Do you want to study dentistry in Australia? Enrolling in an Australian dental program is more than just a learning experience; it’s a commitment to excellence in a field. Aspiring dentists who choose Australia as their study abroad location are entering a field of cutting-edge knowledge and practical skills. There are over 6 universities that offer dental education in Australia for international students. These include:
- University of Melbourne
- University of Queensland
- University of Sydney
- University of Adelaide (UoA)
- La Trobe University
- James Cook University
These universities offer courses accredited by the Australian Dental Council, thus ensuring quality dental education. They are also approved by the Dental Board of Australia. Australian dental schools are equipped with modern facilities and resources like laboratories, clinics, and the latest dental technologies, ensuring that students receive practical, hands-on training. Graduates of dentistry programs in Australia have diverse career options, including general practice, specialization, public health, research, and academia. The skills acquired during the programs make graduates competitive in the global job market. Plus, networking opportunities with professionals, researchers, etc., contribute to a global perspective in education.
Overview: Study Dentistry in Australia
| Number of universities | ~6 (source: Study in Australia official website) |
| Course levels | Undergraduate (direct entry) and master’s (graduate entry) |
| Duration | 4-7 years |
| Degree awarded | Bachelor of Science in Dentistry, Doctor of Dental Surgery |
| Admission test | DAT, GAMSAT, UCAT, or BMAT |
| Annual tuition fees for international students | AU $56,000 to 97,000 |
Why Study Dentistry in Australia?
Global recognition: A dental degree from an Australian university is widely recognized internationally. Dental programs in Australia are designed to meet international standards, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and top-notch education.
Professional accreditation: Dental programs in Australia are accredited by the Australian Dental Council. Graduates are eligible to sit for dental licensing exams in many countries, facilitating the potential for global career opportunities.
Advanced technology: Australian dental schools are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and the latest technologies. Students have access to modern laboratories, clinics, and equipment, ensuring that they receive practical, hands-on training in line with industry standards.
Research opportunities: Australian universities are known for their strong emphasis on research. Dental students often have opportunities to engage in research projects and contribute to advancements in healthcare.
Quality of life: Australia offers a high standard of living and a diverse, multicultural environment. Students benefit from a well-developed healthcare system, a safe and welcoming society, and numerous extracurricular activities.
Global networking: Australia’s medical community is well-connected globally. Studying medicine in Australia provides opportunities for students to build international networks, attend conferences and workshops, and collaborate with professionals from different parts of the world.
Permanent residency: Studying dentistry in Australia could be a good option for certain overseas students who want to work toward permanent residency. Australia has immigration pathways for skilled professionals like dentists.
Top Dentistry Universities in Australia
| University Name | THE World University Rankings 2024: Medicine & Dentistry | QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Dentistry |
| University of Melbourne | 34 | 36 |
| University of Queensland | 53 | 51-80 |
| University of Sydney | 54 | 51-80 |
| University of Adelaide (UoA) | 84 | 33 |
| La Trobe University | 251-300 | – |
| James Cook University | 351-400 | – |
Best Dentistry Universities in Australia
University of Melbourne
The University of Melbourne is a reputed institution located in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. It is consistently ranked among the top universities globally and is known for its strong academic reputation and research contributions. Established in 1853, it is Australia’s second-oldest university.
The DDS course at the University of Melbourne is provided by the Melbourne Dental School, part of the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, located in Carlton. It is an advanced master’s-level dental degree. Pre-clinical practical classes and clinical patient treatments in all dental specialties are the program’s main focal points. The degree allows graduates to register as general dental practitioners with the Dental Practice Board in Australia and New Zealand. An undergraduate degree in any discipline with subjects like anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology is mandatory to be considered for admission.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Doctor of Dental Surgery | 4 years | AU $97,536 |
University of Queensland
The University of Queensland (UQ) is a public university in Brisbane, Queensland. It was founded in 1909 by the Queensland parliament and is one of the eight oldest universities in the country. It is ranked in the top 50 in the world for its excellence in imparting education.
UQ offers an undergraduate Bachelor of Dental Science (Honors) program through the UQ School of Dentistry. The program covers in-depth knowledge of general practice dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral medicine, and public health. The program’s duration is five years, and it includes both coursework and clinical components.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Dental Science (Honors) | 5 years | AU $83,654 |
University of Sydney
The University of Sydney or Sydney University is Australia’s first dental school and has been producing dental practitioners for more than 100 years. Founded in 1850, it is one of the top universities in Australia and is highly ranked among the best universities in the world.
