Dentistry

Curious about studying dentistry? You can study at a world-class Australian dental school and return to Canada to practice! Get an exceptional education and clinical training all in an amazing location. OzTREKK has helped more than 500 Canadians achieve their dreams of studying dentistry.

Studying Dentistry at an Australian Dental School

OzTREKK represents 7 Australian dental schools and 1 New Zealand dental school, each offering forward-thinking teaching and research, incredible practical placements and simulation clinics, and state-of-the-art facilities. Since 2010, there has been a reciprocal agreement between Canada and Australia (and New Zealand) allowing international graduates of accredited dentistry programs from both countries to be considered the same as domestic graduates.

Graduate and Undergraduate Pathways
If you have a completed undergraduate degree and have written the Canadian or American Dental Aptitude Test (DAT), you are eligible to apply to graduate-entry dentistry degrees. These programs are four years in length.

Students are eligible to apply for undergraduate-entry degrees straight from high school, with a partially finished undergraduate degree, or a completed undergraduate degree! These programs do not require a DAT and are five years in length.

Both graduate- and undergraduate-entry dentistry degrees allow the graduate to practice dentistry.

What Do OzTREKK Students Say About Studying Dentistry in Australia?
We love to keep in touch with former OzTREKKers—and they love to help prospective students! Check out what current students and graduates have to say about choosing to study dentistry in Oz, including what they liked about their cities, their programs, and the process to practice in Australia and Canada!

Australian Dental School Admissions Requirements

Graduate-entry Dentistry Degrees

University Min. DAT Min. GPA Interview Prerequisites
University of Melbourne 16 each section* No minimum No Strict prerequisites of human anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry
University of Otago N/A 2.7 / 4.0 Yes Foundations of Biochemistry
Cell and Molecular Biology
Chemical Basis of Biology & Human Health
Human Body Systems I
Human Body Systems II
Biological Physics
Population Health
University of Sydney 18 overall* 2.7 / 4.0 No N/A
University of Western Australia 17 each section 3.1 / 4.0 Yes No prerequisites, but Grade 12 physics (or equivalent) and first-year chemistry and biology are recommended

*OzTREKK minimums based on previous intakes. See individual program pages for details.

 

Undergraduate-entry Dentistry Degrees

University Min. HS Min. Uni Interview Prerequisites
Charles Sturt University 83% 3.5 / 4.0 No Gr. 12 English required, science & math recommended
Griffith University 88% 3.1 / 4.0 Yes Gr. 12 English required, science & math recommended
James Cook University 89% 3.5 / 4.0 No Gr. 12 English, math, & chemistry required; supplemental application
La Trobe University 90% 4.0 / 4.0 No Gr. 12 English, chemistry, & biology required
University of Queensland 90% 3.7 / 4.0 No Gr. 12 English & chemistry required, biology recommended
University of Western Australia 94% N/A Yes None; however, Gr. 12 chemistry, biology or human biology, math, & physics recommended

 

Interested to learn more about what it takes to get in? Please visit our Competitive Dentistry Application Statistics chart for details. If you have any questions, just let us know!

How to Apply to an Australian Dental School

The process of applying to study dentistry in Australia can feel both simple and confusing at the same time. That’s why we’re here. Our goal is to have the best prepared students ready for a first-class educational experience in Australia and New Zealand—and we take that to heart.

When you’re considering dental school in Australia, you may have questions about

  • your eligibility;
  • the application;
  • how (and where) to submit your documents; and
  • what we do with your application.

We’ve got you covered. Head on over to our how to apply to dental school in Australia page where you’ll find info about what to expect!

 

Practicing Dentistry in Canada

The National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) recognizes the reciprocal agreement between the Australian Dental Council and the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada, which allows graduates of accredited dental schools of either body to practice dentistry in Australia or Canada.

For Canadian students studying in accredited Australian dental programs, this means you can return home and follow the same process as Canadian domestic graduates with licensure being granted after successfully sitting the NDEB written and clinical exams.

For more information, please visit our Practicing Dentistry in Canada page.

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“I like the vibe of the campus”

I like the vibe of the campus and the focus in our university programs. I like the class sizes and materials, but I dislike the organization of the class as it seems my previous university in Canada was much more organized.

