Are you considering pursuing dentistry in Australia? Dentists are in high demand in Australia, and becoming a dentist is a popular career option. It provides a satisfying life and allows you to earn a high wage while helping and treating others.
Additionally, a career in dentistry offers several opportunities for growth and development and the possibility of starting your practice.
In this blog, you will learn how to become a dentist in Australia, including how much it costs, how long it takes, and what dentistry courses you need to study to succeed.
1. What Does A Dentists Do?
Dentistry is a branch of medicine concerned with the health and treatment of the mouth and teeth. Dentists can be specialists or general practitioners.
The specialities in this profession may include the following:
Oral and maxillofacial radiology
Oral and maxillofacial pathology
Oral and maxillofacial surgery
Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics
Endodontics
Prosthodontics
Dental public health
Periodontics
Pediatric Dentistry
After finishing a bachelor of dentistry program, dentists generally attend dental school for four years. Dentists who want to advance their education in a specialist field need to continue schooling for a few more years.
Upon completing their program, they will obtain a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) or DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree, enabling them to practise dentistry.
Dentists address issues related to the teeth, mouth, and gums by diagnosing, preventing, and treating them. They can help treat malformations, injuries, and different gum diseases. Dentists look at x-rays to see any underlying issues in a person's mouth and how to fix them.
They also apply sealants and fill cavities as required. Furthermore, dentists may use dental strengthening to strengthen crooked teeth or repair damaged or broken ones.
Dentists frequently use cosmetic dental procedures, such as teeth whitening, to help people enhance their smiles. They can make dentures for lost teeth using mouth moulds. Besides, they also educate patients on how to keep their teeth healthy through flossing, brushing and other dental care procedures.
Most dentists in Australia are self-employed, working full-time and building their practices. This generally necessitates an initial expenditure and hiring and training dental secretaries and hygienists.
The role of a dentist also includes providing medical insurance and other benefits to their employees.
2. Major Duties And Tasks of a Dentist
Examine patients' gums and teeth using dental equipment and X-rays.
Treat diseases of the mouth's gums, roots, and soft tissues.
Clean cavities and teeth and offer preventive care such as cleaning, scaling, and fluoride therapy.
Design and fit dentures, bridges and crowns to replace unsound or lost teeth.
Provide consultation to patients, diagnose their dental conditions, and plan their oral health care.
Perform complex operations on the soft tissues and jaws and routine surgical procedures like extracting teeth.
Refer patients to dental specialists for further treatment.
Repair broke and repaired teeth with the help of bridges and crowns and by rebuilding tooth structures.
Provide local anaesthetics as needed for therapy and additional antibiotics or pain relievers when required.
Rebuild tooth structures and provide crowns and bridges to repair damaged and decaying teeth.
Diagnose dental diseases with the help of different methods, such as salivary tests, radiographs, and medical histories.
Led a dental team comprising dental assistants, therapists, dental hygienists, and other dental specialists.
Provide oral care, such as complex bridge and crown restorations, implants, and orthodontics.
Provide preventative oral health care, such as fluoride applications, periodontal treatments, and oral health promotion.
Aid in diagnosing illnesses with oral symptoms, such as diabetes.
Perform routine orthodontic treatment.
Provide oral surgical procedures, such as medication prescriptions and tissue biopsies.
Educate patients to take care of their teeth and mouth.
3. What Qualifications Do You Need To Be a Dentist in Australia?
You usually need a bachelor's degree in dentistry, majoring in dental surgery or dental science, and apply for registration with the Dental Board of Australia to work as a registered Dentist in Australia.
Here are the steps to qualify for this role:
Complete your Senior Secondary education in one of more pre-requisite subjects such as English, Biology, and Chemistry.
Complete an undergraduate dentistry qualification such as Bachelor of Dental Surgery or Bachelor of Dental Science (or equivalent). Those with a related tertiary qualification can apply for a postgraduate dentistry qualification, like the Doctor of Dental Medicine.
