If you are thinking about practicing dentistry in Australia, you have the right thoughts! Research shows that dentists are in high demand in Australia, and their pay is competitive, hence making a career in dentistry is gratifying and rewarding. In fact, dentists are among the highest-paid professionals in Australia, with annual salaries exceeding $150,000. Therefore, the big question is not if you should practice dentistry in Australia instead, it is the ‘how’; how to become a dentist in Australia.
Dentistry is a discipline of medicine concerned with the health and treatment of the mouth and teeth. A dentist ensures that all of the maxillofacial structures are healthy, and functioning properly and that everything is in its proper location. Students who want to know how to become a dentist in Australia can learn about the overall condition of the mouth cavity through the dentistry courses offered in dental schools. Though dental schools in Australia are among the most competitive programs, a clear vision and the willingness to put in the work will get such students through it.
Studying for a specialized medical or health sciences degree is a complicated process in any nation, but it can be extremely intimidating if you want to do it abroad. To assist you in learning how to become a dentist in Australia, especially as an international student, we’ve put together this step-by-step guide to ease your formation process and answer your questions about how to become a dentist in Australia.
Let’s get into it.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Dentist in Australia?
In Australia, you need at least a Bachelor’s degree in dentistry to practice dentistry legally.
In Australia, Bachelor dental programs typically require 5 to 7 years of full-time study, with clinical experience counted as part of the curriculum. Conversely, completing postgraduate education programs in dentistry could need up to 4 years of full-time study. After putting all of this together, you can become a dentist in Australia after putting in 9 to 10 years of dedicated study.
Keep in mind that in Australia, you must register with the Dental Board after earning your dental degree to be able to practice your profession.
How Much Does Dental School Cost in Australia?
Australian dental colleges are not an exception to the generalization that medical degrees are among the most expensive. This is primarily due to the high amount of clinical practice required by medical schools, including dentistry as a medical specialty, which adds to the cost.
International students pay more in tuition at Australian dentistry schools than domestic students do. The cost of studying dentistry abroad at Australian universities varies by institution. The average annual cost of foreign fees is between 70,000 and almost 140,000 Australian dollars. You will undoubtedly have to spend extra if additional expenses like lodging or food are taken into
How to become a dentist in Australia
Ready to discover how to become a dentist in Australia? These easy steps point you to how to become a dentist in Australia by showing you the path to becoming a dentist in Australia, whether as a resident or an international student.
#1 Make your research
Australia is home to a lot of high-quality dental schools. While you’ve got a lot of good options, not all of them will suit your specific needs and career objectives. Hence this first step of researching the dental schools available to you is crucial.
You should check out facts about the schools like their tuition and fees, the scholarship opportunities available, the location, the practical sessions the dental school offers, and the admission requirements of the school. These factors determine to a great measure the academic satisfaction you draw from the school you finally choose. Our last blog post covered 10 top dental schools in Australia that would help ease your research process. Check here.
#2 Obtain a Dental Degree from a University
This is a compulsory step in how to become a dentist in Australia. The two primary paths to studying dentistry at a university are outlined below and completing the course allows you to register as a dentist with the Dental Board of Australia and hence practice dentistry in Australia.
- Getting into Dental School Right from High School in Australia
Direct enrollment into a double degree program is available to a small percentage of high-achieving high school graduates. This double degree program of Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Dental Medicine (7-year degree) will allow you to pursue a three-year undergraduate science degree before beginning the four-year Doctor of Dental Medicine program.
To enter using this route, you must:
- achieve the minimal ATAR requirement, which is often 99.6 or higher
- to perform satisfactorily in the evaluation procedure, which includes a written evaluation and panel discussion session
- and meet the basic English language requirements where appropriate qualifications are not available.
To advance into the Doctor of Dental Medicine program after enrolling, you must additionally finish the dentistry optional unit and earn an average grade of at least 65.0 in each year of the Bachelor of Science program.
