Dentistry
Curious about studying dentistry? You can study at a world-class Australian dental school and return to Canada to practice! Get an exceptional education and clinical training all in an amazing location. OzTREKK has helped more than 500 Canadians achieve their dreams of studying dentistry.
OverviewStudying dentistry
Understanding graduate and undergraduate pathways
If you have a bachelor’s degree and have completed the Canadian Dental Aptitude Test or the American Dental Admission Test, you are eligible to apply to graduate dentistry degrees like the Doctor of Dental Medicine or the Doctor of Dental Surgery.
Just finishing high school? Partially finished an undergraduate degree? You’ve got options, too! Undergraduate dentistry degrees like the Bachelor of Dental Science and Bachelor of Dental Surgery don’t require the DAT as part of their admissions requirements and allow students direct entry from high school and those with partially or fully completed one or more post-secondary degrees. These programs are generally five years in length.
What do OzTREKK students say about using our services?
Compare DegreesAdmissions Requirements
Graduate-entry dentistry degrees
University | Min. DAT | Min. GPA | Interview | Prerequisites |
University of Melbourne | No minimum | No minimum | No | Strict prerequisites of human anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry |
University of Otago | N/A | 2.7 / 4.0 | Yes | Foundations of Biochemistry Cell and Molecular Biology Chemical Basis of Biology & Human Health Human Body Systems I Human Body Systems II Biological Physics Population Health |
University of Sydney | 15 in each section | 2.7 / 4.0 | Yes | One semester of human biology (cell biology, biochemistry, molecular biology) |
University of Western Australia | 16 in each section | 3.1 / 4.0 | Yes | No prerequisites, but Grade 12 physics (or equivalent) and first-year chemistry and biology are recommended |
Undergraduate-entry dentistry degrees
University | Min. DAT | Min. GPA | Interview | Prerequisites |
Charles Sturt University | N/A | 3.5 / 4.0 | Yes | Gr. 12 English required, science & math recommended |
Griffith University | N/A | 3.1 / 4.0 | No | Gr. 12 English required, science & math recommended |
James Cook University | N/A | 3.5 / 4.0 | In-person “meetings” | Gr. 12 English, math, & chemistry required |
University of Queensland | N/A | 3.7 / 4.0 | No | Gr. 12 English & chemistry required, biology recommended |
Available Programs

Doctor of Dental Surgery
The Melbourne DDS commences with the introduction of specialised oral health subjects to allow you to enter the clinic as quickly as possible to maximize the experience in all aspects and phases of clinical treatment.

Bachelor of Dental Surgery
The University of Otago Faculty of Dentistry—Te Kaupeka Pūniho—has an international reputation for clinical and research excellence. Founded in 1907, it is New Zealand’s National…
Doctor of Dental Medicine
The Sydney Doctor of Dental Medicine program has been purposefully designed to adhere to the well-rounded course structure of the North American postgraduate dental school model.
Doctor of Dental Medicine
Early clinical contact is pivotal to the UWA dentistry program and students will enter the clinic from the first semester of their study.

Bachelor of Dental Science
CSU dental school offers a state-of-the-art simulation clinic, dental technology / clinical support laboratory, biodental science learning suite, and anatomy teaching facilities.

Bachelor of Dental Health Science & Master of Dentistry
The Griffith Bachelor of Dental Health Science program offers a new, innovative curriculum where you will receive real clinical exposure from the first year of study and work alongside oral health professionals who are world experts in their field.
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
The JCU Bachelor of Dental Surgery is a broad-based program that includes all aspects of dental practice but also focuses on issues of tropical, rural, and Indigenous practice.

Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours)
The University of Queensland’s Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) program is taught at the Oral Health Centre, Australia’s largest and most advanced tertiary oral health facility.
Licensing Practicing in Canada
The National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) recognizes the reciprocal agreement between the Australian Dental Council and the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada, which allows accredited graduates of either body to practice dentistry in Australia or Canada.
For Canadian students studying in accredited Australian dental programs, this means you can return home and follow the same process as Canadian domestic graduates with licensure being granted after successfully sitting the National Dental Examination Board of Canada.
For more information, please visit our Practicing Dentistry in Canada page.
Student Reviews
What do OzTREKK students think about studying dentistry in Australia? Read on!
“It has an amazing hands-on program with great professors.”
I love it! It has an amazing hands-on program with great professors. The University campus is also very beautiful.
It has an amazing hands-on program with great professors.
I love it! It has an amazing hands-on program with great professors. The University campus is also very beautiful.

Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2019

Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2019
“I enjoy studying dentistry because it is something that I have always wanted to do”
I like university simply because I am taking a degree that I always wanted to take. Being able to go and learn new things every day is what I really enjoy about university. I am enjoying my program. I enjoy studying dentistry because it is something that I have always wanted to do. I also find the course material quite interesting.
I enjoy studying dentistry because it is something that I have always wanted to do
I like university simply because I am taking a degree that I always wanted to take. Being able to go and learn new things every day is what I really enjoy about university. I am enjoying my program. I enjoy studying dentistry because it is something that I have always wanted to do. I also find the course material quite interesting.
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
James Cook University, 2019
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
James Cook University, 2019
“There is great clinical experience”
Yes. There is great clinical experience and I have made very close friends since moving. Unlike undergrad I am actually taking steps that are directly applying to the job that I would like to do when I graduate.
There is great clinical experience
Yes. There is great clinical experience and I have made very close friends since moving. Unlike undergrad I am actually taking steps that are directly applying to the job that I would like to do when I graduate.
Doctor of Dental Medicine
The University of Sydney, 2019
Doctor of Dental Medicine
The University of Sydney, 2019
“Professors are great and highly knowledgeable… very approachable and supportive”
University of Melbourne is amazing. It's very comprehensive and have most of specializations. Professors are great and highly knowledgeable, experienced and helpful! The school has access to a dental hospital which makes it even more desirable to study dentistry here as you get such more in-depth experience during your clinical sessions. The program is amazing! they recently made it full-year terms instead of semesters. This is very good as it allows students to connect and bet... Read More
Professors are great and highly knowledgeable… very approachable and supportive
University of Melbourne is amazing. It’s very comprehensive and have most of specializations. Professors are great and highly knowledgeable, experienced and helpful! The school has access to a dental hospital which makes it even more desirable to study dentistry here as you get such more in-depth experience during your clinical sessions. The program is amazing! they recently made it full-year terms instead of semesters. This is very good as it allows students to connect and better related the course material together. amazing professors! they are very knowledgeable and highly experienced as well as being very approachable and supportive.

Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2019

Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2019
“…they emphasize clinical work, and really want us to push ourselves to be the best clinicians possible”
I like it because they emphasize clinical work, and really want us to push ourselves to be the best clinicians possible. Educating students is one thing, but to inspire students to reach a certain level of clinical excellence is a whole new ball game. I'm living the dream every single day that I wake up. How many people can say that!
…they emphasize clinical work, and really want us to push ourselves to be the best clinicians possible
I like it because they emphasize clinical work, and really want us to push ourselves to be the best clinicians possible. Educating students is one thing, but to inspire students to reach a certain level of clinical excellence is a whole new ball game. I’m living the dream every single day that I wake up. How many people can say that!

Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2019

Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2019
“We are very advanced in terms of exposure to patients and simulation clinic”
I really love UniMelb, the campus is gorgeous and the atmosphere is great. It's a world renowned university and I am proud to be a student here. Only downfall is that there is not a lot of student spaces in the Dental Hospital for us to study or relax, since it is shared with all other staff working in the hospital. I am enjoying my program a lot, it's intense but manageable in my opinion. I love the mix of hands-on labs/simulation clinic, and the education side learning about ... Read More
We are very advanced in terms of exposure to patients and simulation clinic
I really love UniMelb, the campus is gorgeous and the atmosphere is great. It’s a world renowned university and I am proud to be a student here. Only downfall is that there is not a lot of student spaces in the Dental Hospital for us to study or relax, since it is shared with all other staff working in the hospital. I am enjoying my program a lot, it’s intense but manageable in my opinion. I love the mix of hands-on labs/simulation clinic, and the education side learning about diseases and treatments; etc. We are very advanced in terms of exposure to patients and simulation clinic, in comparison to other Canadian/American universities which is amazing. The administration is a little disorganized, as they are constantly changing our schedule which can be frustrating at times.

Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2019

Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2019
“Dentistry students get access to home groups inside the dental building 24/7”
Yes, there's many fun events going on all the time to enjoy and also quiet areas to study! Dentistry students get access to home groups inside the dental building 24/7 and we can study there whenever, also there's a fridge and microwave available which is very helpful!! Overall, amazing facilities as well. [The program is] very hands on and I am learning heaps!
Dentistry students get access to home groups inside the dental building 24/7
Yes, there’s many fun events going on all the time to enjoy and also quiet areas to study! Dentistry students get access to home groups inside the dental building 24/7 and we can study there whenever, also there’s a fridge and microwave available which is very helpful!! Overall, amazing facilities as well. [The program is] very hands on and I am learning heaps!
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
James Cook University, 2019
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
James Cook University, 2019
“… love the program”
The location is amazing and so is the program. love the program bc it recognizes credits from Canadian uni's
… love the program
The location is amazing and so is the program. love the program bc it recognizes credits from Canadian uni’s

Bachelor of Dental Health Science / Master of Dentistry
Griffith University, 2019

Bachelor of Dental Health Science / Master of Dentistry
Griffith University, 2019
“Overall I am very satisfied with my choice to come here, and would highly recommend other Canadian students do the same.”
The campus is beautiful and very nicely located in Sydney, but we aren't actually there much at all after 1st semester. The program curriculum is great and very hands-on from very early on, but is fairly disorganized at times, particularly in the Medicine-heavy first semester. Sometimes it feels like we are not kept in the loop as well as we could be, but it is also a graduate program and therefore it is somewhat expected that we should have the skills necessary to dig around o... Read More
Overall I am very satisfied with my choice to come here, and would highly recommend other Canadian students do the same.
The campus is beautiful and very nicely located in Sydney, but we aren’t actually there much at all after 1st semester. The program curriculum is great and very hands-on from very early on, but is fairly disorganized at times, particularly in the Medicine-heavy first semester. Sometimes it feels like we are not kept in the loop as well as we could be, but it is also a graduate program and therefore it is somewhat expected that we should have the skills necessary to dig around online and find the appropriate documents that tell us such things as when our exams are or what is actually on them. The instruction is also by and large very good, with profs that seem to really want us to succeed. Overall I am very satisfied with my choice to come here, and would highly recommend other Canadian students do the same.
The University of Sydney, 2018
The University of Sydney, 2018
“We have amazing, top-class facilities with instructors who are always available to help.”
Studying dentistry at UQ has been such a rewarding experience. I have the pleasure of studying with classmates coming from so many diverse backgrounds. Because of strong emphasis on hands-on clinical activities here at UQ, we have learned to work as a team, with each of us precisely aware of our role, whether that may be assisting, operating, or being a patient. We have amazing, top-class facilities with instructors who are always available to help.... I look forward to spending the next 4–5 years with my amazing cohort.
We have amazing, top-class facilities with instructors who are always available to help.
Studying dentistry at UQ has been such a rewarding experience. I have the pleasure of studying with classmates coming from so many diverse backgrounds. Because of strong emphasis on hands-on clinical activities here at UQ, we have learned to work as a team, with each of us precisely aware of our role, whether that may be assisting, operating, or being a patient. We have amazing, top-class facilities with instructors who are always available to help…. I look forward to spending the next 4–5 years with my amazing cohort.

Bachelor of Dental Science Honours
The University of Queensland, 2018

Bachelor of Dental Science Honours
The University of Queensland, 2018
“This university definitely sets students up for returning back to Canada…”
I like that UoM focuses a lot on clinical practice. But they also focus a lot on theoretical knowledge in order for us to become knowledgeable and practical clinicians. This university definitely sets students up for returning back to Canada such as my colleague.
This university definitely sets students up for returning back to Canada…
I like that UoM focuses a lot on clinical practice. But they also focus a lot on theoretical knowledge in order for us to become knowledgeable and practical clinicians. This university definitely sets students up for returning back to Canada such as my colleague.

Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2018

Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2018
“There are also plenty of Canadians to ease the potential struggle of being away from home.”
My experience at the Dentistry program at the University of Melbourne has been wonderful so far. The cohort is relatively small at around 100 students so you get to know most of the people in your program. There are also plenty of Canadians to ease the potential struggle of being away from home. The program while demanding, does afford you the time to enjoy what Melbourne has to offer. It has a nice balance of theory mixed in with practical application of dentistry skills.
There are also plenty of Canadians to ease the potential struggle of being away from home.
My experience at the Dentistry program at the University of Melbourne has been wonderful so far. The cohort is relatively small at around 100 students so you get to know most of the people in your program. There are also plenty of Canadians to ease the potential struggle of being away from home. The program while demanding, does afford you the time to enjoy what Melbourne has to offer. It has a nice balance of theory mixed in with practical application of dentistry skills.

Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2018

Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2018
“Professors are approachable and care about student progress and learning.”
The program has been a really smooth transition from undergrad. The pre-clinical experience has been challenging but great and the facilities are top notch. Exams are fair and I really feel like I am learning a lot. Professors are approachable and care about student progress and learning.
Professors are approachable and care about student progress and learning.
The program has been a really smooth transition from undergrad. The pre-clinical experience has been challenging but great and the facilities are top notch. Exams are fair and I really feel like I am learning a lot. Professors are approachable and care about student progress and learning.

Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2018

Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2018
“Additional assessments are often provided if you fail any material…”
Like: - Simulation clinic begins in the second semester of the first year. (with clinical practice coming up next year) - Small class size - Additional assessments are often provided If you fail any material - The cost was cheaper than other Australian universities Dislike: - it was very difficult to get courses exempted, and the requirements seemed very arbitrary (I did eventually get 4 courses exempted halfway through the semester) - Many professors have quit in recent years ... Read More
Additional assessments are often provided if you fail any material…
Like: – Simulation clinic begins in the second semester of the first year. (with clinical practice coming up next year) – Small class size – Additional assessments are often provided If you fail any material – The cost was cheaper than other Australian universities Dislike: – it was very difficult to get courses exempted, and the requirements seemed very arbitrary (I did eventually get 4 courses exempted halfway through the semester) – Many professors have quit in recent years (including this year) the result is that the school is understaffed. One professor have left during the middle of the semester. This causes confusion and issues for learning content – Their is a high expectation for self learning with minimal resources/guidance given. – The expectations for examinable knowledge is very unclear – Very few techniques have been formally taught in our clinical practice settings. (we are expected to try things and figure it out on our own) – Since the school is small, there is not a lot a lot of recreation facilities (i.e. rock climbing wall and squash courts, both of which were staples at previous universities that I have attended.

Dentistry
Charles Sturt University, 2018

Dentistry
Charles Sturt University, 2018
“My dental program provides state of the art facilities and the professors have been very helpful through the transition.”
I love my University and program; I love having the balance of studying and fun in the Gold Coast. My dental program provides state of the art facilities and the professors have been very helpful through the transition. I also got credited for many courses which saved me a lot of time and money.
My dental program provides state of the art facilities and the professors have been very helpful through the transition.
I love my University and program; I love having the balance of studying and fun in the Gold Coast. My dental program provides state of the art facilities and the professors have been very helpful through the transition. I also got credited for many courses which saved me a lot of time and money.