Apply for registration with the Dental Board of Australia to practise as a dentist in Australia.
Renew your registration yearly and complete at least 60 hours of CPD activities over a three-year cycle.
3. Steps To Become A Dentist In Australia
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to become a dentist and obtain registration in Australia:
Step 1: Do Some Research And Find The Right Dental Course
The first step is to conduct thorough research and compare your study objectives to the options available. In other words, you must choose a dentistry course tailored to your personal preferences and academic goals.
There are numerous universities in Australia that offer different dentistry courses, so you should be able to find something that suits your needs.
It is vital to take time and perform thorough research before selecting the course because the educational institution of your choice may determine the majority of your academic satisfaction.
You can scan through academic guidelines on different universities' websites and narrow down a selection of dental schools that are likely to meet your academic and personal choices.
Consider factors such as the facilities available, the number of practical sessions in your course, the location, and more.
Step 2: Obtain A University Degree In Dentistry
Follow any one of the two study pathways to complete a university dental degree in Australia:
Pathway 1: Direct From High School
Direct entrance into a double degree program is only available to a small percentage of high-achieving high school graduates.
A double degree in Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Medicine (7-year program) allows you to complete an undergraduate science degree (three-year course) before beginning the Doctor of Dental Medicine program (four-year period). To follow this study pathway, you must meet the requirements below:
Achieve a satisfactory performance in the assessment procedure, which includes a panel discussion and a written assessment.
Obtain a minimum ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) score, which should be at least 99.6 or equivalent.
Meet the minimum English language requirements.
To proceed into the Doctor of Dental Medicine program, you must finish the dentistry elective unit with an average grade of at least 65.0 throughout your Bachelor of Science program. (Each Year)
Note: The minimum ATAR score does not ensure the opportunity to participate in the assessment process due to the high demand for dentistry courses.
Pathway 2: After The Completion of A Bachelor's Degree From A University
After completing an appropriate university bachelor's degree, you can apply for postgraduate entry into the Doctor of Dental Medicine, a four-year program. To follow this study pathway, you must meet the requirements below:
Achieve a satisfactory performance in the GAMSAT (Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test) or equivalent.
Obtain a minimum GPA score for an approved bachelor's degree at the time of application.
Meet the DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) biology requirements.
Achieve a satisfactory performance in the MMI (Multiple Mini Interviews).
Step 3: Enrol In A Bridging Course or Foundation Studies
If you are an overseas student, you can take a foundation course or university preparatory course to get into a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. These preparation courses usually last 9 to 11 months. It combines English language studies with an academic curriculum tailored to your chosen degree.
It is an essential first step in your educational journey. It will assist you in adjusting to the Australian educational system to become an overseas dentist in Australia.
Your dental institution may even offer an alternative packaged offer due to the particular criteria required to enter a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. This implies that you can combine your foundation studies with a Bachelor of Health and Medical Science degree.
Once you complete your foundation studies course, some universities may allow you to take a PQA (Personal Qualities Assessment) and go through an oral assessment and interview.
If you pass the evaluation, you can directly start your Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree in the first year.
Step 4: Register With The Dental Board of Australia
Before practising dentistry, you must register with the Dental Board of Australia immediately after graduating with a dentistry degree.
The Ahpra Dental Board website contains information on student registration, including details for graduates registering with the Board for the first time.
Step 5: Make Sure To Renew Your Registration
To continue your dentistry practice in Australia, you must renew your registration annually with the Dental Board of Australia. For that, you must finish 60 hours of CPD (Continuing Professional Development) activities within three years.
These activities may incorporate reading relevant academic literature, undertaking CPR training, and attending a conference about clinical, scientific, or technical aspects of oral health care.
Step 6: Pursue A Specialty
After completing their graduation, students can also choose to pursue a postgraduate degree in clinical dentistry, specialising in the following fields:
Periodontics
Oral medicine
Prosthodontics
Orthodontics
Sedation and Pain Management
Special Needs Dentistry
Implants
Population Oral Health
All Doctor of Clinical Dentistry programs prepare you for a specialist-level job in your chosen discipline and provide a basis for a future in clinical academic and research roles.