Kyrollos G
Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours)
The University of Queensland, 2023

“Instructors are great”

[I like the] staff on campus, the support available. Instructors are great, very supportive and friendly. Course material is interesting and relative to what we are studying.

Raghad J
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
The University of Otago, 2023

“low to moderate stress level”

Likes: location, accessibility, transportation, adequate class size, low to moderate stress level. Dislikes: poor administration in some areas; lack of didactic course materials; rushed schedules.

Jonathan P
Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 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

“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

“I like the hands on aspect”

[I like the ] Campus, Program, People. I like the hands on aspect of [Dentistry]. As with all programs, the administrative/organizational side of things could definitely be improved.

Desmond F
Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 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

“…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

“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

“The campus is just really beautiful.”

The campus is just really beautiful. It's a drastic difference from back home in Calgary, because here it's all open and there's tons of greenery around. There's also tons of sports facilities everywhere, like a huge track, multiple basketball courts, tennis nets, etc. and they're all outdoors. The liveliness of it all just makes the degree I'm pursuing much more bearable. I don't like how small the cohort is, because it's everyone knows everyone and you're around the same grou... Read More

Aleena N
Bachelor of Dental Health Science / Master of Dentistry
Griffith University, 2022

“Class size is good, course material is relevant”

Good staff, early hands on experience and pre clinical hours, no open lab hours/clinic hours. Class size is good, course material is relevant, teaching methods are okay all lectures are mainly pre recorded and some of them are bad quality. But flexibility to complete content on your own time helps with having a job.

Stephanie N
Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2022

“The campus is beautiful and the facilities seem great.”

I'm doing a lot of self learning but I don't mind it as I learn better that way any. The campus is beautiful and the facilities seem great. Class sizes - 81 people which is great as more one on one opportunities for learning. The course material - I feel that the first year dental professor has been recycling his slides from 5 years ago but is not the best. Definitely go! Look up some of the first year courses you can get credit for at Griffith like chemistry and anatomy and do them in Canada.

Manisha J
Bachelor of Dental Health Science / Master of Dentistry
Griffith University, 2022

“…small class size”

[Love] location, nice facilities, small class size for dmd. Pros- Class size, facilities.

University of Western Australia Alyssa W
Doctor of Dental Medicine
The University of Western Australia, 2022

“The university has a lot of nice facilities”

I like what I am learning about, they are all topics that I am very interested in. The university has a lot of nice facilities for learning that are available to students.

Harnoor G
Bachelor of Dental Health Science / Master of Dentistry
Griffith University, 2022

“Teachers are top tier.”

Teachers are top tier. Teaching Facilities are good. There are so many place to eat around campus. There are always activities going on to connect students out side the classroom. Expectations are higher than you may be used to in an undergraduate. Dental school is tough. Class size is good at around 90ish. Mix of caring and awful teachers. Mostly caring and great but the ones that are not great stand out. LOTS of material to cover and little time to do even some of the recommended reading. 1st year is all base knowledge.

Travis L
Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2022

“The teaching methods in the university in general have been stellar”

I love the anatomy learning facilities, medical services on campus, the relaxed feel, the passion that most of the faculty has for teaching, and the proximity to everything I need (gym, health care, public transit, housing, groceries, and more in walking distance). I slightly dislike the size of the university. Since Griffith is spread over many campuses, it feels quite quiet at times. There also isn't much "school spirit" the way there is back in Canada. I like the class si... Read More

Ore A
Bachelor of Dental Health Science / Master of Dentistry
Griffith University, 2022

“UQ has a really nice facilities”

UQ has really nice facilities with lots of great, caring professors.

Ting-Yu L
Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours)
The University of Queensland, 2022

“It has an amazing hands-on program with great professors.”

I love it! It has an amazing hands-on program with great professors. The University campus is also very beautiful.

Sydney S
Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2019

“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

“There is great clinical experience”

Yes. There is great clinical experience and I have made very close friends since moving. Unlike undergrad I am actually taking steps that are directly applying to the job that I would like to do when I graduate.

university of sydney black and white logo Ayden L
Doctor of Dental Medicine
The University of Sydney, 2019

“Professors are great and highly knowledgeable… very approachable and supportive”

University of Melbourne is amazing. It's very comprehensive and have most of specializations. Professors are great and highly knowledgeable, experienced and helpful! The school has access to a dental hospital which makes it even more desirable to study dentistry here as you get such more in-depth experience during your clinical sessions. The program is amazing! they recently made it full-year terms instead of semesters. This is very good as it allows students to connect and bet... Read More

Ali E
Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2019

“…they emphasize clinical work, and really want us to push ourselves to be the best clinicians possible”

I like it because they emphasize clinical work, and really want us to push ourselves to be the best clinicians possible. Educating students is one thing, but to inspire students to reach a certain level of clinical excellence is a whole new ball game. I'm living the dream every single day that I wake up. How many people can say that!