It is important to note that the minimum ATAR score does not ensure the right to participate in the evaluation procedure due to the strong demand for the course.
- Getting into Dental School After Earning a Bachelor’s Degree from a University
You can apply for postgraduate entry into the four-year Doctor of Dental Medicine program after earning the required bachelor’s degree from an accredited university. You must fulfill the following conditions to proceed with this study path:
- Obtain a passing score on the GAMSAT (Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test) or a test of equivalence.
- Obtain a minimum GPA for a bachelor’s degree that has been approved at the time of application.
- Meet the biological criteria for a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine).
- Perform satisfactorily on the MMI (Multiple Mini Interviews).
#3 Sign up for foundation studies or bridging courses.
This third step in how to become a dentist in Australia is specific to international students who may not be able to take any of the pathways in step 2. Usually, you will begin your route to a Bachelor of Dental Surgery as an overseas student with a university preparatory or Foundation Studies course. This program normally lasts 9-11 months and combines English language study with an academic curriculum tailored to your chosen degree. They serve as an important “first step” in your educational route and will aid in your adjustment to the Australian educational system.
Due to the specific requirements needed to enter a Bachelor of Dental Surgery program, your dental institution may even provide an alternative packaged offer. This suggests that you can earn a Bachelor of Health and Medical Science degree while also completing your foundational coursework.
Some universities can let you take the PQA (Personal Qualities Assessment) once you finish your foundation studies course and go through an oral evaluation and interview. You can begin your Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree in the first year if you pass the evaluation. You can expect to master a combination of theory and practical skills, as well as complete clinical placements, during your period of study and completing your BDS degree.
This is super important. As soon as you receive your dentistry degree, you must register with the Dental Board of Australia to practice dentistry in Australia. This is a legal requirement and the climax to the how to become a dentist in Australia query. The Australian Dental Association additionally offers an online jobs board and provides a lot of support to beginning dentists.
#5 Yearly Re-registration
You must renew your registration with the Dental Board of Australia each year to continue practicing dentistry in Australia. You have three years to complete 60 hours of CPD (Continuing Professional Development) tasks for that.
These can include attending a conference regarding the clinical, scientific, or technological facets of oral health care, learning CPR, and reading pertinent academic research. These programs help professionals fulfill their duty to deliver excellent patient care in a variety of dental specialties, including endodontics, general dentistry, hygiene and therapy, implants, oral surgery, orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, and more.
#6 Specialize in an area
Following graduation, students have the option of pursuing a postgraduate degree in clinical dentistry with a focus in one of the following areas:
- Oral medicine
- Sedation and Pain Management
- Special Needs Dentistry
- Population Oral Health
All Doctor of Clinical Dentistry programs lay the groundwork for a future in clinical academic and research roles while preparing you for a specialist-level position in your field.
Some Australian institutions could demand that you have a degree that has been approved by the Dental Board of Australia in addition to at least two years of the necessary dental practice experience. Generally speaking, depending on the curriculum you select, admission criteria change.
Can international students study dentistry in Australia?
To study dentistry in Australia as an international student, you need a student visa. You must apply for your student visa as soon as you receive the university’s offer letter to prevent any potential delays and send them the acceptance confirmation.
What ATAR Do You Need To Be A Dentist in Australia?
Dental schools are among the most competitive institutions in Australia. For this reason, the majority of colleges require applicants to Dentistry programs to have an ATAR of 95 or higher.
Which Type of Dental Professionals Are Paid the Most?
According to their area of specialization, dentists have the following career options, along with the national average salary:
- Prosthodontists: $175,00 per year
- Orthodontists make $130,000 per year.
- Dentists in general: $102,231 per year
- $94k per year for oral surgeons
- $85,000 per year for periodontists
- Endodontists make $68,730 annually.
There you have it. A straightforward guide that answers the question of how to become a dentist in Australia. As we previously mentioned, the how to become a dentist in Australia will demand a lot of commitment from you but keeping the end goal and picture in mind will spur you on. We hope you found this article useful.