University of Adelaide

What you'll study

The programme blends foundational biomedical sciences with progressive clinical training. Early years emphasise anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, dental materials and the principles of oral health and disease, while later years focus on clinical disciplines such as restorative dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, paediatric dentistry and orthodontics. Students train in simulation laboratories before moving to supervised patient care in the Adelaide Dental Hospital and partner community clinics.

Typical subjects and themes include:

• Biomedical core: Head and neck anatomy, systemic physiology, microbiology and pathology relevant to oral health.
• Clinical dentistry: Operative/restorative techniques, crown and bridgework, extractions and minor oral surgery, endodontic procedures, periodontal therapy and treatment planning.
• Dental materials and technology: Properties and application of restorative materials, impression taking and prosthetic fabrication principles.
• Imaging and diagnostics: Dental radiography, interpretation of radiographs and use of modern diagnostic tools.
• Professional practice: Ethics, patient communication, paediatric and special-needs dentistry, infection control and practice management.
• Community and rural outreach: Clinical placements in public clinics and rural settings, emphasising population oral health and preventive care.
• Research and evidence-based practice: Training in critical appraisal, clinical research methods and an opportunity to undertake a scholarly project or research elective.

Entry requirements

Admission is competitive and takes a holistic view of academic results and aptitude. Domestic applicants typically require a strong secondary school qualification (such as a high ATAR) with prerequisite studies in sciences — commonly chemistry and biology — and demonstrated English competence. The University uses a standard clinical aptitude assessment (such as UCAT) alongside interviews or multiple-mini-interviews (MMIs) to assess non-academic attributes.

International applicants should present an equivalent secondary qualification and meet English language requirements. All offers are subject to meeting university academic conditions and professional clearance checks; accepted students may also be required to provide immunisation records and undergo police or working-with-children checks prior to clinical placements.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for registration as dentists and typically enter general dental practice in private clinics, community health services or public dental systems. Many proceed to vocational training or residency programmes to gain additional experience. With further postgraduate study and specialist training, graduates can become specialists in areas such as orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, paediatric dentistry or prosthodontics.

Alternative careers include dental public health, academia and research, clinical education, dental industry roles (product development, clinical advising) and oral health policy or administration.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers integrated clinical education with early patient exposure through its close links to the Adelaide Dental Hospital and regional outreach clinics. Students benefit from modern simulation facilities, multidisciplinary collaboration with medical and health sciences faculties, and opportunities for research alongside clinical training.

The city of Adelaide provides a supportive learning environment with strong public and rural placement networks, enabling varied clinical experience across community, public and private settings. The programme’s emphasis on evidence-based practice, community engagement and professional development equips graduates for contemporary dental careers both in Australia and internationally.