Kunal M
Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2019

“We are very advanced in terms of exposure to patients and simulation clinic”

I really love UniMelb, the campus is gorgeous and the atmosphere is great. It's a world renowned university and I am proud to be a student here. Only downfall is that there is not a lot of student spaces in the Dental Hospital for us to study or relax, since it is shared with all other staff working in the hospital. I am enjoying my program a lot, it's intense but manageable in my opinion. I love the mix of hands-on labs/simulation clinic, and the education side learning about ... Read More

Brittany T
Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 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

“… love the program”

The location is amazing and so is the program. love the program bc it recognizes credits from Canadian uni's

Stephen
Bachelor of Dental Health Science / Master of Dentistry
Griffith University, 2019

“Overall I am very satisfied with my choice to come here, and would highly recommend other Canadian students do the same.”

The campus is beautiful and very nicely located in Sydney, but we aren't actually there much at all after 1st semester. The program curriculum is great and very hands-on from very early on, but is fairly disorganized at times, particularly in the Medicine-heavy first semester. Sometimes it feels like we are not kept in the loop as well as we could be, but it is also a graduate program and therefore it is somewhat expected that we should have the skills necessary to dig around o... Read More

university of sydney black and white logo Daniel P.
Doctor of Dental Medicine
The University of Sydney, 2018

“We have amazing, top-class facilities with instructors who are always available to help.”

Studying dentistry at UQ has been such a rewarding experience. I have the pleasure of studying with classmates coming from so many diverse backgrounds. Because of strong emphasis on hands-on clinical activities here at UQ, we have learned to work as a team, with each of us precisely aware of our role, whether that may be assisting, operating, or being a patient. We have amazing, top-class facilities with instructors who are always available to help.... I look forward to spending the next 4–5 years with my amazing cohort.

Sean C.
Bachelor of Dental Science Honours
The University of Queensland, 2018

“This university definitely sets students up for returning back to Canada…”

I like that UoM focuses a lot on clinical practice. But they also focus a lot on theoretical knowledge in order for us to become knowledgeable and practical clinicians. This university definitely sets students up for returning back to Canada such as my colleague.

Kaho H.
Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2018

“There are also plenty of Canadians to ease the potential struggle of being away from home.”

My experience at the Dentistry program at the University of Melbourne has been wonderful so far. The cohort is relatively small at around 100 students so you get to know most of the people in your program. There are also plenty of Canadians to ease the potential struggle of being away from home. The program while demanding, does afford you the time to enjoy what Melbourne has to offer. It has a nice balance of theory mixed in with practical application of dentistry skills.

Ramiz A.
Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2018

“Professors are approachable and care about student progress and learning.”

The program has been a really smooth transition from undergrad. The pre-clinical experience has been challenging but great and the facilities are top notch. Exams are fair and I really feel like I am learning a lot. Professors are approachable and care about student progress and learning.

Alannah Anita-marie C.
Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2018

“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

Devon L.
Dentistry
Charles Sturt University, 2018

“My dental program provides state of the art facilities and the professors have been very helpful through the transition.”

I love my University and program; I love having the balance of studying and fun in the Gold Coast. My dental program provides state of the art facilities and the professors have been very helpful through the transition. I also got credited for many courses which saved me a lot of time and money.

Fatima E.
Bachelor of Dental Health Science / Master of Dentistry
Griffith University, 2018

“The highlight of my degree was when I… began seeing my first patients”

Studying at the University of Melbourne gave me an opportunity to travel to another continent and experience a different culture without having to take a break from school. The highlight of my degree was when I entered my second year and began seeing my first patients. It was daunting at first to be seeing real patients, but it was also exciting to be able to use what we have been learning for the past year.

Dominique L
Doctor of Dental Surgery
The University of Melbourne, 2018

“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