This program provides you with the knowledge, skills and attitudes you require to become a competent practitioner of dentistry. These include the application of scientific principles to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases and abnormalities. The first two years of the program deliver knowledge in the basic sciences which provide the clinical and biomedical foundations relevant to dentistry. Clinical work commences in third year and this experience is broadened in fourth year. Each student is assigned patients and is then responsible for the dental care of these patients. Clinical work in areas such as general practice dentistry, orthodontics, paediatric dentistry, endodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics is undertaken at the Oral Health Centre. Students also gain experience in the areas of oral medicine and oral and maxillofacial surgery in Brisbane teaching hospitals. The final year of study provides clinical experience which may be undertaken in Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community health service clinics.

You will undertake supervised clinical practice in a range of clinical settings including the Oral Health Centre as well as Queensland government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service clinics. During your placements, you will have the opportunity to apply your theoretical knowledge acquired through coursework to practice and develop your clinical skills in real life setting. You will commence treating patients from year two of the program. During the final year, clinical placements may be outside of the Brisbane metropolitan area where you will be required to fund your travel, accommodation and daily living expenses. Prior to applying, applicants should ensure they will be able to meet Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) placement requirements

Once you're registered with the Dental Board of Australia, you can establish your own private practice, work within an established practice, or join a partnership. Within the public sector, there are opportunities to work within hospitals, community health services, or school based dental clinics across Australia. The Australian Defence Force also accepts dental officers on either a short service or permanent basis. Postgraduate study offers opportunities to develop specific interests and qualify as a specialist in a recognised field such as: Endodontics Dento-Maxillofacial Radiology Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine Orthodontics Paediatric Dentistry Periodontics Prosthodontics Public Health Special Needs Dentistry