Some Australian universities may require you to possess at least two years of essential dental practice experience and a qualification recognised by the Dental Board of Australia. Generally, admission requirements vary, depending on the program you choose.
4. How Long Does It Take To Become A Dentist In Australia?
You must obtain at least a Bachelor's degree in dentistry to practice dentistry in Australia legally. Undergraduate dentistry in Australia courses requires five to seven years of full-time study, including clinical experience as part of the curriculum.
You can also choose to complete postgraduate dentistry courses in four years. You can become a professional dentist in Australia after 9 to 10 years of dedicated study.
It is important to note that you must register with the Australian Dental Board once you've completed your dental degree to practise your profession successfully.
5. How Much Does It Cost To Become A Dentist In Australia?
Medical degrees are considered highly expensive in Australia, and Australian dentistry colleges are no exception. This is because medicine courses, including dentistry being one of the medical fields, may require extensive clinical practice, resulting in additional costs.
International students pay higher fees than domestic students at Australian dentistry schools. The cost of international dentistry courses in Australia may vary, depending on the university you choose.
The average fee for international students may range between AUD70,000 and AUD140,000 per annum. You will likely have to spend more if other expenditures, such as meals or lodging, are added.
6. How Much Does A Dentist Earn In Australia?
Despite its high cost, a dental degree in Australia is worthwhile, especially considering the following financial rewards.
The salary of a dentist varies based on their level of qualification, years of work experience, specialisation, work location, seniority of the role, nature of employment, type of employer, etc.
According to PayScale, the average Dentist's salary is AU$101,589 per year.
Salary Based on Experience
Entry-level (<1-year experience): AU$92,247 per year
Early career (1-4 years of experience): AU$100,800 per year
Mid-career (5-9 years of experience): AU$115,970 per year
Experienced (10 to 19 years of experience): AU$121,449 per year
In their later career (20 years and above AU$137,569 per year
Highest Paying Cities for Dentists in Australia
Rockhampton: $153,848 per year
Darwin: $149,786 per year
Perth: $148,847 per year
Gold Coast: $141,743 per year
Newcastle: 139,603 per year
Melbourne: $136,974 per year
Brisbane: $136,135 per year
Sydney: $134,690 per year
Canberra: $113,826 per year
7. Possible Career Roles For A Dentist In Australia
Depending on the specialisation, Dentists can pursue a wide range of roles, including:
Dento-maxillofacial radiologists
Endodontics
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons
Oral surgeons
Orthodontics
Paediatric dentists
Periodontics
Prosthodontics
Public health dentists (Community dentists)
Special needs dentists
Forensic odontology dentists
Dental Anaesthesiologists
Cosmetic dentists
Geriatric dentists
Implant dentists
Reconstructive dentists
Sports dentists
Oral microbiologists
8. Where Can You Work As A Dentist In Australia?
Besides private practice, a registered dentist can choose to work in several dentist job opportunities that include:
Private practice by setting up your dental clinic
As an in-house dentist in dental departments in public and private hospitals
As an academic dentist in a dental college/university, to train dental graduates.
In public health dentistry, to develop dental policies and promote awareness of oral health for the general public.
In research dentistry to work on innovative technology developing new dental products
Large dental corporations head their research departments
9. Job Outlook for Dentists in Australia
ANZSCO ID 252312 (Dentists)
Working Arrangements
Around 63% of employed Dentists work full-time for an average of 42 hours per week.
Main Industries
Around 96.4% of Dentists work in Health Care And Social Assistance. Some also work in Public Administration And Safety, Financial And Insurance Services, Education And Training sector.
