ObjectivesCSU’s Bachelor of Dental Science is a five-year degree program, developed in close association with the industry to prepare graduates for a career as a dental practitioner.
Academic titleBachelor of Dental Science
Course descriptionAbout the course
Developed in close cooperation with the Australian Dental Council, the Australian Dental Association, local dentists, oral health practitioners and senior consultants, the Bachelor of Dental Science leads to registration as a dental practitioner in all Australian states and territories.
During years one and two there will be a strong focus on core biomedical and dental sciences. Foundation theoretical materials will be presented in lecture style but small group seminars and case based interactions will feature throughout the curriculum.
In years three to five, the focus is on understanding the medical, dental, social and community context of dental clinical practice.
Scholarships are available for this course through the Rural Allied Health Undergraduate Scholarship Scheme.
Where it will take you
Dentistry provides a rewarding and diverse career path and is a health profession concerned with caring for people of all ages. Graduates could work in any of the following:
* general dentistry practice
* specialty dentistry practice
* public sector dental health
* the Australian defence forces (Army, Navy or Air Force)
* hospital dental clinics
* international health care
* education
* research
* industry
Once you become registered as a dentist, your job prospects are excellent, with most students gaining employment within the first six months after completion of their course. Most final year dentistry students will know if they have a graduate position by December of their final year.
After registration, you may specialise within a particular area of dentistry that interests you. For example, after achieving your Bachelor of Dental Science, you may study further to become qualified in a specialist area of dentistry, such as orthodontics, paediatric dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, implantology or prosthodontics programs at a Master level, or biomedical or dental science research at a Doctorate level.
The latest facilities
Hand skills development will occur using state-of-the-art simulation equipment in brand new, purpose-built facilities.
Clinical experience
Students will commence their clinical experience and hand skills development in year one of the program. Clinical experiences of increasing complexity are combined with further development of hand skills through year two and provide a strong foundation for extended clinical practice in years three to five of the program.
Students will undertake intense clinical practice sessions in generalist and all specialist disciplines.
There will be the opportunity to engage in clinical practice at a variety of sites (University and community, rural and metropolitan) to gain optimal professional experience.
Clinical requirements
Refer to the Clinical Requirements section for information on:
* Senior First Aid Certificate
* Criminal Record Clearance
* Immunisation
Professional accreditation
The process of gaining Australian Dental Council accreditation has commenced. Graduates will be eligible for licensure as a dentist in any Australian state or territory. There are no additional exams or requirements although some states have continuing professional development requirements.
Pathways to this course include:
* Bachelor of Clinical Science
* Bachelor of Medical Science
Frequently asked questions
How many places are available each year?
There will be around 40 places available each year.
Are there any prerequisite subjects?
There are no formal prerequisites for the Bachelor of Dental Science but, as it is a science based course, it is assumed that students will have studied English Standard, chemistry, mathematics and physics at Year 12 level. Interview panels may consider that the study of chemistry reflects a student’s interest in and aptitude for science but it is understood that not all rural schools offer chemistry at Year 12 level. If you have not studied chemistry in Year 12 and are accepted into the course, it is strongly recommended that you undertake a Study Link course before commencing.
What UAI score do I need to get in?
Your academic record (UAI/ENTER or previous university study) only becomes relevant if you succeeded in the questionnaire and interview. Entry to the course is competitive and a UAI of at least 90, or Credit level GPA is expected.
What if I have not done Year 12?
If you have not completed Year 12 in the past 10 years or have not completed at least one full year of study at University, you may not be eligible for selection into the course. In that case you should contact us to ascertain your eligibility.
What is the questionnaire about?
The purpose of the questionnaire is to find out about your interest in and commitment to the dentistry profession in general and your understanding or expectations of the issues related to clinical practice in different environments such as rural, regional or remote Australia. Your own experience may facilitate this process through your family background, work (including school work experience, part-time jobs and voluntary work) and special interests.
Will all applicants be called for an interview?
