Duration
4 years full time
Mode (Location)
On campus (Parkville)
Intake
January
Key dates
Key dates
Fees
Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) available
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Learn more
Entry schemes
Access Melbourne is available
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Learn more
Career outcomes
Overview
- Gain the competencies and qualifications needed to register and practice as a general dentist
- Experience unmatched clinical placements, state-of-the-art facilities, and world-class teaching at Parkville campus
- Open pathways to further study or specialisation, including opportunities in research and academic careers
The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of Melbourne empowers you to become a leader in oral health. You’ll graduate with the essential competencies to practice as a registered dentist, supported by exceptional clinical training and modern facilities. The program’s focus on prevention, evidence-based care, and community service will prepare you to deliver meaningful, high-quality care and make a real difference in people’s lives.
Career outcomes of the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
As a graduate of the DDS, you’ll have the skills and confidence to shape your own career path. Your options include:
- Working in private practice, in cities or regional communities
- Contributing to hospital-based dental care
- Supporting community health initiatives
- Taking on teaching and education roles
- Advancing into research or academic positions
Many graduates have secured positions in both metropolitan and rural practices, putting their skills to work in diverse communities. Others have chosen to specialise after gaining experience in general practice, exploring exciting fields like oral vaccines, dental implants, and cosmetic dentistry.
For those drawn to research or academia, your DDS qualification will open doors locally and internationally, giving you the chance to create a fulfilling, rewarding career.
An internationally recognised qualification
Graduates from the DDS emerge as capable general practitioners and leaders of oral health teams.
This course will provide you with the minimal qualification and competencies required to register for practice as a registered dentist according to the Dental Practice Board.
Strong international links and mutual recognition of qualifications allow for graduates of the Doctor of Dentistry a pathway to practice in Canada.
Read about Jordan’s story in the Doctor of Dental Surgery
Profile
Jordan Hawkins
I had heard the Melbourne Dental School had a good reputation and from day one when we sat down and they showed us pictures of teeth, I knew I was in the right place. I find almost everything dental related fascinating.
The School provided excellent facilities in the pre-clinic labs and access to the Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne. Parts of the course that I found particularly exciting was when I was able to see my first patient, doing fillings in the pre-clinic laboratories and going to events with my classmates.
The lecturers were extremely passionate and dedicated to our learning. They made the dental school experience that much more enjoyable and I have benefitted greatly from their teachings, both clinically and professionally.
I thoroughly enjoyed the placement opportunities where I was able to work in a variety of clinics across Melbourne and in Shepparton. I receive an extensive amount of experience at these clinics and met a lot of interesting people.
I am now working as a General Dentist and perform everything from regular check-ups and cleans, to root canals, exactions and more.
Before I started dental school, the teeth were what inspired me to become a dentist. However, the more I practice dentistry, the more the people I meet and the relationships I form with them are what inspires me.
Graduate pathways
Once you've completed your undergraduate degree, you can go on to gain employment or begin a graduate degree and work towards a professional qualification such as law, engineering or medicine. Or you could join our graduate research community and contribute to our world-changing research.
Your graduate degree will be internationally recognised, and set you apart from those who study a traditional Australian single or double degree.
Explore the graduate pathways available once you complete your undergraduate degree here.