Dental Medicine
- Mar 16, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 21, 2025
In Australia, we provide world-class education in Dental Medicine. Our education programs in this field emphasize the latest technology and specialized knowledge, and offer stable careers and high income potential. There are various professions in this field such as dentists, dental assistants, and dental hygienists, all of which require specialized knowledge and skills to maintain and improve patients' oral health.
1. QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Dentistry
The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025 ranked six Australian universities among the top dentistry schools worldwide. The University of Melbourne ranked 34th, followed by the University of Queensland at 36th. Griffith University, the University of Adelaide, the University of Sydney, and the University of Western Australia were ranked within the 51–120 range. These universities offer strong dental programs, providing students with opportunities to learn from experienced faculty and gain hands-on clinical experience.
Rank | Australian University |
34 | The University of Melbourne |
36 | The University of Queensland |
51 - 120 | Griffith University |
51 - 120 | The University of Adelaide |
51 - 120 | The University of Sydney |
51 - 120 | The University of Western Australia |
2. Admissions Guide for Dentistry in Australia
This diagram provides a brief guide to the admission process for high school and university graduates who wish to study dentistry in Australia.
3. Entry Requirements for Dentistry Studies in Australia
The table below outlines the minimum entry requirements for international students who are interested in pursuing studies in Dentistry in Australia. Entry requirements are categorized into academic and English language requirements. For detailed admission requirements, please consult with an Australian Study Abroad Counselor (QEAC).
Note: These requirements may vary depending on the institution.
Qualification | Duration | IELTS | Academic Requirement |
Bachelor's degree | 5 years |
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Combined degree | 7 years |
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Professional degree | 4 years |
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4. Admissions Process for Dentistry in Australia
This diagram provides a brief overview of the application process for individuals who wish to pursue a degree in dentistry in Australia, from the initial application to admission into university.
5. Types of Clinical Aptitude Tests in Australia
This table provides information on the types of clinical aptitude tests that schools may require for admission into dentistry programs.
| UCAT | ISAT | MCAT | GAMSAT | DAT |
Degree | Undergraduate | Undergraduate | Postgraduate | Postgraduate | Postgraduate |
Introduction | Computer-based admission test for medical and dental programs in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. | Computer-based admissions test for international students applying to health science programs in Australia and New Zealand. | Computer-based standardized test required for admission to most medical schools in the United States and Canada. | Standardized exam used in Australia, Ireland, and the UK to assess aptitude for medical programs. | Computer-based test used for admission to dental schools in the United States and Canada. |
Reservation | March - May | At least 60-90 days in advance | - | Nov - Jan (Test in March) May - July (Test in Sep) | At least 60-90 days in advance |
Test Date | July | May, Aug, Nov | Every month (25-30 exams per year) | Mar, Sep | Appointment of test dates |
Test Format | 5 subtests in total
| 2 subtests in total
| 4 subtests in total
| 3 subtests in total
 | 4 subtests in total
|
Required Scores | Over 2,600 points (total of 3,600 points) | Above 170 points (total of 200 points) | At least 510 points (528 total points) | At least 65 points (total of 100 points) | 20 points or more (30 points total) |
Cost | AUD 305 | AUD 413 | USD 330 + USD 120 (International fee) | AUD 515 | USD 510 |
6. Structure of Dentistry Courses in Australia
The following table provides an overview of the structure of a Dentistry course for international students in Australia. It outlines the key components of the course and briefly describes what each component covers. This information can be useful for students who are interested in pursuing a career in dentistry and want to gain a better understanding of the different areas of knowledge and skills that they will acquire through the course.
Note: The components and course structure may vary depending on the institution and specific course.
