Course Overview

About This Course

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 JCU’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 JCU’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 JCU. Learn more about the Rural Access Scheme and the application process today.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Brisbane

349 Queen St, BRISBANE, QLD 4000

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Provider's Published Fee

$11,460+ per year (Commonwealth Supported Place)

Duration

260 weeks

Intakes

Cairns: February

Study Mode

Full time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic Students:

English (Units 3/4,C), Mathematical Methods (Units 3/4,C), Chemistry (Units 3/4,C)
Recommended Knowledge: Biology (Units 3/4,C)
Special entry requirements apply

International Students:

English (Units 3/4,C), Mathematical Methods (Units 3/4,C), Chemistry (Units 3/4,C); or equivalent
Recommended Knowledge: Biology (Units 3/4,C)
English language requirements: Band 3b
If your native language is not English, you must meet the minimum English language requirements for this course
Special entry requirements apply

Additional Requirements:

Applicants of non-English speaking backgrounds must meet the English language proficiency requirements of "Band 3b" – Schedule II of the JCU 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
Submit JCU internal application form by 30 September (Domestic students) Submit JCU internal application form by 30 June (International students) The written application form (and other information published by JCU 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 JCU in the application process may be used by JCU to rank applicants in order of merit by reference to those additional criteria
English, Mathematical Methods, Chemistry (Units 3/4,C) Recommended subject: Biology

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

JCU 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 Australian Dental Council (ADC) and graduates can apply for membership of the Dental Board of Australia.

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Dental Council (ADC)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

ADC

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units16 units

DS1101

Dental Science 1

RH1002

Communication Skills for Health Professionals

DS1102

Dental Science 2

HS1003

Lifespan Development for Health A

HS1401

Health and Health Care in Australia

DS2101

Simulated Clinical Dentistry 1

HS2402

Health Professional Research 1

HS2406

Health Promotion in Dentistry

DS2102

Simulated Clinical Dentistry 2

DS3101

Introduction to Clinical Dentistry

DS3102

Clinical Dentistry 1

HS2401

Rural and Remote Primary and Public Health Care

DS4101

Clinical Dentistry 2

DS4102

Clinical Dentistry 3

DS5101

Clinical Practice 1 (Comprehensive Oral Care)

DS5102

Clinical Practice 2 (Comprehensive Oral Care)

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours of clinical placement will I complete during the Bachelor of Dental Surgery?

During the Bachelor of Dental Surgery, you will be required to complete a minimum of 2,331 hours of work-integrated learning (WIL), including over 2,000 hours of supervised clinical placements in private practices as well as rural and remote clinics across northern Queensland.

Is the Bachelor of Dental Surgery accredited and will I be able to register as a dentist in Australia?

Yes, JCU's Bachelor of Dental Surgery is accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC), and graduates can apply for membership of the Dental Board of Australia. Graduates will also be ready to register with any dental board in Australia or New Zealand.

What practical facilities are available to dental students at JCU?

JCU students have access to a world-class dental teaching complex, which includes a state-of-the-art clinical simulation laboratory for practical experience and observation, as well as the university's public dental clinics where students apply their theoretical knowledge assessing, diagnosing and performing dental work on real patients.

Is there an Honours option available for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery?

Yes, 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.

What is the Rural Access Scheme and how does it relate to this course?

The Rural Access Scheme (RAS) reflects JCU's commitment to empowering regional communities. 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 JCU. More information is available through JCU about the Rural Access Scheme and the application process.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Typical Salary (AUD)

Entry-level (0-2 years)$70,000 – $95,000/yr

Early Career (2-5 years)$100,000 – $150,000/yr

Mid-Level (5-10 years)$150,000 – $220,000/yr

Career Paths

General Dentist
Orthodontist
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Periodontist
Endodontist

Key Skills

Clinical examination and oral health assessment
Diagnosis and treatment planning for dental conditions
Restorative dentistry techniques (fillings, crowns, bridges)
Periodontal therapy and management of gum disease
Tooth extraction and minor oral surgical procedures

Full course overview

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