James Cook University

The JCU BDS program has been great so far. For a mature students (23+) that have a full degree you’ll find the first year is quite slow clinical and content wise. The simulation clinic is a nice facility but because you only get 2 hours a week it really forces you to cram as much practice into those 2 hours. Because most of the first year content is equivalent to first year undergrad in Canada and it’s tied into the dental science course you can’t get credit for it so it is a pain to have to basically repeat first year sciences. The profs are great though and very supportive. JCU is a great school. It’s a small campus but the facilities are pretty new and cared for very well. It is quite a relaxing campus to study at as you constantly hear the sounds of birds singing in the forest just behind the school. It is also pretty safe.

The dentistry program is quite small which is great for getting one on one time with your lecturers and student teachers. The upper year students are extremely helpful and the program is designed to help you succeed through various additional resources. There is also a large number of Canadian international students, so you won’t feel like you are the only one going through this huge transition! All the lecturers want you to succeed and are very approachable to ask questions. The labs and lectures are not mandatory but highly recommended to go to as this is where you will get that extra individual help. Definitely go to class to get the most out of the program! The JCU Cairns campus is absolutely beautiful. It’s located right next to the tropical mountains, a short drive away from some of the most beautiful beaches, and the city is also very exciting. It’s a small campus so there are limited clubs at the moment. However, the JCU Students Association (JCUDSA) is great at organizing events that bring the entire program together.

The instructors are really supportive and approachable–you can actually talk to them and they care about our progress. Hands-on training starts early with simulation labs, which makes the learning feel real from day one. The course structure is intense but well organized, mixing theory with practicals so it doesn’t feel like all lectures. There are also dentistry-specific events and a student dental society that runs socials and study sessions. I love the early clinical focus and the tight-knit student community. What I dislike is the heavy workload at times and the limited food/coffee options on campus–plus buses aren’t the most reliable. But overall, the program gives great preparation for real-world dentistry. The dental school facilities are excellent–modern labs and a great student clinic. Campus is smaller but friendly, with a stunning rainforest backdrop. Clubs and events through JCUSA make it easy to meet people, though nightlife is quieter than big cities. I love how hands-on the program is and how approachable the lecturers are. Downsides are the bus system (a car helps), limited food options on campus, and the hot, wet tropical weather. Overall, a supportive place to study dentistry with amazing practical training.

This program is comprehensive and very hands on! Highly recommend. The Uni is a great environment to learn!

JCU has provided infinite opportunities to grow as students. I truly feel that they have provided the best support system for international students. I always felt like I could rely on them <3 JCU’s Bachelor of Dental Surgery Program has offered me one of the best hands-on experiences ever. We start in sim clinic first semester of first year which I think is super important and beneficial for this type of program. The course structure is created in a way that maximizes the students success with organized small group sessions, laboratory practicals and mini quizzes that ensure all content is being absorbed properly.

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.

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.

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.

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, but social sport at JCU seems to be a good way of making friends. Even just going to classes and labs you’ll meet enough people and make enough friends.

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 (which is very common at most unis and has improved in 1 yr 2nd sem).

Teaching methods based very much on practical application and very helpful, some professors can be difficult/don’t teach as well but a large portion of the profs are excellent. Some dislikes for the course material in 1st sem of 1st year- just be prepared for very general and tedious content not related to dentistry. Some advice: view it as a trial run for your first sem of uni because 2nd semester you’re already doing class 1 fillings, amalgam and learning about clinical scenarios and the content becomes much more relevant.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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!

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