James Cook University

Bachelor of Dental Surgery

Undergraduate

Details

University Location Townsville or Cairns, Queensland
City Population 201,000
Student Population 13,000
Int'l Student Population 2,000
Main Campus Townsville
Program Campus Cairns
Program Duration 5 years
Estimated Annual Tuition AUD$76,688 AUD (2025 fees; subject to increase)
Semester Intake February
Next Available Intake 2026
Application Deadline TBA*
International Places 25 (80 total)

Overview

James Cook University Dental School offers the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program, a five-year, undergraduate degree that will provide you with the knowledge and skills you require to become a competent practitioner of dentistry.

The dental program aims to promote improved oral health care delivery, particularly to people living in rural, remote and tropical regions of Australia, which can also be applied to those living in remote areas of Canada. The curriculum integrates the basic sciences with dental clinical sciences and preventative oral health strategies.

JCU Dental School is one of only three schools in Australia located outside a capital city. JCU’s dentistry establishment was funded by a grant of $52.5 million from the federal government and includes a new building on the Smithfield (Cairns) Campus of JCU with state-of-the-art facilities, including an 80-seat dental simulation laboratory, prosthodontics and science laboratories, and student home-group rooms.

Program

The JCU Bachelor of Dental Surgery is a broad-based program including all aspects of dental practice but also has a special focus on issues of special concern to the northern Australian region, particularly those relating to tropical, rural and Indigenous practice.

As a dentistry student, you will have early exposure to clinical practice, with an increasing proportion of the course dedicated to clinical skills in the later years. The first three to four years of study are based on the Cairns campus, and the final year is devoted to developing your clinical skills during placements in public and private dental clinics across northern Queensland.

 

Admission Requirements

1. From high School
Minimum of 86+% from top Grade 12 subjects required. Grade 12 (or equivalent) English, chemistry, and math B (usually covering any of calculus, statistics, algebra, trigonometry, vectors, geometry) is required. Please reach out to dentistry@oztrekk.com regarding the approved math prerequisite by province.

AB – Based on top 5 Grade 12 subjects
BC – Based on Language Arts 12 course (e.g., English 12; English 12 First Peoples, Communication 12, English Literature 12); and best 3 Grade 12 subjects with 4 credit points
ON – Based on top 6 Grade 12 subjects

2. With a partially or fully completed undergraduate degree
You must have a minimum cGPA of 3.3/4.0 across all university studies and meet the high school prerequisite subject requirements as noted above or have university-level courses considered as equivalent.

Admission Timeline

*Applications for the 2025 intake closed August 29, 2024. For information about the 2026 intake and to apply, please contact OzTREKK.

1/12

“…very extensive dentistry building”

A small but cosy campus with a very extensive dentistry building. Lots of hands on training which is great and lots of great professors always willing to help.

JCU Australia Isabelle M
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
James Cook University, 2024

“Instructors are super involved in your learning”

James Cook University provides students with a community like atmosphere, there's many ongoing events to make the student experience a valuable one. Instructors are super involved in your learning, they are always willing to answer questions and guide you throughout and make sure their students are on track. Make sure to put yourself out there, don't keep to yourself and it'll make the experience a lot easier, more enjoyable and a lighter adjustment.

JCU Australia Kavleen G
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
James Cook University, 2024

“I enjoy the people and community”

I enjoy the people and community but the activities and leisure is not very appealing nor is there much to do. I love the learning but i feel that there is not enough time to rest. I would recommend being prepared to be organized. Ask for help everyone is super friendly.

JCU Australia Dhaiya B
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
James Cook University, 2023

“I like the simulation clinic and the professors”

I like the simulation clinic and the professors, but the university is a little disorganized and it's difficult to find accommodation for next year. The program is comprehensive but the assessments are sometimes unclear. Make sure you do your research into the program; you can never be too prepared. But also remember that you're entering a new and exciting chapter of your life and celebrate your achievement and enjoy yourself. Everyone here is really nice. Not sure about clubs,... Read More

JCU Australia Parshast S
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
James Cook University, 2023

“Teaching methods based very much on practical application and very helpful”

Small campus, very individualized services and strong consideration for feedback, well kept campus and beautiful secluded campus in the rainforest. Dentistry students (especially international students) are very well supported! According to mature aged students, clinical experience is unlike any other uni in Australia! Any dislikes would be some scheduling errors as it's a small uni and some professors can be bad at communicating between one another/doing their own thing (wh... Read More

JCU Australia Clara S
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
James Cook University, 2023

“…hands on work and patient management”

James cook university is in a beautiful location. Great campus and it's very easy to find classes. They don't put on any sporting activities on a weekly basis. The thing I like most about dentistry is the hands on work and patient management. I dislike some of the chemistry we have to do sometimes.

JCU Australia Nate M
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
James Cook University, 2023

“Love every aspect of it. ”

Really enjoy the practical aspects of the program. The fact that we have already had some lab experience and drilling has been great. Love every aspect of it. Prepare to be on your own. Not only are you responsible for studies, but cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc. Additionally, be prepared to 'lose' your home support, so I encourage you to leverage any and all support systems to adapt.

JCU Australia Evangelos W
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
James Cook University, 2023

“…it’s easy to make friends”

like: small campus and most people come from different parts of Australia so it's easy to make friends; simulation clinics starting in first year.  Everything is combined in one subject, small campus - really little people doesn't feel like a university. Be ready for simulation clinics!

JCU Australia Kathryn W
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
James Cook University, 2023

“Hands-on simulation clinic from day 1”

Small campus that's not too busy (what I like) It can get really hot :) Hands-on simulation clinic from day 1

JCU Australia Dominique K
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
James Cook University, 2022

“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.

JCU Australia Brandon K
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
James Cook University, 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!

JCU Australia Ibadat S
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
James Cook University, 2019

“Wish I did this sooner. ”

Excellent amount of clinical time! It is great! Wish I did this sooner.

JCU Australia Brock M
Dentistry
James Cook University, 2018