What’s your true calling? It’s certainly a loaded question and one we suspect you’ve asked yourself. Melbourne Doctor of Dental Surgery alum Dr. Arora shared how she narrowed down her true calling and how she ultimately landed on dentistry; however, her advice is relevant to anyone considering their future career!

20 October 2022 News

How do you pay for dental school?

How do you pay for dental school? Funding a career in dentistry is expensive, but lots of students find a way to do it. Here’s how.

Step 1

Remember to keep an eye on deadlines and to apply early. If you have any questions, please contact us at any time!

 

Send Official Transcripts

❑  OzTREKK requires one copy of your official transcript from each institution at which you’ve studied.

Important: Transcripts must be up to date and in English.

Email: Please have your school/admissions office email us directly or through an official transcript service (e.g., Parchment or MyCreds) to transcripts@oztrekk.com. If you require a password on the digital transcript, please use the following:

  • Question: The educational agent that I am working with
  • Password: OZTREKK1 (no spaces, all capitals) or if there’s a character limit or an access code requirement, use 1234

Mail: If they cannot be emailed, transcripts in their original, sealed envelopes can be mailed to the OzTREKK Office.

Questions About Transcripts?
If your documents are not English or if you’re sending a high school transcript from BC, Alberta, or Saskatchewan, please read How do I send my transcripts?

Step 2

Send Passport Photo Page & Complete SSVF

❑  Scan of your passport photo page (PDF) – Please upload to the myOzTREKK portal.
❑  Fill out the online OzTREKK SSVF Form – We collect this information to meet compliance requirements. If we require further information, we may contact you.

Step 3

Send University-specific Documents

Please upload your documents to the myOzTREKK portal. We only require one copy of each document, even if you’re applying to multiple programs.

 

University of Adelaide

  Adelaide requires the UCAT ANZ. Please send proof of your registration.

 

Charles Sturt University – Bachelor of Dental Science

  Genuine Student Requirement (OzTREKK Note: This form indicates a 150-word limit, which is incorrect. Please fill the allowable space as you see fit.)
  English Language Requirement – Charles Sturt requires evidence of at least 6 years of study in an English setting in an English-speaking country between elementary and secondary school. Evidence can be provided as follows:

  • Provinces where 4 years of high school are completed: 2 years of elementary school report cards (or equivalent)
  • Provinces where 3 years of high school are completed: 3 years of elementary school report cards (or equivalent)
  • You may send personal copies of report cards (or equivalent) to dentistry@oztrekk.com

If you’re unable to meet this requirement, an Academic IELTS will be required. University studies cannot be used to meet the English language requirement.

 

Griffith University – Bachelor of Dental Health Science & Master of Dentistry

  Griffith requires the UCAT ANZ. Please send proof of your registration.

 

James Cook University – Bachelor of Dental Surgery

  JCU BDS Supplemental Application Form – Fillable document; e-signature required.
  Maximum of 3 reference letters (optional) – Must include referee’s phone number. May be sent from referee or by applicant to dentistry@oztrekk.com or by mail.

 

La Trobe University – Bachelor of Dental Science

  La Trobe Personal Statement – Fillable document

 

University of Queensland – Bachelor of Dental Science

  UQ Application Authority Form – E-signature required
  UQ requires the UCAT ANZ. Please send proof of your registration.

 

University of Western Australia – Bachelor of Biomedicine (Specialised), Doctor of Dental Medicine

   UWA Prediction of Academic Achievement Form (PDF) – Only required if you have not yet completed your high school studies.
  Official ISAT score report (PDF)

  • Register for Test Window 2: April 29 – May 8, 2024
  • Minimum ISAT score: Above 25th percentile in each section
  • Validity: 2 years
  • How to register: Contact ACER – Nominate UWA as a preference when you register.
  • Important: You must register using the same email address that you use to contact OzTREKK/apply.

Step 1

Remember to keep an eye on deadlines and to apply early. If you have any questions, please contact us at any time!

 

Send Official Transcripts

❑  OzTREKK requires one copy of your official transcript from each institution at which you’ve studied.

Important: Transcripts must be up to date and in English.

Email: Please have your school/admissions office email us directly or through an official transcript service (e.g., Parchment or MyCreds) to transcripts@oztrekk.com. If you require a password on the digital transcript, please use the following:

  • Question: The educational agent that I am working with
  • Password: OZTREKK1 (no spaces, all capitals) or if there’s a character limit or an access code requirement, use 1234

Mail: If they cannot be emailed, transcripts in their original, sealed envelopes can be mailed to the OzTREKK Office.