Component | Description |
Pre-clinical coursework | Covers topics such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, microbiology, and pathology. Students learn about the human body and its systems, as well as how to diagnose and treat dental diseases. |
Clinical coursework | Involves hands-on training in dental clinics where students work with patients under the supervision of licensed dentists. Students learn how to perform procedures such as fillings, extractions, and root canals. |
Electives | Offered in a variety of specialties, such as orthodontics, periodontics, pediatric dentistry, and oral surgery. Students can choose electives based on their interests and career goals. |
Research component | Involves conducting original research in a specific area of dentistry. Students learn research methodology, data analysis, and scientific writing skills. |
Professional practice | Includes practical training in areas such as communication skills, patient management, and business skills. Students also learn about the ethical and legal aspects of dentistry. |
7. ADC (Australian Dental Council) Accredited Programs List
The ADC (Australian Dental Council) maintains a list of accredited dental programs offered by various institutions across different states and territories in Australia. The accreditation process ensures that the programs meet the required standards for dental education and training in Australia. Prospective dental students or dentists seeking to practice in Australia should consult this list to ensure they enroll in an accredited program.
State/Territory | Institution | Program | Duration |
NSW | University of Sydney | Doctor of Dental Medicine | 4 years |
NSW | Charles Sturt University | Bachelor of Dental Science | 5 years |
VIC | University of Melbourne | Doctor of Dental Surgery | 4 years |
VIC | La Trobe University | Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) Bachelor of Health Sciences in Dentistry / Master of Dentistry | 5 years |
QLD | University of Queensland | Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) | 5 years |
QLD | Griffith University | Bachelor of Dental Health Science / Master of Dentistry | 5 years |
James Cook University | Bachelor of Dental Surgery | 5 years | |
SA | University of Adelaide | Bachelor of Dental Surgery | 5 years |
WA | University of Western Australia | Doctor of Dental Medicine | 4 years |
8. Hierarchy of Dentistry Positions and Descriptions
The table outlines the positions in the dentistry hierarchy in Australia, from Dental Assistant to Dental Specialist. Responsibilities and required skills increase with each position, with higher positions requiring experience in managing a team and providing advanced dental care.
Note that the positions and descriptions may vary depending on the dental institution or organization.
Position | Description |
Dental Assistant | Supports dentists and dental hygienists by preparing treatment rooms, assisting with procedures, and managing patient records. |
Dental Hygienist | Focuses on preventive oral care, including teeth cleaning, periodontal treatments, and education on good oral hygiene practices. |
General Dentist | Diagnoses and treats dental issues, including fillings, extractions, and root canals. Provides routine dental care and referrals to specialists when necessary. |
Dental Specialist | Focuses on a specific area of dentistry, such as orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, or oral surgery. May require additional education and certification. |
Dental Practice Manager | Oversees the daily operations of a dental practice, including staff management, patient scheduling, financial management, and marketing. |
Dental Director | Responsible for overseeing multiple dental practices or clinics, managing budgets and resources, and developing strategic plans for growth and expansion. |
9. Registration Process and Career Information for Dental Medicine in Australia
The table below shows the process and future directions for becoming a dentist in Australia. Additionally, it provides information on the employment size, future job growth rate, average salary, employee percentage, female employment rate, and the average age of the dental profession in Australia.
Occupation | Dental Practitioners (ANZSCO 2523) |
Job Type | Professionals |
Skill Level | Very high skill |
Unemployment Rate | Below average |
Employed | 16,900 |
Future Growth | 27.8% |
Weekly Earnings | A$2,297 |
Full-Time Share | 64% |
Female Share | 42% |
Average Age | 41 |
10. Immigrating to Australia through Dentistry
The diagram below provides an overview of the general process for immigrating to Australia through the Australian Dental Program, including available visa options and dentistry-related occupations.
Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) | Skilled Nominated visa (Subclass 190) | Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 491) | Temporary Skill Shortage visa (Subclass 482) | Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (Subclass 494) |
X | O | O | X | O |
Occupation | ANZSCO | List | Visa | Accessing Authority |
Dental Prosthetist | 411212 | ROL | Subclass 494 | TRA |
Dental Therapist | 411214 | ROL | Subclass 491 Subclass 494 | VETASSESS |
Dental Hygienist | 411211 | ROL | Subclass 482 Subclass 491 Subclass 494 | VETASSESS |
Dental Specialist | 252311 | STSOL | Subclass 190 Subclass 482 (Short term) Subclass 494 Subclass 491 | ADC |
Dentist | 252312 | ROL | Subclass 482 (Medium term) Subclass 494 Subclass 491 | ADC |
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