The University of Melbourne

Entry requirements

• There are no mandated entry requirements.

Entry Requirements for the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry

• An undergraduate degree in dentistry or equivalent.
• At least two years’ full-time, continuous clinical work experience after graduation from dental school. This does NOT include an intern year.
• Completion of professional development courses, postgraduate diplomas, and a strong record in research publications would be highly regarded.
• Evidence of meeting the English language requirements for registration with AHPRA. Students must have either General Registration or Limited Registration to undertake this course. International applicants who do not qualify for General Registration must fulfill the AHPRA language requirement by achieving IELTS Academic Test results of at least 7 in all categories. This IELTS test satisfies both The University of Melbourne entry requirement and the AHPRA English language standard for limited registration.

Selection Criteria

Academic merit will be assessed over your entire undergraduate and postgraduate career. Places are strictly limited by the availability of clinical facilities. Hence an excellent academic record is essential as entry is likely to be extremely competitive. Most specialties only accept graduates in the top 5-10% of their graduating class.

You will need to nominate three professional referees, and you will be interviewed either in person, by telephone, or video link. You may also be required to undertake a pre-clinical practical test and/or be invited to observe in the clinic and meet current students.

Evidence of additional study will strengthen your application. Primary Fellowship examinations, a postgraduate diploma or higher degree, and/or active participation in continuing education in the desired area of specialization would be well regarded.

International applicants will be given preference if aiming to undertake a full-time academic career after completing the DCD. You may already hold a teaching position in a university or teaching hospital, with a commitment to return on completing the course. If you cannot obtain a definite commitment to a teaching position a suitable letter of recommendation from the Dean indicating your potential for an academic career will be very helpful. The option of the MPhil degree, the PhD degree, or a combination of clinical specialty training in the DCD followed by the PhD degree, could also be considered.

English Language Criteria

Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 7 is required.