Questions About Transcripts?
If your documents are not English or if you’re sending a high school transcript from BC, Alberta, or Saskatchewan, please read How do I send my transcripts?

Step 2

Send Passport Photo Page & Complete SSVF

❑  Scan of your passport photo page (PDF) – Please upload to the myOzTREKK portal.
❑  Fill out the online OzTREKK SSVF Form – We collect this information to meet compliance requirements. If we require further information, we may contact you.

Step 3

Send University-specific Documents

Please upload your documents to the myOzTREKK portal. We only require one copy of each document, even if you’re applying to multiple programs.

 

University of Melbourne – Doctor of Dental Surgery

   Download and fill out the University of Melbourne Agent Nomination Form (PDF) – Typed signatures are not accepted. Must include a handwritten or digital signature.
  Official CDA DAT or ADA DAT score report (A4 Melbourne recipient code)
   Confirm you meet the anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry prerequisites:

  • Visit Melbourne’s prerequisites page.
  • Select the Dentistry dropdown titled “List of assessed subjects.”
  • Find your Canadian university and ensure it has “approved” beside the courses you’ve taken.
  • Download and fill out the Melbourne Prerequisites Form, and upload your documents to the myOzTREKK portal.

Don’t meet the prereqs? Please read Meeting the University of Melbourne’s Prerequisites for tips.

 

University of Otago – Bachelor of Dental Surgery

   University of Otago Application Cover Sheet
  Résumé/CV – Please include names, addresses, and emails for 3 people who may be contacted for a confidential reference.
  Personal statement – While there aren’t any posted guidelines, it’s recommended to outline your reasons for applying for dentistry at Otago and what you hope to gain from it/why you want to be a dentist. You could also include any relevant volunteer or work experience you feel has impacted this decision.
  Course outlines to prove that you have taken course equivalent to and have achieved a minimum of B in each of the following:

 

University of Sydney – Doctor of Dental Medicine

  Official CDA DAT or ADA DAT score report (A5 Sydney recipient code)
   Read the Sydney Admissions Guide
   Doctor of Dental Medicine Portfolio – Please send your personal statement and supporting documents as one PDF.
   AUD$150 Sydney application fee paid directly to the university (link will be provided). Please let us know if you do not wish to pay the application fee and we will cancel your application.

 

University of Western Australia – Doctor of Dental Medicine

❑   Official CDA DAT or ADA DAT or MCAT score report (A8 UWA recipient code)

Overview

Welcome to the Dent Lounge!

Congratulations! You’ve applied to dental school! Now what?

Over the months ahead, you’ll navigate interviews, outcomes, acceptances, and some big life choices. The Dent Lounge is your go-to resource through these events. If the Dent Lounge has a motto, it’s “Don’t wait for an outcome—prepare for one!”

Our hope is for you to feel confident about pursuing your dreams so you can confidently tackle any decisions you may encounter.

Here are some items you don’t want to miss:

  Required Application Documents: Graduate or Undergraduate

  Admissions Timelines: So you can stay on track. Remember, we update this page as we receive info from the universities. Make sure you refresh/clear cache on every visit to see the latest updates!

  Join our Dentistry Admissions Facebook group to be a part of the conversation and get real-time updates about offers, interviews, and FAQs!

Below you’ll find guiding resources for each of your next steps.

Step 1

 

Explore Your Options

Step 1 is about solidifying your dental school preferences, to help you to make confident decisions.

Get Advice

  For a little philosophy on hard decisions, check out this TedTalk about putting yourself behind your options, making choices based on your unique reasoning, and becoming distinctly you.

 Consider the advice of those with firsthand experience:

  • Follow OzTREKK  on Instagram. There’s honestly no better way to explore this path than to hear from those who are experiencing it firsthand. Our students are always doing takeovers, so you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions along the way.
  •  Hear why OzTREKK student Alannah choose Australia for dental school.

Understand Your Priorities

  Discover what’s important to you in a dental school.

Step 2

 

dollar sign with green background

Understand Financing

Step 2 is about financing your degree and getting comfortable with money talk!

Financing a dentistry degree is often a family matter and the following topics are for you to consider together. Taking the time to think about these items now can make for less stress down the road and will make you feel more prepared and confident once outcomes are issued.

Start off on the right foot by asking the right questions!

Understand your financing options.

Have that financial talk with your family now.

Step 3

 

How to Nail Your Interview

Step 3 is about how to shine during your dental school interview.

  Mark your calendar and ensure you’re available during interview timelines: Dentistry Admissions Timeline.
  Utilize OzTREKK tips and tricks to make sure you’re feeling confident going into your interview.
   No longer interested in a program? Tell us, so the university can offer an interview to another applicant.

