Bachelor of Dental Surgery

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Adelaide

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery is a 5-year full-time professional degree designed to train students as qualified dentists through a combination of biomedical sciences, simulation-based learning, and extensive clinical experience. The program emphasises early patient contact, rural placements, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for both clinical practice and further specialisation.

Year 1 – Biomedical & Oral Health Foundations

Human Biology → Structure and systems of the human body
Chemistry for Health Sciences → Chemical basis of life
Oral Health & Dentistry Introduction → Dental profession basics
Population Health → Public health and epidemiology
Communication Skills → Patient-centred communication

Year 2 – Preclinical Dentistry & Simulation

Oral Anatomy & Histology → Tooth structure and tissues
Dental Materials Science → Properties and applications
Preclinical Skills → Phantom head simulation training
Microbiology & Immunology → Oral diseases and infections
Clinical Dentistry Introduction → Basic procedures

Year 3 – Early Clinical Practice

Restorative Dentistry → Fillings and tooth restoration
Periodontology → Gum disease management
Oral Pathology → Diagnosis of oral diseases
Pharmacology → Medications in dentistry
Clinical Practice → Supervised patient care

Year 4 – Advanced Clinical Dentistry

Prosthodontics → Crowns, bridges, dentures
Endodontics → Root canal treatments
Oral Surgery → Extractions and minor surgeries
Paediatric Dentistry → Child oral health
Community Dentistry → Public and rural health

Year 5 – Clinical Practice & Professional Preparation

Comprehensive Patient Care → Managing full cases independently
Clinical Rotations → Exposure to different specialties
Research Component → Evidence-based dentistry project
Practice Management → Running a dental clinic
Professional Development → Workforce readiness

Learning Outcomes

Diagnose and manage a wide range of oral health conditions. Deliver safe, ethical, and patient-focused dental care. Integrate scientific knowledge into clinical decision-making

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Accredited by the Australian Dental Council
Eligible for registration with the Dental Board of Australia
Recognised across Australia and New Zealand

Reputation (Employability & Ranking)

The University of Adelaide is part of Australia’s Group of Eight–equivalent research-intensive universities. Strong global reputation in health sciences and dentistry Graduates are highly employable in Australia and internationally

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The program offers strong hands-on training, early clinical exposure, and rural healthcare experience, making graduates highly practice-ready.

• Project Work

Students complete academic and clinical case-based projects. Focus on applying scientific evidence to dental care. Encourages analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Internship / Placement

Extensive clinical placements throughout the program. Includes rural and community placements across South Australia. Students treat real patients under supervision.

• Labs / Practical Work

Training begins in advanced simulation labs (phantom head units). Students practise procedures before clinical exposure. Emphasis on safety, precision, and technique.

• Final Year Project / Capstone

Research or evidence-based project in final year. Focus on critical analysis of dental topics. Builds academic and research skills.

• Industry Tools / Software

Exposure to digital radiography and dental imaging systems. Use of clinical management software. Training aligned with modern dental practice.

• Group Work / Presentations

Regular case discussions and collaborative learning. Group presentations on clinical scenarios. Develops teamwork and communication skills.

• Career Preparation Units

Includes ethics, professionalism, and practice management. Prepares students for clinical registration and employment. Focus on patient care and legal responsibilities.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduate Outcomes & Job Roles

Graduates become General Dentists, Dental Officers, and Associate Dentists. Work in private clinics, hospitals, or community healthcare. Pathways to specialisation are available after experience.

Progression & Career Support

Strong clinical training aligned with industry needs. The university provides career guidance and employability support. Graduates benefit from strong professional networks.

Employment Stats & Salary (AUD)

Dentistry graduates have high employability in Australia. Starting salaries: AUD 70,000 – 90,000. Experienced professionals: AUD 120,000 – 200,000+

Industry Partnerships

Collaborations with public dental services and hospitals. Strong rural health partnerships across South Australia. Clinical exposure aligned with real healthcare settings.

Long-Term Professional Value

Leads to a highly respected, regulated profession. Strong global demand for dentists. Opportunities for private practice ownership and growth.

Graduation Pathways

Eligible for registration as a dentist in Australia. Can practise or pursue further training. Options in public, private, or community sectors.

Further Academic Progression

Postgraduate specialisations (Orthodontics, Surgery, etc.) Research degrees (Masters, PhD) Academic and teaching careers in dentistry