No. Applicants will be selected for interview on the basis of their questionnaire. It is expected that between one third and one half of all applicants will be interviewed. In most cases, interviews will be conducted in December and candidates selected for interview must attend in person (face-to-face). Interviews will be conducted on the Orange Campus.
Why is CSU's Bachelor of Dental Science a five year undergraduate course rather than a graduate entry program?
The CSU dental program is intended to emphasise the clinical aspects of the practice of dentistry and to enable graduates to be exposed to the full range of procedures and state-of-art techniques. To facilitate this, a full five year curriculum has been designed that covers all of the necessary foundation science and dental science components as well as an extensive experiential program across the five years of study.
How many contact hours are involved?
You will have to attend lectures, tutorials and practical classes for up to 30 hours per week depending on the year of study. The length of the academic year will vary from two 13 week sessions in year one, up to two 18-21 week sessions in years four and five.
How much clinical time is involved and where is it conducted?
Clinical activities will be incorporated in each year of the course, starting with a few hours related to your subject content in first year. These will build throughout the course, and culminate in extensive clinical rotations in your fourth and fifth years. You will undertake your placements primarily within the University’s new dental clinics but also within selected state health facilities and private practitioner facilities.
Will I be required to undertake clinical education in different clinics?
Yes, you may be required to spend varying amounts of time in any of the Schools five clinical settings in Orange, Wagga Wagga, Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst or Dubbo campuses. The placement will depend on the year of study that you are undertaking. The University will assist in facilitating your accommodation during extended clinical blocks in these campuses' communities wherever possible.
How important are manual skills to dental practice?
Manual dexterity is extremely important to the practice of dentistry. In addition, a degree of artistic aptitude will be useful.
Can the course be studied part-time?
No.
If I am offered a place in CSU's Bachelor of Dental Science, can I defer?
No. If you are unable to accept your offer of a place, you must apply again in subsequent years. It will not harm your application if you choose to decline an offer then reapply in subsequent years.
Can I sit the STAT and have the score considered?
This will not be necessary but may be considered if you already have STAT results from previous testing. If you are a non-recent school leaver, you will be selected on your performance in the questionnaire, interview and the GPA you achieved in university study.
If I am not accepted into CSU's Bachelor of Dental Science the first time, what should I do?
First, you should make sure that dentistry is the profession that you really want to pursue and seek career planning advice. If you have no Year 12 qualification or your UAI/ENTER was not high enough, you should concentrate on qualifying for admission to the Bachelor of Clinical Science or another relevant university course with a view to reapplying for dentistry in the future.
If I am not accepted into CSU's Bachelor of Dental Science the first time, can you recommend another suitable university course?
You should choose a course that you think you will enjoy and do well in. It should also be a course you will be happy to stay in, should your future applications to CSU 's Bachelor of Dental Science be unsuccessful. Whatever course you choose, you will have to complete the questionnaire/interview process each time you apply.
Can I apply to study on a full-fee paying basis?
No. All places in this course are Commonwealth supported.
How much does it cost?
You can only study CSU's Bachelor of Dental Science as a Commonwealth supported student and will be liable to pay the student contribution (HECS). There is an expectation that you will purchase your own laptop computer for use throughout the program. Assistance with purchase is available to students of the University. You are also advised to purchase your own set of dental instruments at the commencement of your course. This will allow you to become familiar with your own personal instruments and to enhance your skill-base. Financial assistance is available to students of the University. In addition you will need to buy books - most subjects have prescribed text books, and often students purchase additional books to help with their studies. Scientific texts typically cost between $100 and $150 each. Second hand books are often available. As part of the course, students are required to travel to clinics at the various campuses. Students will either need a car of their own or will travel with another student who may expect some contribution for travel expenses. The University does not contribute to these costs. Protective clothing (laboratory coat, protective glasses, scrubs and /or clinical coat) are also required from the first week or two of the course.
I am not an Australian resident. Can I apply?
No, not at this time.