The University of Sydney offers a vertically integrated combined program leading to a Bachelor of Science degree followed by a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. The students will study for a three-year undergraduate science degree, followed by our four-year Doctor of Dental Medicine.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Medicine | 7 years | AU $56,000 |
University of Adelaide (UoA)
This public research university is located in Adelaide and is home to around 29,000 students. It was established in 1874 and is ranked in the top 100 universities worldwide. University of Adelaide (UoA) is a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight research-intensive universities. Currently, there are 22,716 students enrolled in courses offered by UoA, 30% of which are international students.
UoA offers a Bachelor of Dental Surgery program leading to the award of a degree of Bachelor of Science in Dentistry. It is an undergraduate program that combines theoretical coursework with practical clinical training to prepare students for a career in dentistry.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery | 5 years | AU $94,000 |
La Trobe University
La Trobe University is a multi-campus public university located in the state of Victoria, Australia. It is named after Charles Joseph La Trobe, the first Lieutenant Governor of Victoria. Its main campus is located in Melbourne while other major campuses are situated in Bendigo, Albury-Wodonga, Shepparton, and Mildura. The university delivers a 5 year long Bachelor of Dental Science (Honors) program. To receive the degree, the candidates must finish 600 credit points in five years. Students learn the foundations of dental science and receive hands-on experience in clinical placements across regional Victoria.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Bachelor of Dental Science (Honors) | 5 years | AU $76,000 |
James Cook University
Located in North Queensland, James Cook University is a public university in Australia that falls in the top 2% of universities worldwide. The university was established in 1970 and was named after the British explorer Captain James Cook. It has multiple campuses, with its main campuses situated in Cairns and Townsville. Its student population amounts to 20,308, many of whom are foreign students. It has a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, like dentistry, marine biology, business, engineering, health, law, science, and so on.
Its dental department offers a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (Honors) degree program. Since it is an honor degree, it is meant for high-achieving students. It entails additional coursework as well as a thesis and personal research project. The course is accredited by the Australian Dental Council. Graduates will be able to register with the Dental Board of Australia via the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. With the degree, they will be qualified to register as professionals with the dental boards in New Zealand and Australia.
| Course Name | Duration | Annual Tuition Fees |
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery (Honors) | 5 years | AU $73,040 |
Admission Requirements to Study Dentistry in Australia
Minimum eligibility and entry requirements for international students
High school/undergraduate education: Applicants who have completed 12 years of schooling (up to high school education) are eligible to apply for a direct entry undergraduate dental course in Australia (biology, chemistry, mathematics, and/or physics). The diploma must be equivalent to Australian year 12 education or ATAR requirement. Students who lack this qualification can opt for a foundation degree offered by Australian dental schools.
For the graduate entry DDS degree offered by the University of Melbourne, students need an undergraduate degree in any discipline with anatomy, biochemistry, and physiology as prerequisite subjects.
English language proficiency: International applicants from non-English speaking countries must submit English proficiency scores. Accepted scores are IELTS (Academic): 7.0, TOEFL Internet-based test: 94, Pearson Test of English (Academic): 65, etc.
Admission test: International students applying to dental programs in Australia must also clear admission tests like DAT, GAMSAT, UCAT, or BMAT as a prerequisite for admission.
Interview: Dental universities in the country also undertake personal or online interviews as a part of their admission process for dental courses.
Other requirements: Students must have a valid student visa to be admitted. They must also provide proof of financial support to cover both tuition fees and living expenses for dentistry courses in Australia.
Suggested reading: Best Medical Universities in Australia, Cost of Medical Studies in Australia, Scholarships to Study Medicine in Australia for International Students, Admission and Eligibility for Medical Studies in Australia, Job Opportunities After Medical Studies in Australia
Career Opportunities
After earning their degree, graduates must register with the Dental Board of Australia and the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency to be qualified to practice dentistry in Australia. Dentistry graduates can be found in a broad range of roles and careers in public and private sectors in following roles:
- Dentist
- Oral health therapist
- Clinical dentist
- Community health officer
Dentists can pursue careers in academia and research, working at universities or research institutions. They may teach dental students, conduct research, and contribute to advancements in the field. They can also open their own dental clinics, dental laboratories, or dental product development ventures. Dentists are among the highest-paid professionals in Australia with an average annual salary of AU $73,600. In Australia there are 92 dental practitioners per 100,000 head of population, thus there is a rising demand for dentists in the country (source: Ahpra).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Australian dental universities are known for providing high-quality education, and their dental programs are designed to meet international standards. Thus, the decision to study dentistry in Australia is one of the best decisions, as the country offers an enriching educational experience for individuals aspiring to become dental professionals. Dentistry programs in Australia typically provide a comprehensive education that includes both theoretical knowledge and practical clinical training. Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities and technologies to enhance their learning experience. If you have made up your mind to study dentistry in Australia, check out the OneApply platform by Gyanberry. It is a one-stop platform to apply to multiple universities to increase the chances of admission. To know more about it, you can get in touch with our admission counselors by filling out the form or by booking a free video appointment.