Percentage of Employment Throughout Australia
New South Wales - 32.7%
Victoria: 24.4%
Queensland: 20.9%
South Australia: 7.2%
Western Australia: 10.8%
Tasmania: 1.5%
Northern Territory: 0.6%
Australian Capital Territory: 1.9%
Worker's Age and Gender Profile
The average age of Dentists is 40 years, with most between 25 to 34 years. Females constitute 44% of the workforce, four percentage points below the average of all jobs, i.e., 48%.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do Dentists Make a Lot of Money in Australia?
The average starting salary of a dentist ranges around AU$92,247 a year. You can expect a substantial rise in pay as you gain experience, further specialisations, and more patients after some years of practice.
Well-established dentists can make up to a six-figure monthly salary based on their work location and practice size.
Which Type of Dentist Gets Paid The most?
Here are the different career options for a Dentist (based on their specialisation) along with national average income:
Prosthodontists: AU$175,000 / year
Orthodontists: AU$130,000 / year
General dentists: AU$102,231 / year
Oral surgeons: AU$94k / year
Periodontists: AU$85,000 / year
Endodontists: AU$68,730 / year
How Hard Is It To Be A Dentist?
Due to fewer dental schools in Australia, the acceptance rates hover around 55 per cent across the country.
45% of applicants fail to get admission to a dental school each year. That's why aspiring dentists need to demonstrate solid academic performance to enter a dental degree course.
Besides the competitive dental school application process, a few more reasons make a Dentist career challenging:
The years of schooling required
Extensive training and assessments
The financial cost of education
The stress involved in setting up and running a dental practice
Is Dentistry Very Stressful?
Dentistry is one of the most stressful and challenging professions due to the physical requirements, the type of work, and the emotional toll it can take on dental practitioners.
Dentistry is a physically demanding job. The position in which the Dentist works can be tiring. They position themselves in a way to perform precise and tedious work.
Dentists need proper leg positioning, back support, and body stability so that they don't make sudden hand movements that cause damage to the patient. Standing for extended periods while holding their hands in the air can exhaust their back, shoulders, and arms.
The job involves working with sharp devices and coming into contact with saliva and blood.
The job can lead to emotional build-up as you may need to deal with patients who don't like dental treatments. You have to empathise with them and offer comfort and reassurance while staying professional and working with perfection.
When dealing with the oral cavity, a dentist can be exposed to various viruses and bacteria, including Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Hepatitis B virus, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Coronavirus (COVID-19), etc.
Dentists also experience work-related stress due to constant time pressure, uncooperative, dissatisfied, or nervous patients, the unpredictable success rate of specific dental procedures, and running behind schedules.
Dealing with the rising dental practice cost and carrying the debt of dental studies into their jobs also leads to stress.
Being a responsible role, dentists are always under the stress of adhering to safety regulations and ethical standards and keeping accurate records.
Time is another major stressor for dentists. The ambiguity of patient treatment can interrupt their schedule and call for extra working hours outside business hours. They may require working during the weekends to deal with emergencies or adverse reactions to a procedure.
Furthermore, running a dental practice is not free from struggle. A lot of hassle is involved in managing the expenses of owning a dental practice. Besides dental practice, the Dentist also has to manage staff salaries, taxes, supplies, insurance coverage, maintenance of the practice, etc. They must regularly invest in new equipment and instruments to offer enhanced practice and stay competitive and up-to-date with the latest trends in the dental medicine market.
What Subjects Are Needed To Become A Dentist in Australia?
In order to meet the necessary ATAR requirements for dental school, it is imperative to successfully complete courses in English, Chemistry, and Biology.
These essential prerequisites will equip you with the foundational knowledge needed to excel in your future advanced studies at dental school.
What GPA Do You Need For Dental School in Australia?
You need a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher to gain admission into an Australian dental school.
How Long is a Dental School in Australia?
The duration of dental school depends on what learning route you choose to enter a dental school.
Pathway 1
If you are a high school pass-out, you would require eight years of study in a dental school to work as a registered dentist in Australia.
Undergraduate Bachelor's in Dental Science/Dental Surgery – 5 years full-time
Postgraduate Doctor of Dental Medicine – 3 to 4 years full-time
Both these qualifications include clinical experience as part of the curriculum so that you are prepared to work in a dentist role after graduation.
