University of Otago

What you'll study

The Master of Dentistry combines supervised clinical practice, advanced taught modules and a research project or scholarly inquiry. The programme is designed to deepen clinical competence and critical understanding in oral health care, with emphasis on evidence-based practice and patient-centred care.

• Clinical Supervision and Practice: Extended patient care in the University dental clinics under senior clinical supervisors, covering diagnosis, treatment planning and complex restorative and surgical procedures where relevant to the chosen clinical focus.
• Advanced Clinical Modules: Coursework addressing topics such as advanced operative dentistry, prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, oral medicine, multidisciplinary treatment planning, and clinical decision-making.
• Research Project / Dissertation: A supervised research or scholarly project that develops skills in research design, critical appraisal, data collection and scientific writing. Projects may be clinical audits, clinical trials, retrospective studies or laboratory-backed investigations, depending on resources and supervisory expertise.
• Professional and Ethical Practice: Training in clinical governance, patient safety, ethics, communication, and practice management relevant to contemporary dental practice.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a recognised Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or equivalent dental qualification and be eligible for registration or provisional registration with the relevant national dental regulatory authority. Typical entry requirements include:

• Primary dental degree from an accredited institution (BDS, DDS or equivalent).
• Registration, or evidence of eligibility to register, with the Dental Council in New Zealand or the equivalent authority in the applicant’s country; some clinical components may require local registration before clinical contact with patients.
• Clinical experience in general dental practice is usually expected; specific amounts of experience may be considered during selection.
• Academic transcripts demonstrating adequate performance at undergraduate level and references from clinical or academic referees.
• International applicants must meet the University’s English language proficiency requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Master of Dentistry pursue a range of career directions. The qualification strengthens clinical competency for those returning to or advancing in general practice and serves as a stepping-stone for further specialist training or academic careers.

• Enhanced roles in private or public dental practice with responsibility for complex case management.
• Preparation for entry into specialist training programmes (orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics and other specialty pathways), depending on national specialist training structures and entry requirements.
• Clinical leadership and managerial positions within dental services, community oral health, or hospital-based dental departments.
• Academic and research careers in dental schools, including teaching and postgraduate supervision or further research degrees (e.g. a PhD or higher research qualifications).
• Roles in policy, oral health promotion and consultancy for public health agencies or professional bodies.

Why study at University of Otago

The University of Otago is New Zealand’s long-established centre for dental education, offering integrated clinical training through its dedicated Faculty of Dentistry and teaching clinics. Otago provides a clinically rich learning environment supported by experienced academic staff and established research programmes in oral health.

• Comprehensive clinical facilities: Access to university-run dental clinics that provide a wide case-mix and opportunities for supervised, hands-on experience.
• Research strengths: Opportunities to undertake clinically relevant research with supervisors active in oral health, biomaterials, epidemiology and clinical science.
• Experienced faculty and supervision: Clinical educators and researchers with established expertise who provide mentorship across clinical and research components.
• Professional networks: Strong links with local and national oral health services, providing pathways into specialist training, public dental services and community outreach.