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School of Dentistry
THE UNIVERSITY OF ADELAIDE
SA 5005
AUSTRALIA
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Telephone: +61 8 8303 5256
Facsimile: +61 8 8303 3444

 

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Doctor  of  Clinical Dentistry


Introduction

The University of Adelaide is well-known internationally for its strengths in the health sciences (dentistry and medicine); biological sciences (especially agriculture and molecular biology/biotechnology); the physical sciences (notably physics and geology and geophysics); information technology and telecommunications; environmental sciences and management; and social sciences such as Asian studies, international economics and human geography.

The University is small enough to provide personal interaction with teaching staff, yet large enough to offer a broad range of programs and outstanding opportunities for research. Its research is at the leading edge of knowledge and the University of Adelaide consistently ranks high among the top universities in the Asia-Pacific region in winning research funds.

The School of Dentistry is housed adjacent to the main North Terrace Campus within the Medical School South Building of the University and the Adelaide Dental Hospital of the South Australian Dental Service.


School of Dentistry at the University of Adelaide

The School of Dentistry at the University of Adelaide has a long and distinguished history of teaching and research.  The standard of education, dental and oral health graduates and dental research is considered to be very high by international standards and this is reflected in the fact that our graduates and post graduates are highly sought after throughout Australia.


Graduate School of the School of Dentistry

The School of Dentistry offers a number of postgraduate programs.  There are both coursework and research programs, ranging from pure research through to clinical specialisation.

Information in this booklet is for both International applicants and local applicants (ie Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and New Zealand citizens).

International prospective postgraduate students are also directed to the International Office.

The International Office web site has information on:

  • Programs available
  • Entry standards  and language requirements
  • Application forms
  • Scholarships and fees
  • Living in Adelaide

Overseas-qualified dentists aiming to requalify to practise in Australia should refer to Information for Overseas Qualified Dentists or contact the Graduate School Office for information about the Graduate Diploma In Clinical Dentistry, Overseas Dental Graduate Partnership Training Program.


Contact Details:

By Post:

Graduate School Office
School of Dentistry
Faculty of Health Sciences
The University of Adelaide
ADELAIDE
SOUTH AUSTRALIA   5005

By email:

dental.graduate@adelaide.edu.au

Research Groups

All applicants must submit a research proposal with their application.  It is valuable to sommunicate with potential supervisors about your area of research interest. Information about the School of Dentistry's research groups and research activities is available through the Research Page.

Program Rules 

Program rules for all Dental postgraduate programs can be downloaded here.  Copies of the new 2007 research rules for the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry can be obtained from the Graduate School Office. Interested applicants should also read the rules for Higher Degress by Research.


Scholarships

Department of Education, Science and Training

Higher education for students in Australia Going to uni home page
Postgraduate fees, loans and scholarships

University of Adelaide

Information about University postgraduate research scholarships is available here.
Information about scholarships for international students is available here.

Limited opportunities are available for internal School of Dentistry scholarships (coursework and travel). School forms can be obtained from Lisa Smith in the School Office.  Please note that the School can not provide financial assistance other than via a scholarship.

Other sources of information about scholarships include

My Future

My Future:  Awards and Scholarships - search


Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (specialist training program)

In 2000, the University of Adelaide replaced the former Master of Dental Surgery with the introduction of 9 new sub-programs leading to the coursework degree of Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (D.Clin.Dent.) in a specific discipline. 

Many of the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry sub-programs have ongoing accredition by the Australian Dental Council and are recognized as the postgraduate qualification associated with specialist dental training at The University of Adelaide. 

The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry at the University of Adelaide is now recognised under Australian Commonwealth Government guidelines as a Research Degree.  It is a combined clinical training & research program normally taken over three years (minimum three years – maximum four years). 

Applicants should check requirements for registration as a specialist practitioner in their state or territory.  RACDS secondary examinations are required by several specialties.  OMFS applicants should also check requirements for medical studies.

The educational philosophy of the Graduate School in dentistry is to provide students with opportunities to seek, to interpret and to apply knowledge while developing the skills required of a specialist practitioner.  Thus the doctoral degree programs are designed to provide candidates with advanced training in their chosen specialty, underpinned by an understanding of applied sciences, critical thought and analysis, interpersonal skills and self development.  A major focus of the program is to have students gain an appreciation of the research literature in their clinical field, ethics and research methodology.  Students engage in evidence-based practise, clinical research and conduct a major research project.

