A career in dentistry could be ideal for anyone who wants to live a quality life earning a good wage. That is exactly what a career in dentistry offers in Australia. Dentists are among the top-earning professionals in Australia. Therefore, becoming a dentist could be the best career decision you make in life.

Becoming a dentist in Australia involves a thorough process where you must display your professional skills and abilities. It ensures that high standards are maintained in dentistry. Here’s a guide on how to become a dentist in Australia, so that you can jump start your career in this healthcare field.

Complete a university degree in dentistry

There are two ways to complete a university degree in dentistry and they are as follows:

 From high school

A small number of top-achieving school leavers can gain direct entry into a double degree in Bachelor of Science/ Doctor of Dental Medicine. It is a 7-year course that will give you the chance to undertake a three-year undergraduate science degree prior to moving onto to the Doctor of Dental Medicine course. Candidates must meet the following criteria to be eligible to enter via this pathway:

Obtain the minimum ATAR score, which is 99.6 or equivalent

Perform satisfactorily in the assessment process, which includes a written test and a panel discussion session

Meet the minimum English language requirements

Once you meet the above, you are eligible to enter the above degree. Once you are enrolled, there is another requirement to meet. You must complete the dentistry elective unit and obtain an average mark of at least 65.0 every year of study during the Bachelor of Science course to progress into the next one, which is Doctor of Dental Medicine.

Due to high demand for this degree, obtaining the minimum ATAR score doesn’t guarantee a chance to sit the assessment process.

Completing a bachelor’s degree in university

Most of the dental student fall into this category. They complete a bachelor’s degree in dentistry from a recognized university and apply for postgraduate entry into the Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, which is a four-year course.

Candidates must meet the following criteria to enter through this pathway:

Obtain the minimum GPA score for an eligible bachelor’s degree when applying to the course

Obtain satisfactory results in the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) or equivalent

Perform at a satisfactory level in the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI)

Meet the DMD Biology prerequisite requirements

Register with the Dental Board of Australia

After you complete your degree in dentistry, you must register with the Dental Board of Australia before you are allowed to practice. You can find out all information related to registration with the board in the AHPRA Dental Board website.

Re-register annually to remain a practicing dental practitioner

Every dentist must renew their registration with the Dental Board of Australia, to remain in practice. Along with the registration, you must also compete a minimum of 60 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities every three years.

Recognized dental schools offer year-round programs of seminars, CPD events, and short courses across major cities in Australia. It is done to help dental graduates meet their CPD requirements. These course assist dentists to provide the highest level of patient care in various dental practice approaches including hygiene and therapy, general dentistry, oral surgery, dental implants, orthodontics, Prosthodontics, and periodontics.

Specialize in preferred dental field

Many graduates in dentistry continue on the field of research and education to pursue further postgraduate studies in clinical dentistry. It includes specializing in areas like oral medicine, sedation and pain control, orthodontics, periodontics, pediatrics, surgery, implants, prosthodontics, and population oral health.

Any stream of Doctor of Clinical Dentistry helps you prepare for a career at a high-level specialized dental field to be able to treat complex conditions as well. It also provides a foundation to advance in research or academic positions.

Following are some of the individual programs in clinical dentistry found in many of the recognized universities in Australia:

Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Oral Surgery)

Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Oral Medicine)

Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Pediatric Dentistry)

Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Prosthodontics)

Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Periodontics)

Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Orthodontics)

Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Special Needs Dentistry)

Graduate Certificate in Clinical Dentistry (Advanced Restorative)

Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Advanced Restorative)

Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Oral Implants)

Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Surgical Dentistry)

Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (Conscious Sedation and Pain Control)

Dentists transferring from overseas

Dental practitioners that are transferring from overseas must also register with the Dental Board of Australia to be able to practice. The guidelines required for such graduates and dentists are stated in the official website and the General Registration for Overseas-qualified Dental Practitioners Registration Standard.

Dentistry: Facts & figures

Here are some facts and figures regarding dentists and graduates in Australia:

86.8% of graduates are full-time employed within 4 months of competing their degree

16.7% is the projected growth in employment within 5 years

Dentists gain over $1750 medial weekly earnings

Average 63% of dentists work full-time, which means that there are part—time opportunities as well

Full-time dentists work an average of 42 hours a week

The average annual salary of a dentist is $180,000. This can vary based on skills and experience of the dentist

Dentists are in demand in almost every state and suburb across Australia, especially in rural and regional locations

The dental industry is a medium-sized and growing industry, with approximately 17,900 employers

How long does it take to become a dentist in Australia?

You must complete a bachelor’s degree to become a dentist in Australia. This required five to seven years of full-time study with the inclusion of clinical experience as part of the course. You can even choose to complete postgraduate dentistry programs in four years. In summary, it takes 9 to 10 years of commitment to studies to become a professional dentist in Australia.

How much does it cost to become a dentist in Australia?

Medical degrees are relatively expensive in Australia, and the same applies to dental degrees. The reason is because this field of study involves extensive clinical practice, resulting in extra costs. International students will have to spend more on studying dentistry in Australia. The average fee for an international student will range between $46880 and $93760. This is only the course fee and additional costs like meals and transportation, means that you’ll be spending more than this amount.

Responsibilities of a dentist

A dentist is a highly-rewarding and respectable career in Australia. Some of your responsibilities as a dentist include the following:

Observing patent’s teeth using dental tools, equipment, and X-rays.

Referring patients for dental specialists, as required.

Cleaning teeth and getting rid of cavities.

Conducting root canal procedures and tooth extractions.

Treating mouth, teeth, and gum diseases and preventing the spreading of these diseases.

Prescribing pain medication and relievers as required.

Conduct oral surgical procedures.

Medfuture is one of the leading medical recruitment companies in Australia. Our strong network of healthcare professionals ensure that patients are given the best medical care. The Medfuture job board is constantly updates with the latest medical and dentistry jobs in Australia. Visit the Medfuture website to find the latest healthcare jobs across all states and suburbs in Australia.