Dentistry and Oral Health

Postera Crescam Laude

Sign up to learn more about our courses in dentistry.

Sign up

Dentistry is a challenging and rewarding profession that is responsible for the oral health of individuals and the wider community. Good oral health is integral to good general health, and dentistry is recognised as a primary healthcare profession.

  • Bachelor of Oral Health

    As a Bachelor of Oral Health student you'll develop all the scientific, theoretical and clinical skills to practice in oral health therapy, which includes careers as both dental hygienist and dental therapist.

    The Bachelor of Oral Health is recognised in all Australian states and territories and in New Zealand and is accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC). Students will register as dental practitioners with the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) upon graduation.

    The Bachelor of Oral Health is not a direct pathway to the Doctor of Dental Surgery. The BOH is a vocational entry-to-practice qualification. Applicants over-qualified for the Bachelor of Oral Health may not receive an offer for the program.

  • Doctor of Dental Surgery

    The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) is Australia's only masters-level qualification for training general dental practitioners.

    As part of the four year full-time degree, students spend significant time in provision of patient care, and clinical methods, as well as undertake a two-year research project in oral health. In the final year, students have the unique opportunity to experience working in a private practice setting, where they will learn how to run a small dental clinic.

    Based on advanced, evidenced-based clinical training, the degree leads to registration as a general dental practitioner with the Dental Practice Board in Australia and New Zealand, and creates a pathway to enter the Master of Philosophy, PhD or Doctor of Clinical Dentistry.

  • Doctor of Clinical Dentistry

    The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DCD) is for general dentists who wish to become specialists.

    The course is accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC) for specialist registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. Local graduates of this course may apply for registration to practise in Australia in their designated specialty. International graduates of this course must pass the ADC examinations in addition to the DCD in order to register to practise as a specialist in Australia.

  • Doctor of Dental Science

    The Doctor of Dental Science (DDSc) is the highest qualification available by examination at Melbourne Dental School. (more info)

  • Graduate Certificate in Dental Therapy (Advanced Clinical Practice)

    Graduate Certificate in Dental Therapy applicants must have a current registration with the Dental Board of Australia as a dental therapist or oral health therapist; and two years of practice experience.

  • Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Implants)

    The Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Implants) is for general dentists who wish to expand their knowledge and skills in implant dentistry. The course is ideal for local general dentists who wish to remain in private practice while learning as it is only available part-time.

    Applicants must have completed an undergraduate degree in dentistry with good academic results and have at least two years’ full-time, continuous clinical work experience.