To facilitate the above at least two supervisors are appointed for each candidate, one of whom is the Head of the Specialist Discipline.  The responsibilities of postgraduate students and supervisors are clearly documented by the University and supervisors guide students in all aspects of their research program.  In most disciplines sessional clinical tutors (private practitioners) are employed to provide further specialist input.  The staff:student ratio in clinical teaching varies from 1:1 to 1:4, depending on the availability of suitable staff, the number of students and their experience, and the discipline.  Students are also supported in their research and clinical training by associated academic staff and the general staff of the Graduate School.

There are 9 areas of specialist training currently offered by the Dental School of the University of Adelaide.  In addition to these there are three sub-programs* that may be available, dependent on the availability of supervisors and facilities.  Neither the program in Forensic Dentistry nor General Dentistry lead to specialist registration but offer advanced training for general dentists.

The degree of Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (D.Clin.Dent) is currently available in:

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR DOCTOR OF CLINICAL DENTISTRY

LOCAL APPLICANTS

Applicants who are Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents, holders of permanent humanitarian visas and/or New Zealand citizens are deemed to be local applicants. 

The specialist training program at the University of Adelaide is recognised by the Australian Commonwealth Government as a Research Degree.  It is a combined clinical training & research program usually taken over three years. 

Currently there are no up-front tuition fees for local Australian students places being supported by the Commonwealth’s Research Training Scheme.  Other costs, such as Dental Board registration and the purchase of a laptop computer and digital clinical camera, associated with the program are borne by the student.

Qualifications and Conditions of Entry

(a) Bachelor of Dental Surgery or equivalent (5 year programme)

AND

(b)     (1)  at least two years of general practice

AND

(2)  an Honours (research training) degree 

OR 

successful completion of the Primary Examinations of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons 

OR

successful completion of the Primary Examinations of the Royal College of  Dental Surgeons 

Our students must register with the Dental Board of South Australia.  To conform with legislation and University policy, applicants to clinical programs need to provide the University with medical test results of status in regard to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.you must provide the University with medical test results of your status in regard to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

To apply for entry to the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry specialist program commencing in late 2008 - early 2009, you must apply through the University of Adelaide's Graduate Centre. 

Applications and scholarship applications for the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry for admission in late 2008 - early 2009, close on 30th October 2008.   Late applications cannot be accepted.

It should be noted, however, that applications for entry to the Doctor in Clinical Dentistry in Periodontics and Orthodontics close on 30th April in the year prior to enrolment.

Please do not send original documents.   All photocopies should be certified, A4 size and single sided.

For further information please visit the Graduate Centre web page.

The application form can be downloaded here.

All local applicants must include the following documentation:

  • Undergraduate academic record (copy of the official transcript)
  • Postgraduate academic record (copy of the official transcript)
  • Evidence of any professional qualifications or registration to sit professional examinations (such as examinations of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons)
  • Statement of purpose (500 word typed statement of the reasons for applying for the program, research experience and relevant dental experience
  • Research proposal (500 words)
  • Two (2) Referee reports using the standard University form
  • Any special circumstances to be considered
  • Written evidence of your current status in relation to Prescribed Communicable Infections.   This evidence must be in the form of results supplied through a recognised medical provider of a blood test taken not more than one calendar month previously and must specify Hepatitis B antigen and antibody, Hepatitis C antibody, and HIV/AIDS antibody.  Applicants who do not present this evidence will not be considered further.  A full copy of the University's policy on prescribed communicable infections can be viewed here.


ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR DOCTOR OF CLINICAL DENTISTRY

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

All applicants who do not have citizenship of Australia or New Zealand or who are not Australian permanent residents (international applicants) should apply through the International Office of The University of Adelaide.  

To obtain the application form please call The University of Adelaide Student Centre on +61 8 8303 5208, or email student.centre@adelaide.edu.au.

Alternatively, international applicants can print application forms directly from here.

International applicants can apply directly to:

International Office
The University of Adelaide
ADELAIDE   
SOUTH AUSTRALIA    5005
 
There is information about lodging your application through an official international representative visit here.


