from or fail to meet the requirements for progression in the later years, may be eligible for the award of Diploma of Tertiary Studies. Students who have completed 48 credit points of their professional course award requirements, and withdraw from or fail to meet the requirements for progression in the later years, may be eligible for the award of Associate Degree of Health Sciences. Students who have completed 72 credit points of their professional course award requirements, and withdraw from or fail to meet the requirements for progression in the later years, may be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Life Sciences. |
Course articulation | Not applicable |
Special awards | Students may receive an Award of Recognition in accordance with the Recognition of Academic Excellence Procedure |
Honours
Honours availability | Available as an additional 24 credit points of study [end-on] |
Eligibility | Application for entry to the program is by approval of the College Dean. Achievement of an overall grade point average of 5.0 (i.e. credit average) across their undergraduate degree and/or a grade point average of 5.0 in the Level 4 of their undergraduate degree, with credits or better in specific discipline areas. or Current enrolment in Level 5 of the ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ Bachelor of Dental Surgery pass degree and requesting to concurrently study Honours part-time, and Achievement of an overall grade point average of 5.0 (i.e. credit average) across Levels 2, 3 and 4 of their undergraduate degree, with credits or better in the discipline specific areas. |
Estimated annual Commonwealth Supported fee: $AUD11,200.00
A Student Services and Amenities fee is payable per subject up to a maximum amount per year.
A variety of Scholarships are available to suit different student types.
ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ Prep is an available pathway into this course. Successful completion of this flexible program can enable you to meet subject prerequisites for this degree. Introductory academic subjects are also available to prepare you for tertiary study.
Contact our friendly ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ Team to find out more.
You need to submit applications via the and the for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery.
Follow the steps outlined in the process to prepare and apply for Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science courses at ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ.
Application deadlines for Dentistry are different to other ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ courses. Check the table of important dates for those relevant to Dentistry applications.
Real stories
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Student
Linda Gualtieri
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
The simulation clinic provides a great learning opportunity, as the supervisors bring with them many years of dental experience. We are very fortunate to have academics that impart such great knowledge, expertise and practical experiences on our journey in becoming dentists.
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Alumni
Dr Tanner Pachal
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Employers know we are work-ready as we have had so many different experiences treating patients and a really high volume of clinical hours. All the graduating students I speak to feel confident and ready to start their career. ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ is how all dental schools should be.
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International Student - Malaysia
Serene Tan
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
I chose to study at ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ because of its focus on remote and rural oral health. ÀÏ˾»úÊÓƵ’s program has much hands-on experience and is well-known for producing dental graduates who have successful graduate employment.
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Lecturer
Professor Peter Thomson
Head of Dentistry and Professor of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery program is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to become effective dental practitioners. The work-ready training concludes with clinical placements in regional and rural Australia, as well as the opportunity to undertake an International placement.