Doctor of Clinical Dentistry

Course structure

• 300 points
• 75 points of course core subjects
• Students choose one specialisation, consisting of 225 points of core subjects

Degree structure

• The course consists of 75 points of core research subjects and 225 points consisting of core specialisation subjects. View the Handbook entry for further information.
• Approximately 50% of the program is clinical training. The remainder is approximately 20% coursework and 30% research. This distribution accords with international best practice for clinical specialist training in dentistry.
• You will be required to participate in the School’s teaching programs as part of your training. This will normally consist of preclinical and clinical supervision of students for one session (3hrs) per week throughout the course.

Entry requirements

• An undergraduate degree in dentistry or equivalent.
• At least two years’ full-time, continuous clinical work experience after graduation from dental school. This does NOT include an intern year.
• Completion of professional development courses, postgraduate diplomas and a strong record in research publications would be highly regarded.
• Evidence of meeting the English language requirements for registration with AHPRA. Students must have either General Registration or Limited Registration to undertake this course. International applicants who do not qualify for General Registration must fulfil the AHPRA language requirement by achieving IELTS Academic Test results of at least 7 in all categories. This IELTS test satisfies both The University of Melbourne entry requirement and the AHPRA English language standard for limited registration.

Selection criteria

• Academic merit will be assessed over your entire undergraduate and postgraduate career. Places are strictly limited by the availability of clinical facilities. Hence an excellent academic record is essential as entry is likely to be extremely competitive. Most specialties only accept graduates in the top 5-10% of their graduating class.
• You will need to nominate three professional referees and you will be interviewed either in person, by telephone or video link. You may also be required to undertake a pre-clinical practical test and/or be invited to observe in the clinic and meet current students.
• Evidence of additional study will strengthen your application. Primary Fellowship examinations, a postgraduate diploma or higher degree, and/or active participation in continuing education in the desired area of specialisation would be well regarded.
• International applicants will be given preference if aiming to undertake a full-time academic career after completing the DCD. You may already hold a teaching position in a university or teaching hospital, with a commitment to return on completing the course. If you cannot obtain a definite commitment to a teaching position a suitable letter of recommendation from the Dean indicating your potential for an academic career will be very helpful. The option of the MPhil degree, the PhD degree, or a combination of clinical specialty training in the DCD followed by the PhD degree, could also be considered.

Indicative first year fee
AUD$50,432

Indicative total course fee
AUD$158,986

Clinical opportunities
While studying a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry, you will have unparalleled access to a variety of specialist colleagues, as well as a faculty of world-leading staff.

You will also undertake clinical experience at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne – and its associated clinics – whilst being strongly supported by faculty staff and external specialists. Clinical skills will also be refined at the new Melbourne Dental Clinic in Carlton, providing comprehensive general and specialist expertise, using state-of-the-art facilities.

A world-class qualification
Upon graduating from the University of Melbourne’s Doctor of Clinical Dentistry, you will be constantly supported by a strong alumni relationship, and be well prepared for speciality practice and teaching or research in a dental school. After completing this degree, graduates can be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), enabling them to practice in Australia and New Zealand as a Specialist Dentist.