Currently the up-front fees for international students are A$33,990 per annum.  Other costs, such as Dental Board registration and the purchase of a laptop computer and digital clinical camera, associated with the program are borne by the student.


Qualifications And Conditions of Entry

(a) Bachelor of Dental Surgery or equivalent (5 year programme)

AND

(b)     (1)  at least two years of general practice

AND

(2)  an Honours (research training) degree

OR

successful completion of the Primary Examinations of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons

OR

successful completion of the Primary Examinations of the Royal College of  Dental Surgeons

2. Health Status

Our students must register with the Dental Board of South Australia.  To conform with legislation and University policy, applicants to clinical programs need to provide the University with medical test results of status in regard to hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV. Applicants should read the Prescribed Communicable Infections (PCI) policy.

3. English Language Entry Requirements

English is the language of instruction at the University of Adelaide and proficiency in speaking, listening to, reading and writing English is essential. The IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is the preferred English language proficiency qualification, but the University may accept other evidence of proficiency in English in individual cases.

High levels of proficiency in the English language are required for all programs in the Faculty of Health Sciences and the following levels apply:

  • IELTS - Overall band score of 6.5 with no individual band score below 6.0,

OR

  • TOEFL score of at least 573 including a TWE of 4.5 or better (paper based) or 230 including an Essay Rating of 4.5 or better (computer based).

Students without the required level of English will need to complete satisfactorily an intensive program of English language before being admitted to the University of Adelaide.  The University can arrange an appropriate English language program (the Pre-Enrolment English Program (PEP) in Adelaide at the English Language Centre. The PEP provides an alternative entry pathway for prospective students who have received offers to the University of Adelaide conditional upon English proficiency. On successful completion of the PEP, these students are granted direct entry into the University.

4. Visa requirements

International applicants are advised to contact the Australian Embassy or Australian High Commission in their country as soon as possible to obtain information on applying for a student visa.

5. Applications

Applications and scholarship applications through the Graduate Centre and the International Office, for the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry for admission in late 2008 - early 2009, close on 30th October 2008.   Late applications cannot be accepted.

It should be noted, however, that applications for entry to the Doctor in Clinical Dentistry in Periodontics and Orthodontics close on 30th April in the year prior to enrolment.

Please do not send original documents.   All photocopies should be certified, A4 size and single sided.

All international applicants should include the following with their application:

  • Undergraduate academic record (copy of the official transcript)
  • Postgraduate academic record (copy of the official transcript)
  • Evidence of any professional qualifications or registration to sit professional examinations (such as examinations of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons)
  • Statement of purpose (500 word typed statement of the reasons for applying for the program, research experience and relevant dental experience
  • Research proposal (500 words)
  • Two (2) Referee reports using the standard University form
  • Any special circumstances to be considered
  • Written evidence of your current status in relation to Prescribed Communicable Infections. 
    This evidence must be in the form of results supplied through a recognised medical provider of a blood test taken not more than one calendar month previously and must specify Hepatitis B antigen and antibody, Hepatitis C antibody, and HIV/AIDS antibody.  Applicants who do not present this evidence will not be considered further.  A full copy of the University's policy on prescribed communicable infections can be viewed here.
  • For international applicants only, an IELTS score of 6.5 (please contact the International Admissions Office for clarification) OR a TOEFL score of at least 575 including a TWE of 4.5 or better (paper based) or 230 including an Essay Rating of 4.5 or better (computer based).


Heads of Specialist Disciplines

Applicants are strongly advised to contact the relevant Head of discipline to discuss possible research projects and clinical training prior to lodging an application.

Endodontics - Associate Professor P Cathro peter.cathro@adelaide.edu.au
Oral Pathology - Dr R Logan richard.logan@adelaide.edu.au
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery - Professor A Goss alastair.goss@adelaide.edu.au
Orthodontics - Professor W Sampson wayne.sampson@adelaide.edu.au
Paediatric Dentistry - Dr S Gue sumant.gue@adelaide.edu.au
Periodontics - Professor M Bartold mark.bartold@adelaide.edu.au
Prosthodontics - Professor L Richards lindsay.richards@adelaide.edu.au
Special Needs Dentistry - Professor A Goss alastair.goss@adelaide.edu.au

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