Charles Sturt University

Bachelor of Dental Science

Undergraduate
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Details

University Location Orange, New South Wales
City Population 38,000
Student Population 42,300 (across all campuses)
Main Campus Orange
Program Campus Orange
Program Duration 5 years
Estimated Annual Tuition $63,600 AUD (2023 fees; subject to increase)
Semester Intake February
Next Available Intake 2024
Application Deadline TBA*
International Places 10 (total 40)
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Overview

When you study at Charles Sturt University in Orange, you’ll learn using the latest equipment and technology, while building skills that are sought-after in the workplace. Classes at Charles Sturt are smaller than most other universities, so you can expect more one-on-one time with academic staff and, most important, more support.

The CSU School of Dentistry and Health Sciences was formed in 2008 and brings together CSU’s rich history of health professional education in dentistry, oral health therapy, and medical radiation science.

Offered full-time at Charles Sturt University’s Orange Campus, the Bachelor of Dental Science is a 5-year undergraduate-entry dentistry degree developed in close association with the industry to prepare you for a career as a dental practitioner.

Program

During Years 1 and 2, there is 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 3 to 5, you will focus on understanding the medical, dental, social, and community context of dental clinical practice. Your hand skills will be developed by using Charles Sturt Dental School’s state-of-the-art simulation equipment in their purpose-built facilities, which also includes a dental technology / clinical support laboratory, biodental science learning suite, and anatomy teaching facilities, including a PC2 teaching laboratory and a dry (computer) laboratory.

Clinical Experience
This course includes practical experience through workplace learning. You will undertake intense clinical practice sessions in generalist and all specialist disciplines. There is also the opportunity to engage in clinical practice at a variety of sites (university, community, rural and metropolitan) so you can gain professional experience.

You’ll begin your clinical experience and hand-skills development from Year 1. Clinical experiences of increasing complexity are combined with further development of hand skills through Year 2 and provide a strong foundation for extended clinical practice in Years 3 to 5.

You will hone your knowledge and develop patient communication skills in Charles Sturt University’s Dental and Oral Health Clinics in Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange and Wagga Wagga, which include private and specialist practice areas. You will also observe specialists treating patients via video conference with the assistance of dental tools equipped with cameras.

Admission Requirements

1. From high school
Must have completed a high school diploma with a minimum of 80% from top Grade 12 subjects.

2. From university
Approximately 80% (3.5/4.0 cGPA) from university studies. It is expected that all applicants have a strong science background (chemistry / mathematics / physics) and a high level of competency in English.

3. Interview
The Charles Sturt Bachelor of Dental Science application process has two stages: an initial application and, if selected, attendance at an interview via Skype.

Assessment Criteria

Selection for entry to the Bachelor of Dental Science is a two-stage process with applicants first being selected for interview based on their GPA. International applicants studying their final year of high school are required to provide school reports for the two final years of schooling.

The following selection criteria will be adopted when assessing applicants:

1. A demonstrated interest in, and understanding of, rural and regional Australia, oral health inequalities, and dental practice within these regions.
2. High level academic ability.
3. The capacity to communicate effectively.
4. Evidence of skill in manual dexterity and spatial sense.
5. Evidence of the understanding of teamwork and motivation to become a dental practitioner.
6. Evidence of community involvement

It is expected that all applicants to this course have a strong science background (chemistry / mathematics / physics) and a high level of competency in English. The profession of dentistry requires good vision, spatial awareness, depth perception and excellent hand-eye coordination and manual (hand) skills.

The DAT (Dental Aptitude Test) is not required when applying to the Charles Sturt University Bachelor of Dental Science program.

Admission Timeline

*Applications for the 2023 intake closed June 16, 2022. For information about the 2024 intake and to apply, please contact OzTREKK. You are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Interviews: Expected July 2022
Offers Issued: Expected August – September 2022

Student Reviews

What do OzTREKK students think about studying Dentistry at Charles Sturt University? Read on!

1/1

“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.

Devon L.
Dentistry
Charles Sturt University, 2018
Devon L.
Dentistry
Charles Sturt University, 2018