Where to Study Dentistry in Australia

Quick answer #

Australia’s accredited dental schools include:

• The University of Melbourne – Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
• The University of Sydney – Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
• The University of Queensland – Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) (BDSc[Hons])
• The University of Adelaide – Dentistry
• The University of Western Australia – Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
• James Cook University – Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
• La Trobe University – Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours)
• Griffith University – Bachelor of Dental Health Science + Master of Dentistry
• Charles Sturt University – Bachelor of Dental Science

All programs must be accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC) and graduates register with the Dental Board of Australia (AHPRA).

Australia’s accredited dental schools, at a glance #

Australia offers both undergraduate-entry (typically 5 years) and graduate-entry programs (4 years). Locations span major cities and regional centres, ensuring clinical exposure across diverse communities.

• Melbourne (VIC): University of Melbourne (DDS) – graduate entry; strong research and clinical facilities.
• Sydney (NSW): University of Sydney (DMD) – graduate entry; comprehensive simulation and hospital placements.
• Brisbane (QLD): University of Queensland (BDSc[Hons]) – undergraduate; established clinical school, research integration.
• Adelaide (SA): University of Adelaide – undergraduate; long-standing School of Dentistry with public dental teaching hospital access.
• Perth (WA): UWA (DMD) – graduate entry; integrated clinical learning and outreach programs.
• Townsville/Cairns (QLD): JCU (BDS) – undergraduate; regional and remote health focus with strong clinical exposure.
• Bendigo (VIC): La Trobe (BDSc[Hons]) – undergraduate; regional training with metropolitan clinical rotations.
• Gold Coast (QLD): Griffith – blended pathway; modern dental clinic and early patient contact.
• Orange (NSW): Charles Sturt (BDSc) – undergraduate; community-focused training across regional NSW clinics.

Entry requirements #

Undergraduate entry (high school leavers) #

• Academic results: Competitive ATAR or equivalent (international students: high GPA from Year 12 or comparable curriculum).
• Prerequisites: Typically Chemistry and high-level English; some programs prefer/require Biology and Mathematics.
• Aptitude/selection tests: Many undergraduate pathways require the UCAT ANZ and/or an interview or situational judgement assessment.
• English language: Evidence via IELTS/TOEFL/PTE if applicable (universities specify minimum scores for dentistry).

Graduate entry (post-bachelor) #

• Prior degree: Recognised bachelor’s degree (often in biomedical science or similar; specific majors vary by school).
• Admissions test: Some programs require the GAMSAT or consider alternatives such as the DAT (as specified by the university).
• Interview and portfolio: Multiple-mini interviews (MMI) or structured interviews are common.
• English language: IELTS/TOEFL/PTE per school and AHPRA standards.

Always confirm current requirements on the university’s official course page because prerequisites and selection tools can change annually.

Tuition, costs and scholarships #

• Domestic students: Commonwealth-supported places may be available; student contribution bands apply. Additional costs include instruments, clinical attire and immunisations.
• International students: Annual tuition typically ranges higher for dentistry due to clinical resourcing; budget for instruments, clinical levies and living costs. Scholarships and bursaries exist at many universities.
• Insurance and health cover: International students must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

International students: visas and registration pathway #

• Visa: Apply for the Student visa (subclass 500). See the Department of Home Affairs: Student visa (500).
• Accreditation: Choose an ADC-accredited program to ensure eligibility for registration.
• Registration: Upon graduation, apply for registration with the Dental Board of Australia (AHPRA). You must meet English, criminal history and recency of practice standards.
• Post-study options: Graduates may explore post-study work visas subject to current Australian migration settings.

How to choose the right dental school #

• Accreditation and outcomes: Confirm ADC accreditation and graduate employment rates.
• Clinical exposure: Compare patient contact hours, simulation facilities and community placements.
• Location and lifestyle: Consider metropolitan vs regional campuses, cost of living and support services.
• Curriculum model: Problem-based learning vs traditional, research opportunities and special interest pathways.
• Admissions fit: UCAT or GAMSAT requirements, interview format and prerequisite subjects.
• Support for internationals: Dedicated advisors, bridging support, mentoring and language resources.

Frequently asked questions #

How long does it take to become a dentist in Australia? Undergraduate pathways are commonly 5 years. Graduate-entry DMD/DDS programs are typically 4 years after a prior bachelor’s degree.

Do all Australian dental degrees lead to registration? Yes, provided the program is ADC-accredited and you meet AHPRA registration standards.

Is UCAT or GAMSAT required? Many undergraduate programs use UCAT ANZ; several graduate-entry programs require GAMSAT (or recognised alternatives). Check each university’s admissions page.

How Skills Campus can help #

As an Australian education and migration consulting service, Skills Campus guides you from course selection to a strong application, including UCAT/GAMSAT timelines, documentation, scholarship research and visa preparation. We also advise internationally trained dental professionals on study pathways aligned with ADC and AHPRA requirements.

Ready to plan your dentistry journey in Australia? Speak with a Skills Campus advisor today: https://skillscampus.com.au/contact