Doctor of Dental Surgery

The University of Melbourne

The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at University of Melbourne is the first Australian professional-entry, master’s-level dental degree. Based on advanced, evidenced-based clinical training, the degree leads to registration as a general dental practitioner with the Dental Practice Board in Australia and New Zealand, and creates a pathway to enter the Master of Philosophy, PhD or Doctor of Clinical Dentistry.The DDS uses the latest scientific evidence in oral health to impart the expertise, skills and knowledge related to all areas of clinical dental practice. It includes the teaching of advanced treatment options such as dental implants, all-ceramic restorations and use of advanced materials.The course is delivered by highly qualified academics, with research experience from leading universities around the world. The program emphasis is on pre-clinical practical classes and clinical patient treatments in all specialties of dentistry. All studies are conducted with the underpinning ethos of prevention of dental disease for which the Melbourne Dental School has a world-renowned reputation.As part of the four year full-time degree, students spend significant time in provision of patient care, and clinical methods, as well as undertake a two-year research project in oral health. In the final year, students have the unique opportunity to experience working in a private practice setting, where they will learn how to run a small dental clinic.The Doctor of Dental Surgery creates a new benchmark of education in dentistry. Employing state-of-the-art technologies, the Doctor of Dental Surgery uses new learning infrastructure, including a 100 seat pre-clinical laboratory and the new Melbourne University Dental Clinic, for advanced clinical teaching.The DDS experience is where students will learn how to plan, seek and attain ethics approval. Students also complete, analyse and finally prepare a research project for publication and oral presentation at the School research day.Exciting career opportunitiesGraduates of the Doctor of Dental Surgery take advantage of high employment rates at some of the leading dental schools, hospitals and practices, both locally and internationally.Whether your ambition is focused on general practice or specialisation, this course will open many doors for exciting and evolving career opportunities. Most graduates from the degree are successful in securing employment during their final year of clinical placement.Previous graduates have gone on to find practice openings in metropolitan and rural areas. Others have gone on to specialise after two years of general practice, including the upcoming areas of oral vaccines, implants and cosmetic dentistry. Those who have followed an academic or research path have gone on to illustrious careers, including former Head of School Eric Reynolds who received the Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation in 2017.

Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences

071303G