If you are a high-school leaver, you can get direct entry into a 7-year Double degree Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Sydney.
Pathway 2
If you are a graduate with a tertiary qualification, you can enrol in a 3-year full-time Doctor of Dental Medicine.
Thus, it can take between 3 to 9 years to complete your dental school.
What ATAR Do You Need To Be A Dentist in Australia?
Dental schools are one of the most competitive programs in Australia. For this reason, most universities require an ATAR of 95 or higher for entry into Dentistry programs.
Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) – La Trobe University, Min ATAR: 99.75
Bachelor of Dental Surgery - James Cook University: ATAR Lowest: 87.95, Medium: 97.62, Highest: 99.95
Doctor of Dental Medicine – The University of Western Australia, Min ATAR: 98
Bachelor Of Dental Science (Honours) – The University Of Queensland, Min ATAR: 99.0
Bachelor of Dental Surgery – The University of Adelaide, Min ATAR: 90
How To Become A Dentist Without ATAR?
The usual pathway to enter a Dental School is to meet the ATAR requirements for Dentistry at the end of year 12 and take the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT), followed by an interview.
This route involves completing either a 5-year undergraduate dentistry degree or a 3-year undergraduate course in a related field of study and a 2-year Master's qualification in dentistry.
However, if you want to know how to get into dentistry with low grades in Australia, you can take the second route below.
You can alos complete a bridging course to enter a related undergraduate degree program, such as dental hygiene or oral health, and take the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test.
Next, complete an interview and meet the GPA and GAMSAT score requirements to enter a 4-year postgraduate dentistry degree.
How To Become A Dentist in Victoria?
You can choose from the following learning pathways to prepare for a dental career in Australia.
OR
Qualified dentists can apply to register with the Dental Board of Australia to practice Dentistry as a Dentist in Australia
Here are some of the top Victorian universities that offer dentistry courses:
Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) – La Trobe University
Doctor of Dental Surgery – The University of Melbourne
How To Become A Dentist in Perth?
Several universities in Western Australia, such as Curtin University, UWA, etc. offer dentistry courses for domestic and overseas students.
Here is a simple three-step process to start working as a dentist in Perth:
Complete a Bachelor of Science (Oral Health Therapy) at Curtin University
Complete a postgraduate Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of Western Australia.
Register with the Dental Board of Australia to work as a registered dentist in Australia.
How To Become a Dentist in Queensland?
Aspiring Dentists can undertake the below courses in Queensland, and graduates can apply for membership in the Dental Board of Australia.
Bachelor Of Dental Science (Honours) – The University of Queensland
Bachelor of Dental Surgery – James Cook University
Doctor Of Clinical Dentistry – The University of Queensland
This 3-year postgraduate dentistry program is ideal for general dentists who are looking to specialise. It will prepare them for specialist registration and practice.
Finally, qualified dentistry graduates should register with the Dental Board of Australia to legally practice as dentists in Australia.
What Age Are Most Dentists?
According to Labour Market Insights, the average age of Dentists is 40 years, with most between 25 to 34 years.
Is a Dentist A Doctor in Australia?
Regardless of their specialty, trained dentists are considered "doctors" in most countries. It is because most programs involve many years of postgraduate study that lead to a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. Recipients of these degrees are personally and professionally called "Dr."
Specialties such as orthodontia or oral surgery require additional schooling and practical training. As long as a dental practitioner holds a DDS or DDM degree, they are considered a "doctor."
Furthermore, just like medical doctors, dentists have the authority to write and fill prescriptions, make diagnoses and provide primary care to their patients.
Which Year of Dentistry is The Hardest?
There is no doubt in saying that a dental school is academically demanding and competitive. However, what determines difficulty is how much time a student can devote to studies and what are his interests and strengths.
The first year of school is often more challenging for most students as they struggle with a vast amount of studying.
