Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours)

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

La Trobe University

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) at La Trobe University is a 5-year accredited dental program designed to prepare students for professional practice. The course combines biomedical science, preclinical simulation, and extensive clinical placements across regional Victoria, where students treat real patients under supervision. It also includes an Honours pathway (industry or research), allowing students to explore advanced study or research careers.

Year 1 Subjects

Dental Science A & B
Scientific and Clinical Knowledge A & B
Preclinical Oral Health Practice
Research and Evidence in Practice
Rural Community Engagement

What You Learn

Foundations of oral health, dental science, and anatomy, Basic preclinical skills (infection control, materials, instruments), Introduction to research and evidence-based dentistry and Understanding community and rural healthcare contexts.

Year 2 Subjects

General Medicine A
Integrating Evidence into Practice
Medicine for Dentistry
Oral Health Promotion
Pre-clinical Skills B
Scientific and Clinical Knowledge C

What You Learn

Medical sciences relevant to dentistry (pharmacology, systemic health), Preventive dentistry and oral health promotion, Advanced simulation-based clinical skills and Applying research into clinical reasoning.

Year 3 Subjects

Oral Pathology and Medicine
Clinical Practice A
Pre-clinical Skills C
Scientific and Clinical Knowledge D

What You Learn

Transition to real patient care under supervision, Diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical communication and understanding oral diseases and pathology.

Year 4 Subjects

Preclinical Skills D
Scientific and Clinical Knowledge E
Clinical Practice B

What You Learn

Advanced clinical procedures in restorative and periodontal dentistry, managing complex patient cases and strengthening clinical independence and decision-making.

Year 5 (Capstone / Honours Year)

Scientific and Clinical Knowledge F
Clinical Practice C
Honours Project (Industry or Research pathway)

What You Learn

Comprehensive independent patient management, Integration of all dental disciplines into real-world practice and Completion of research or community-based honours project.

Learning Outcomes

Deliver safe and effective evidence-based dental care, Diagnose and manage oral diseases and patient treatment plans and Communicate professionally with patients and healthcare teams.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC), Eligible for registration with the Dental Board of Australia and Recognised qualification under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF Level 8).

Reputation (Employability)

Part of Australia’s largest rural health school, with a strong focus on clinical readiness and employability and Graduates are prepared to enter practice immediately after completion.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The program integrates hands-on clinical training, simulation labs, and community placements, ensuring students develop real-world dental skills from early stages through to independent clinical practice.

Project Work

Students complete research and evidence-based coursework projects. Focus is on critical evaluation of dental research and clinical application, and supports progression into Honours research or PhD pathways.

Internship / Placement

Clinical placements occur across regional Victoria healthcare settings. Students treat real patients under the supervision of experienced clinicians, and exposure to diverse and underserved populations is a key feature.

Labs / Practical Work

Extensive preclinical simulation training in early years. Students learn procedures, instrumentation, infection control, materials and builds technical competence before clinical exposure.

Final Year Project / Capstone

Includes Honours project (research or industry-based), Focus on solving real-world oral health challenges and acts as a bridge to clinical practice or academia.

Industry Tools / Software

Training includes clinical systems and diagnostic tools used in dentistry. Students learn treatment planning and patient management systems, aligned with modern dental practice standards.

Group Work / Presentations

Students engage in case-based discussions and collaborative learning, Present clinical findings and research outcomes and develop teamwork and communication skills.

Career Preparation Units

Focus on professional ethics, communication, and patient care, Preparation for registration and workforce entry and Exposure to practice management and professional responsibilities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduate Outcomes & Job Roles

Graduates work as General Dentists, Dental Officers, or Hospital Dentists. Employment in private clinics, hospitals, and public health systems and Pathways available into specialisation and research careers.

Progression & Career Support

Strong clinical exposure ensures practice-ready graduates, Support through mentoring and supervised placements and a clear pathway to registration and employment in Australia.

Employment Stats & Salary (AUD)

Graduate dentists typically earn AUD 70,000–100,000 starting salary. Earnings increase with experience to AUD 120,000–200,000+. High demand in regional and rural Australia.

Industry Partnerships

Partnerships with regional clinics and public healthcare providers, Students gain experience through community-based placements and focus on addressing rural oral health needs.

Long-Term Professional Value

Dentistry offers high income, stability, and global demand. Skills are transferable with licensing exams internationally. Opportunities for specialisation and private practice ownership.

Graduation Pathways

Graduates register with the Dental Board of Australia. Eligible to work immediately as licensed dentists. Options include private practice or public healthcare roles.

Further Academic Progression

Pathways to Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) or Master's. Honours pathway supports PhD and research careers. Specialisations include orthodontics, oral surgery, and prosthodontics.