Bachelor of Dental Surgery

Dentists work to improve oral health in our communities.

They’re lifelong learners who care about their patients and their work.Dentistry is a science and an art.

It’s flexible and rewarding, and it changes lives.

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery consists of an integrated course in each year level, with clinical experiences being provided from day one.The focus of the degree is to emphasise a holistic, preventive-based approach to oral health care, with a minimally invasive approach if restorative treatment is required. Students will be expected to apply and integrate knowledge and understanding of relevant biological and medical sciences in managing their patients and demonstrate high levels of professionalism, including an ability to effectively monitor their performance and a desire to continue to learn and grow as a member of the dental profession.The dynamic curriculum uses a case-based learning approach to integrate learning across disciplines. The emphasis is on learning relevant scientific information throughout the degree at the same time as the development of clinical skills.From first year, students will undertake compulsory clinical placements in a range of settings, including a city-based dental hospital and community dental clinics located in metropolitan Adelaide, rural South Australia and interstate.

Example Study Plan

Indicative study plan Year 1 DENT 1005AHO / DENT 1005BHO Dental Science and Practice I Parts 1 & 2 Year 2 DENT 2005AHO / DENT 2005BHO Dental Science and Practice II Parts 1 & 2 Year 3 DENT 3005AHO / DENT 3005BHO Dental Science and Practice III Parts 1 & 2 Year 4 DENT 4004AHO / DENT 4004BHO Dental Science and Practice IV Parts 1 & 2 Year 5 DENT 5005AHO / DENT 5005BHO Dental Science and Practice V Parts 1 & 2 Further informationAll courses are compulsory. The Bachelor of Dental Surgery does not contain elective courses.  Year 1From a patient-centred care focus, this stream introduces students to the practice of dentistry and provides a foundation for understanding the normal structure and function of a healthy body. This includes the oral cavity, evidence-based maintenance of patients' health and dentistry as a career. By working through a series of integrated learning activities, students develop an integrated knowledge base related to evidence-based patient care and related biodental, clinical and behavioural sciences, clinical skills and professional behaviours. These integrated learning activities provide small-group discovery experiences (SGDE) for students by presenting various practice situations that focus on the initial phases of patient care.  Student learning from these SGDE involve development of research skills and are supported by class meetings, laboratory, tutorial and simulation and clinical exercises. Learning is also supported by independent study and discussion of findings in class. Students work in a collaborative environment to learn to critically evaluate themselves, and plan and implement strategies for improvement. Year 2Second year builds on first year, maintaining the focus on patient-centered care. The aim is to develop an understanding of the changes that occur in the oral cavity when an imbalance of the oral ecosystem develops. The emphasis will be to restore and maintain the balance towards health. As in first-year, students’ SGDE involve participation in integrated learning activities, supported by class meetings, laboratory, tutorials, simulation and clinical sessions and independent study. Second year continues the emphasis on a scientific basis of dentistry by integrating research-informed knowledge of the structure and function of body with an emphasis on developing systematic scientific skills to examine, assess risk and systematically manage healthy patients with minor conditions. Years 3 & 4Students will extend their Dental Sciences studies to include the understanding of dental disorders and the human diseases which have direct relevance to oral health and dental practice. The scientific basis of dental practice, and the health and the community components will continue throughout the year. Students clinical skills in comprehensive treatment planning will be developed further through the provision of supervised care for patients in both general dental practice and dental specialities. As in previous years, students’ SGDE involve participation in integrated learning activities, supported by class meetings, simulation and clinical sessions and independent study Year 5In fifth year, students integrate the knowledge gained from the previous four years of study and consolidate their clinical skills in a range of settings in order to develop as dental professionals and manage patients with an increasingly complex range of dental problems.

Assessment

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.

For those who are based in Adelaide, we will be offering a blended delivery mode that combines face-to-face with remote learning in as many courses as possible, taking into consideration social distancing and hygiene. All lectures will continue to be delivered online for the remainder of the year, with some exceptions.

For our students who are studying offshore for the remainder of the 2020 Academic Year, the University will continue to offer high-quality access to the learning resources remotely. This includes all lectures, tutorials and other support material. Students will be advised in advance if there are course components that cannot be provided in remote mode and, wherever possible, offered alternative courses.

Career Readiness

• Private practice: once students are registered with the Dental Board of Australia they can enter private practice on their own, work as an associate with an established practitioner, or join a partnership.
• Public sector: students can work as a dentist in government, and community or school-based dental clinics across Australia.

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

Adelaide Graduate Attributes

1. Deep discipline knowledge
2. Critical thinking and problem solving
3. Teamwork and communication skills
4. Career and leadership readiness
5. Intercultural and ethical competency
6. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Industry Placement

Professional Accreditation

ahpra.gov.au/Registration.aspx

• The Dental Board of Australia. Once registered, graduates are also eligible for membership of the Australian Dental Association.
• The Dental Council of New Zealand under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Agreement.
• The Commission of Dental Accreditation of Canada. Further examinations are necessary to work in Canada.
• Singapore Dental Council

Potential careers

Dental Practitioner, Dentist