Griffith University, 2018

Griffith University, 2018
“Wish I did this sooner. ”
Excellent amount of clinical time! It is great! Wish I did this sooner.
Wish I did this sooner.
Excellent amount of clinical time! It is great! Wish I did this sooner.
Dentistry
James Cook University, 2018
Dentistry
James Cook University, 2018
Related News
Related FAQsHave a question?
See below for some frequently asked questions. Still need answers? Send us a request for information or contact an admissions officer today.
Which university is best?
The Australian universities OzTREKK represent are ranked highly by higher education ranking systems. Each dental program is known by the quality of its education, its state-of-the-art facilities, and by its specialties e.g., rural and remote dentistry. Deciding which program to undertake is usually a personal choice, but chatting with OzTREKK’s dentistry admissions officer is usually the best place to start!
What’s the difference between bachelor / master / doctor in the degree title?
Bachelor dentistry degrees are considered undergraduate degrees and are open to students who have a high school diploma. Master (or doctor) dentistry degrees are considered graduate degrees; therefore, candidates must hold an undergraduate degree to qualify for entry.
While the Doctor of Dental Surgery / Doctor of Dental Medicine has “doctor” in its title, it is considered a master’s degree. A doctorate degree is considered a research degree (PhD).
Both bachelor and master (or doctor) dentistry degrees allow the graduate to practice dentistry.
You don’t meet Melbourne’s DDS prerequisites
The University of Melbourne’s DDS prerequisites are quite strict and require that you’ve completed approved courses in human anatomy, human physiology and biochemistry to be eligible to apply.
1. Check Melbourne’s prerequisites
To see if your courses meet the prerequisites, please go to the University of Melbourne’s prerequisites page. Select the drop-down menu titled “List of assessed subjects” and click “International” to download the current list of subjects. Please note this list is updated regularly.
2. Have your courses assessed
If you find that the anatomy, physiology and/or biochemistry courses that you have completed are not found on this chart, you will need to have these courses assessed by submitting a Prerequisite Subject Assessment Form, including full course outlines for each course you want assessed. You are encouraged submit this form well in advance of applying so you can plan accordingly.
When assessing for the human anatomy prerequisite, the university will be looking to see that the course(s) being assessed included a lab component with human cadaveric materials. So you’ll want to make sure that your courses included such a component, and that it is referenced in the course outlines you submit for assessment.
3. Enroll in the missing prerequisite(s)
Melbourne will allow students to take non-award courses during the application season to make up the prerequisites they are missing. This means you can submit your application early in the year with your interim transcript and proof of enrollment into the prerequisite course. Before enrolling in any prerequisite course, we advise checking with either your admissions officer or the university to make sure the course will satisfy the prerequisite. Usually, Melbourne requires students to complete the course(s) by November.
If you haven’t completed the prerequisite course by the time offers are issued, then the university will issue a conditional offer. When you have successfully completed the required anatomy/physiology/biochemistry course(s), your final transcript can be submitted, and the conditions will be lifted.
Your DAT is too low or is no longer valid
If you don’t meet the minimum requirements on your DAT, OzTREKK is unable to submit the application to the universities. As soon as the university receives an ineligible DAT, the application is deemed unsuccessful.
1. Resit the DAT
If the DAT sit date is coming up in Canada, you can re-sit the test and hope to receive an eligible score. If you are re-sitting the DAT, make sure that you will receive the official scores before the university application deadline. With the Canadian Dental Association, you can write the DAT twice per year. The American Dental Association allows students to write it more frequently, so we often have students take the test in the United States.
2. Apply to another dentistry program
Consider applying to a dental program that doesn’t require the DAT. For dentistry, this means you can apply to the following undergraduate programs:
- Charles Sturt University Bachelor of Dental Science
- Griffith University Bachelor of Dental Health Science & Master of Dentistry
- James Cook University Bachelor of Dental Surgery
- University of Queensland Bachelor of Dental Science
If you have specific questions about these degrees, please email dentistry@oztrekk.com and we will be happy to assist.
If you haven’t written the DAT, or your DAT is too low or no longer valid, but you have a completed degree, you may be eligible to apply to University of Otago. Please note, Otago has strict prerequisites, so we encourage you to check with OzTREKK’s dentistry admissions officer to determine if you’re eligible.
How many places are there for international dentistry students?
Please note the number of places listed are estimates given to OzTREKK by the universities and are subject to change from year to year.
Charles Sturt University: 10
Griffith University: 25
James Cook University: 15
University of Melbourne: 25–30
University of Queensland: 40
University of Sydney: 45+
University of Western Australia: 6
University of Otago: 10
Do the undergraduate-entry dentistry programs require the DAT?
The undergraduate-entry programs do not require applicants to write the DAT. Applicants should aim for the highest GPA they can attain, and in some cases, interview preparation.
Can I do a direct transfer into an Australian dental program?
Unfortunately, the listed dental schools will not accept a direct transfer; however, there is the option to apply for credit for your courses for the undergraduate-entry dental programs. Please note, though, that receiving credit is not always guaranteed.
Can I practice in Canada with an Australian dental degree?
The process to practice dentistry after graduating from an Australian dental school is straightforward. The Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada has a mutual recognition with the Australian Dental Council since 2010, meaning that since then they have recognized one another’s accreditation. This means that after graduating from an accredited Australian dental school, Canadians can then take the same National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) written and OSCE examinations that graduates of Canadian dental schools take to become licensed to practice dentistry back in Canada, without having to undertake a bridging program or other additional requirements to become licensed.
Pathway to Certification
- Create an online application through NDEB Portal and register for the exam.
- Provide original transcript showcasing your graduation date.
- Once you’ve passed the exam and have provided proof of your graduation, you will be certified and a certificate will be issued.
- You will then follow the steps to receive provincial licensure.
For more information about the process, please visit our Practicing dentistry in Canada page.
Admissions OfficerAlexa Graham

If she’s not watching FRIENDS or spending time in her garden, you can find Alexa hanging out with her friends and family. ISFJ. Alexa is responsible for the day-to-day communication with each student in the dental program. She guides and assists students throughout the entire process, providing information about program requirements, how to apply, when to accept, and what they need to do when they arrive in Australia.
Food: Anything breakfast
Drink: Sidecar
TV Show: FRIENDS, Stranger Things, Breaking Bad
Music: Glorious Sons, Arkells and Half Moon Run
Book: Harry Potter series
Superpower: Invisibility
Email: alexa@oztrekk.com
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