Doctor of Clinical Dentistry

What are the career outcomes for Doctor of Clinical Dentistry graduates?

The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry offers unrivalled access to seven clinical dentistry specialities in Australia. Graduates can pursue roles in Endodontics, Oral Medicine, Orthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, and Special Needs Dentistry.

What are the top career paths after completing a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry?

• Become a dental specialist. Register though AHPRA as a specialist in your chosen field, solving complex health problems.
• Research. Use your advanced knowledge to further dental studies in a research context.
• Leadership. Apply your expertise in leadership or teaching and help guide the future of dentistry.

What is the expected salary for Doctor of Clinical Dentistry graduates?

The expected entry level salary for a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry graduate working as a dental specialist is $150,000-250,000 plus super.

The average salary after 3-4 years for a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry graduate working as a dental specialist is $200,000-350,000+ plus super, with substantial variation based on specialty, work hours, and practice type.

(Source: Jobs and Skills Australia 2026)

What can you do with a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry?

A Doctor of Clinical Dentistry can lead to a range of rewarding specialties as a dentist.

Employers in this field include:

• Specialist private practice as a sole practitioner or in a group.
• Specialist hospital-based practice such as the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne or the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
• University-based academic and research such as the University of Melbourne.
• Public health and community-based specialist services through Oral Health Victoria.
• Professional dental associations and leadership positions in charities, hospitals, associations.

What accreditation does a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry provide? 

The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry is accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC), and sets you up for specialist registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), allowing you to practise as a specialist throughout Australia and New Zealand.

How does a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry help to make industry connections? 

The DCD program provides a wide range of opportunities to make industry connections within your chosen specialty.

• During your studies, you’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience at the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne and its affiliated clinics, working side by side with expert specialist clinicians  who are there to support and guide you every step of the way.
• Build close connections with fellow students and specialist clinicians across the breath of specialties.
• Develop research connections through your research supervisors who are world-leaders in their fields.

What career support services are available for Doctor of Clinical Dentistry students?

A range of career support is available for Doctor of Clinical Dentistry students to help build career confidence and help ease the transition to this rewarding career.

Support includes:

• A five-month alumni mentoring program that connects students in their final years of study with an experienced graduate
• Placement support services
• Strong alumni network upon graduation
• Academic and research support

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What further study options are available after this course?

Make a difference through graduate research

Build on your qualification to pursue a graduate research degree. Supported by a globally connected research community, you’ll collaborate with supervisors, experts and peers who share your passion for discovery and impact.

Through regular connection with peers, researchers and our global network of industry partners, you’ll develop strong connections with community and industry that open the door to an outstanding future.

Explore graduate research