University of Adelaide

Program

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery provides clinical experiences from day one, giving you the chance to develop your professional and practical skills. With Adelaide’s person-centred focus, you’ll be introduced to the practice of dentistry and develop an understanding of the normal structure and function of a healthy body. This includes the oral cavity, evidence-based maintenance of people’s health and dentistry as a career.

Through integrated learning activities, you’ll develop a knowledge of evidence-based care. You’ll work in a collaborative environment to learn critical self-evaluation and plan strategies for improvement.

In your second year, you’ll build on your knowledge while continuing a focus on patient care. You’ll develop an understanding of the changes that occur in the oral cavity, when an imbalance of the oral ecosystem develops, and practice placing emphasis on restoring a healthy balance. You’ll also continue to study the scientific basis of dentistry and develop systematic scientific skills to examine, assess risk and manage healthy teeth and gums.

In your third and fourth year, you’ll extend your studies to understand dental disorders and the human diseases affecting oral health and dental practice. Develop clinical skills in comprehensive treatment planning through the supervised care in both general dental practice and dental specialties.

In your final year, you’ll integrate everything you’ve learnt and consolidate your clinical skills in a range of settings. You’ll be ready to step into your role as a dental professional and manage an increasingly complex range of dental problems.

A range of assessment formats are used throughout the program. Assessment consists of examinations that may be in the format of written papers using a range of question formats or clinical assessments. There is also continuous self-monitoring of clinical performance and tutor feedback during each clinic or simulated clinic session. At the end of a clinical placement period, tutors complete summative assessments of clinical performance. Other forms of assessment during the semester include Tests of Understanding, assignments, and participation in small group tutorial sessions.

Adelaide Dental Simulation Clinic
These state-of-the-art facilities will enable you to practice real-world patient/client care procedures in a technologically advanced environment. You’ll be able to acquire and develop clinical skills in a highly advanced environment that includes 90 individual simulators equipped with a manikin, dental equipment, a PC, and monitor. The facilities also include two dental surgeries, a plaster laboratory, radiology and sterilization areas, virtual reality dental simulators, and CAD-CAM scanning technology.