Moreover, students must undergo several practice tests to showcase a range of theoretical and practical capabilities, including motor skills. It is a tricky year as most learners can't cope with the stress of handling a heavy workload, extensive learning material, and practical tests.
If you narrow it down further, the second year of dental school is equally challenging as they have to study subjects such as oral surgery, prosthodontics, and periodontics, which are vast and require intensive learning. It is also the time when dental students have to prepare for the clinic.
Thus, curriculum-related stress makes the first and second-year dental school periods most demanding. Your passion for dental studies, hard work, and dedication will make achieving the rewards of all your efforts easier.
Is Dentistry A Good Career?
Yes. A career as a dentist is a highly admired and valued profession worldwide. Besides good pay, working in this role gives you the immense satisfaction of helping people improve their oral health.
Dentists are always in demand as people have become more conscious about oral health and hygiene. Thus, stability is another prime reason to pursue a dental career.
Furthermore, dentists are more flexible regarding working schedules and timings than other medical professionals. They can fix appointments for patients at their convenience.
How To Become a Dentist in Australia For International Dentists?
There is a need for more qualified dentists in Australia, which is why this profession is listed on STSOL (Short-term Skilled Occupation List).
International Dentists can apply for skilled visas, such as 189 or 190 visas, to practice dentistry in Australia. These visas entitle you to term-based permanent residency status in Australia.
However, to obtain a visa, qualified dentists must score at least 65 General Skilled Migration points and perform the following steps:
Obtain a positive skill assessment.
Submit your Expression Of Interest (EOI) for Australian Immigration as a Dentist
Make a formal application to the Department of Home Affairs to receive an Invitation To Apply to Australia as a Dentist.
Procedure to apply for registration with Australian Dental Council (ADC):
International dentists with overseas qualifications need to meet specific requirements to be able to apply as general dentists in Australia. These requirements are mandated by the Dental Board of Australia and implemented by the Dental Council of Australia.
Dentists registered to practise in New Zealand can apply under the Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement.
Suppose you hold qualifications at an approved university in the Republic of Ireland, the UK, or New Zealand. In that case, your qualifications will be equivalent to those in Australia, and you can apply for registration.
Dentists from Canada who have qualifications certified by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada or are eligible for dentist registration in Canada by completing an exam managed by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada.
Overseas dentists who don't have the required qualifications can complete an approved dentistry qualification in Australia or undertake the exam procedure supervised by the ADC.
Upon receiving your application, ADC will examine it to determine whether your qualifications fulfil the criteria for immediate registration. You must take a written and practical exam if you don't satisfy the requirements.
Only those overseas qualified dentists can sit the exam who:
Have studied a minimum of 4-year full-time academic study at a recognised university, and
Have been continuously registered as a dentist in their home country or the country where they have studied.
In addition to the above requirements, you must sit an English proficiency test and undergo a criminal history check.
What Is The Best Career in Dentistry?
There is no one field you can call the best career in dentistry. It is a matter of personal choice and depends on your skills and interests.
A nationally recognised dentistry degree can lead to many career choices, from being a dental assistant to running your practice!
Some of the best career options in dentistry are as follows:
Dental Assistant (full-time, part-time, or casual work)
General Dentist
Orthodontist
Aesthetic Dentist/ Dental cosmetology
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Government jobs as a dentist: Army dental corps, a dental officer in the Australian Army, a dental surgeon in a state government department, and dental officers in the railways.
Dental research (In medical colleges, laboratories, and renowned hospitals): Medical advisor, Clinical research physician, Principal investigator/ coinvestigator, Drug developer, Regulatory Affairs manager
Full-time Dental blogging
Forensic dentistry (in forensic laboratories, research institutes, or forensic sections of criminal investigation units)
Dental transcription
Dental consulting
Insurance (in Insurance companies that offer dental insurance)
Clinical practice
Lecturer (As a Dental faculty in Dental colleges)
Now that you know everything about how to become a dentist in Australia, you are ready to explore this profession and reach greater heights.
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