Watch this clip from a recent webinar we held with Dr. Yasmin Samiee (University of Sydney, Doctor of Dental Medicine graduate) and Dr. Jhonna Collins (University of Sydney, Doctor of Medicine graduate). Here, Dr. Samiee chats about how you can stand out in your interview.

Step 4

 

Prepare for an Outcome

Step 4 is about outcomes! Here you’ll find the details you’ll want to wrap your head around before outcomes become available.

Understand the Process

  Offer Prep Chart – Refer to this document for information about offer timelines, deposit amount, and how to secure your seat in a program.

  Read the Fine Print – Read and understand the Australian Government’s Release Policy, as well as university Refund Policies. This is a must!

  Get Your Finances In Order – Acceptance deposits consist of making a payment towards your first year’s tuition fees (see Offer Prep Chart), as well as paying for health coverage (aka OSHC).

  Know Your Payment Options – Be prepared to make a tuition deposit. Most universities have the option to pay via wire transfer or credit card. We recommend being prepared to pay via credit card. In the case that the offer you’re about to accept is first-come first-served, paying via credit card will save you time and a trip to the bank.

  • Paying Via Convera – Most of our university partners prefer students to pay their deposit via Convera (previously known as Western Union). Understanding this process in advance will make for smooth sailing come offer time. (Seriously, read this one!)

  Read Carefully – Australia is several hours ahead of us, so you will likely receive your outcome directly from the university overnight, prior to receiving the news from OzTREKK the next morning.

Should you be the lucky recipient of an offer letter, it is your responsibility to read everything. Read your offer letter (in full). Read our email, which contains added guidance and answers common questions and concerns.

We can give advice and educated guesses in advance; however, what’s noted in these two items is the real deal. If you don’t understand something, please reach out.

  Remember, there’s no perfect place, but you can choose to bloom wherever you’re planted. 😊

Step 5

 

Understand Your Post-dental School Journey

Step 5 is about understanding your graduate options, so you’ve got a clear outlook from the start.

  Check out our Practicing Dentistry in Canada page to further understand your pathways after graduation.

  Watch our Dentistry Students: My Dental School Journey webinar, and check out the highlights of another webinar, Careers in Dentistry, below:

Step 6

chat bubble icon

Get to Know Your Uni Community

Step 6 is about becoming aware of the communities that make up your program, uni, and location—and starting to make connections!

  Get To Know Your City – Visit OzTREKK’s City Guides to familiarize yourself with your future city and keep your eye on the prize.

  Get To Know Your Campus – There are plenty of ways to do this. We’ve provided a few options here:

CSU Orange Campus Virtual Tour
Griffith University Campus Tour – By the Griffith Gold Coast Student Guild
JCU Cairns Campus Tour
University of Melbourne Virtual Tours
University of Queensland Virtual Tours
University of Sydney Virtual Tour
UWA Virtual Tour
University of Otago Virtual Tour

  Get to Know Your Dent Students’ Society

Charles Sturt University Student Dental Society (CSU SDA):  @SDACSU
Griffith University Dental Students Association (GUDSA): @GUDSA
James Cook University Dental Student Association (JCUDSA): @JCUDSA
Melbourne Dental Student Society (MDSS): @theMDSS
University of Queensland Dental Students’ Association (UQDSA): @UQDSA
Sydney University Dental Association (SUDA): @usyddent
The University of Western Australia Dental Students Society (UDSS): @udssuwa
New Zealand Dental Students’ Association (NZDSA): @nzdentalstudents

What’s Next?

If you’ve accepted an offer, congrats! Your next resource for this journey is our Boarding Pass website. Here, you’ll find details about…

Steps to take after you have accepted your offer – Applying for your student visa, completing health exams, taking family, etc.

Financing tips – Costs of living, how to transfer money, etc.

Heading to Australia – Setting up accommodation, meeting clinical placement compliance requirements, etc.

Arriving in Australia – Packing tips, working in Australia, exploring your new home, etc.

Feel free to jump over to the Boarding Pass website now to get a feel for what will be coming next. However, please note that much of your predeparture planning won’t need to begin until the fall (and that’s when the site will be completely up to date!). Items like enrolment, program requirements (compliance checks), and applying for your Australian student visa will come later.

Eh to Oz Series – Starting in October, you will start to receive our Eh to Oz email series, which will let you know what predeparture steps you should be taking and when. We’ll also invite you to predeparture and accommodation webinars through the season, so you’ll feel fully prepared for takeoff.