Charles Sturt University

What you'll study

The program combines foundational biomedical science with progressively advanced dental theory and patient care. Early years concentrate on anatomy, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry and fundamentals of oral health, alongside communication and professional practice. Core dental subjects typically include dental materials, cariology, preventitive dentistry, periodontology, endodontics, prosthodontics, oral pathology, pharmacology and dental radiography.

Clinical training is a strong emphasis of the degree: students move from simulation laboratories and skills sessions into supervised patient care in university dental clinics and external placements. Learning is supported by modules in evidence‑based practice and a research methods or project component, designed to develop critical appraisal skills and prepare graduates for continuing professional development.

• Foundational biomedical sciences (anatomy, physiology, microbiology)
• Dental materials and laboratory techniques
• Preventive dentistry and public oral health
• Restorative dentistry, endodontics and periodontology
• Prosthodontics and paediatric dentistry introductions
• Dental radiography, pharmacology and pain management
• Clinical practice placements and simulation-based training
• Professional ethics, communication and practice management
• Research methods or capstone project

Entry requirements

Entry is competitive and based on a combination of academic achievement and selection criteria. Typical pathways include successful completion of Australian Year 12 (with a strong academic record) or an undergraduate degree. Applicants from high‑school usually need solid results in science subjects; chemistry and biology are commonly recommended. Selection often involves a national aptitude test used by dental schools and a subsequent interview or assessment process to evaluate communication skills, ethical awareness and suitability for clinical work.

Successful applicants must satisfy clinical placement prerequisites such as immunisation requirements, a police check and any relevant working with children checks. International applicants should check additional English language and visa requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to apply for registration to practise as dentists and typically start careers in general dental practice, community and public oral health services, or in private and corporate clinics. Other common pathways include:

• Rural and regional dental practice — many graduates take up roles in regional centres where clinical demand is high
• Specialist training — graduates may pursue postgraduate training in areas such as orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics or paediatric dentistry (requires further specialist study and training)
• Public health and community dentistry roles focusing on prevention and health promotion
• Academic and research careers — continuing to honours, masters or doctoral study in dental research or education
• Industry roles including dental product development, clinical advisory positions and regulatory affairs

Why study at Charles Sturt University

Charles Sturt offers a practical, workplace‑focused dental education with strong emphasis on clinical exposure and rural health. The university provides modern simulation facilities and university dental clinics where students gain supervised experience treating patients. The program is designed with a regional perspective — placements across regional and rural services give graduates confidence to practise in a variety of settings.

Students benefit from relatively small cohort sizes, interdisciplinary collaboration with other health programs and strong links with local health providers, supporting transition into the workforce or further study. Charles Sturt’s curriculum aligns with professional standards for dental practice and prepares graduates for registration and lifelong professional development.