Charles Sturt University

Bachelor of Dental Science

Undergraduate
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Details

University Location Orange, New South Wales
City Population 40,300
Student Population 36,000 (across all campuses)
Main Campus Orange
Program Campus Orange
Program Duration 5 years
Estimated Annual Tuition AUD$69,760 (2025 fees; subject to increase)
Semester Intake February/March
Next Available Intake 2025
Application Deadline June 27, 2024*
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 School of Dentistry and Health Sciences was formed in 2008 and brings together Charles Sturt University’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 dental degree developed in close association with the industry to prepare you for a career as a dental practitioner.

Program

Developed in cooperation with the Australian Dental Council, the Australian Dental Association, local dentists, oral health practitioners and senior consultants, the Charles Sturt University Bachelor of Dental Science is a five-year undergraduate program based at the Orange campus.

You’ll develop your skills in a state-of-the-art simulation clinic, dental technology / clinical support laboratory, biodental science learning suite, and anatomy teaching facilities. Charles Sturt University also has five dental and oral health clinics across its Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange, and Wagga Wagga campuses. These clinics are open to patients from the local community and will provide some of your first professional training. You could undertake placements at any Charles Sturt University clinic during your course, working under the supervision of qualified dental practitioners.

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.

Admission Requirements

1. From high school
Must have completed a high school diploma with a minimum of 83% from top Grade 12 subjects.

2. From university
Approximately 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.

Assessment Criteria

Selection for entry to the Bachelor of Dental Science is based on 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.

Only applicants 18 and older will be eligible to receive an offer.

Admission Timeline

*While the application deadline for the 2025 intake is June 27, 2024, you’re encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Student Reviews

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

1/3

“The people here are very nice”

Campus is small and nice. The people here are very nice. I like class sizes and most of my instructors, however this uni doesn't allow dental students to come practice hand skills / drilling teeth on their own time.

The people here are very nice

Campus is small and nice. The people here are very nice. I like class sizes and most of my instructors, however this uni doesn’t allow dental students to come practice hand skills / drilling teeth on their own time.

Nate H
Bachelor of Dental Science
Charles Sturt University, 2023
Nate H
Bachelor of Dental Science
Charles Sturt University, 2023

“…can build strong friendships”

Like: people and can build strong friendships and closeness with faculty. Dislike: location, very small campus/town. Like: instructors and pace of first year. Organization of classes is not the best.

…can build strong friendships

Like: people and can build strong friendships and closeness with faculty. Dislike: location, very small campus/town. Like: instructors and pace of first year. Organization of classes is not the best.

Tanisha P
Bachelor of Dental Science
Charles Sturt University, 2023
Tanisha P
Bachelor of Dental Science
Charles Sturt University, 2023

“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