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Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry

Overview

Graduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry provides graduates of dental surgery programs with the knowledge and skills to be able to plan, integrate and coordinate patient oral health and advanced general dental treatment.  Graduates will become skilled practitioners and have the ability to direct a team approach to dental care. The Graduate Diploma also helps to prepare students for further studies. The didactic and scientific components of the program complement and support the requirements of the Australian Dental Council Examinations and the Primary Examination of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons. There is a strong emphasis on self-directed learning and evidence-based practice.

Program Details

The standard full-time, on-campus program taken over two extended semesters in Adelaide.  In special circumstances students may complete the program on a part-time basis over three or four semesters.

Overseas-qualified dentists enrolled in the OS-Dentist Training Program are enrolled in the School of Dentistry as part-time postgraduate students and work under supervision in suburban and rural clinics of the SA Dental Service three days per week.

The graduate diploma program commences in January each year with a period of orientation, theory, preclinical skills and supervised clinical experience.  If satisfactory progress has been made the students will commence clinical sessions within the Adelaide Dental Hospital or the Community Dental Service.  While on placement students will complete theoretical studies which are supported by paper and online resources, and participate in face-to-face and online discussions and seminars.  During the program students will gain experience in a range of disciplines including fixed prosthodontics (crown and bridge), removable prosthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, restorative dentistry and minimum intervention.

The program begins with a four to six week orientation block for international students and a one week block for local students including introductions to the university and dental service environments, technical / preclinical exercises in laboratory facilities and some didactic teaching.  A one week intensive course in Research Methods and Ethics is also completed and provides students with the opportunity to meet other postgraduate students.

From the University’s Orientation Week (late February) there will be two consecutive eight-week supervised clinical rosters at the Adelaide Dental Hospital followed by an assessment / examination week and a two week break.  The second half of the year will be two consecutive blocks of eight weeks and ten weeks.  The latter allowing one week off for students and staff to attend the IADR meeting.  The fourth and final roster will be followed by an assessment / examination week.

Clinic experience will be supported by observations, seminars, treatment planning sessions and discussions. 

Program Delivery

Pre-Clinical & Orientation

From mid-January to late February of each year there is an intensive orientation and pre-clinical that incorporates experience in:

• intra-oral radiography technique
• introductory panoramic radiography
• radiographic diagnosis
• treatment planning
• prescribing drugs in Australia
• infection control
• cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• prevention of common dental diseases
• local anaesthesia
• rubber dam technique
• restorative dentistry technical exercises
• fixed prosthodontic technical exercises
• endodontic technical exercise

Pre-clinical incorporates orientation for both local and international students.  Academic and hospital staff will provide orientation to the City of Adelaide and the North Terrace campus including the library, the School of Dentistry and the Adelaide Dental Hospital.  During this period students will enrol, meet other postgraduates, staff and mentors, and will be set up with IT facilities, access to building and student rooms.  Students will al become familiar with the policies and practices of the South Australian Dental Service.  Assistance will be provided to students with applications for Dental Board registration, prescribing, radiation licence and other professional requirements.

Research Methods and Ethics  2 units

• internal, semester 1
• five-day intensive teaching block late January or early February 
• will incorporate literature searches and databases, Evidence-based Dentistry and the Cochrane Library with Dr Michael Draper in the Barr Smith Library 
• this intensive block also allows Graduate Diploma students to work with postgraduates students in other programs and to meet a range of teaching and research staff 
• students are required to attend, and are encouraged to present at, the School’s research presentation day

Basic and Applied Dental Sciences  2 units

• online, usually in semester 2
• a series of six online discussions on MyUni based on material sourced from current and recent literature and covering a range of science topics relevant to general dental practice 
• students are assessed by the level and quality of their participation in all six online discussions

Dental Selective  3 units

• internal, semester 1
• self-directed study in an area of interest (clinical or non-clinical) discussed with and approved by supervisor, and reading as directed.  May take the form of learning modules in common with the Graduate Certificate in Dentistry
• assessed by the satisfactory completion a major essay or literature review (or an equivalent series of shorter essays with a common theme) and presentation of a seminar to the School and Adelaide Dental Hospital community

Advanced Dental Selective  3 units

• internal, semester 2 or 3
• may be fulfilled and assessed in the same way as DENT6067 Dental Selective (literature review or essay) 
• students with specific clinical interest may, if appropriate clinical supervision and access is available, observe at or participate in weekly diagnostic and treatment planning sessions or engage in the provision of advanced treatment within a specific discipline.  Clinical areas include orthodontics, oral pathology, paedodontics and special needs dentistry.  Students who take this option may be directed to read relevant literature by their clinical supervisor, and will be assessed by their clinical performance and/or the satisfactory completion of 2 case studies and/or reports

Note – With permission of the Assistant Dean (postgraduate) / postgraduate co-ordinator, and subject to the availability of staff and resources, students with research experience (undergraduate vacationship, Honours degree or other) may negotiate a minor research project in fulfilment of the requirements of DENT6067 and DENT6058.

Dental Studies  3 units

• internal, semester 1
• independent and group study of 4 independent learning modules in common with the Graduate Certificate in Dentistry.  The first two modules Dynamics of the oral environment and Minimally-invasive dentistry – non-surgical (preventive) are compulsory.  Students then select an additional module of interest
• paper-based resources and materials online via MyUni 
• assessed by satisfactory participation in discussions and completion of tasks associated with the learning modules

Advanced Dental Studies  3 units

• internal or external, semester 2 or 3
• independent and group study of three additional independent learning modules selected by the students in clinical areas of interest 
• paper-based resources and materials online via MyUni 
• assessed by satisfactory participation in discussions and completion of tasks associated with the learning modules

Clinical Studies and Advanced Clinical Studies  8 units

• internal or external, semesters 1 and 2 or semesters 2 and 3
• 4-6 clinical sessions for each of a minimum of 32 weeks of supervised clinical placements providing advanced general dental care for adults, children and adolescents 
• range of general dental practice experience including the disciplines of primary care, dentoalveolar surgery, childrens dentistry, fixed prosthodontics (crown and bridge), periodontics and removable prosthodontics and endodontics 
• reading as directed by supervisord and attendance at seminars with other clinical postgraduates 
• assessment – satisfactory standard of patient care, series of written case reports (clinical work will be observed and will be assessed by the student and the relevant discipline supervisor and external examiners)

For more detailed information about the program and the content of courses please e-mail dental.graduate@adelaide.edu.au

Barr Smith Library

The University of Adelaide Library has an extensive dental / oral health collection housed on the North Terrace campus where you can also access related materials from other collections  such as medicine, engineering and science.

With 1300 study seats and 150 computing workstations students can readily find a place to study and to access electronic resources when on campus.  When not on campus, the catalogue, online resources and many online dental journals can be accessed via the home or office computer.

Communication

face-to-face
discussion boards
one-to-one and group
phone and fax
paper and post
e-mail and MyUni

Resources available on MyUni

All enrolled students have access to courses on the electronic teaching platform MyUni, which provides such information as:

• electronic course materials
• links to copyrighted documents held in the main Library’s catalogue 
• library information 
• sample case reports and guidelines, and information on history taking and diagnosis
• guidelines for reviewing scientific and clinical research publications/articles, scientific writing, and seminar presentations 
• staff and mentor contact information 
• easy e-mail communication for students, mentors and staff 
• platform for formal and ad hoc online discussions

Eligibility

Applicants must

• hold a Bachelor of Dental Surgery or equivalent

Applicants may be local or international.

Selection

For local applicants the selection process is based on academic merit, clinical experience and further training (including professional qualifications and continuing professional development).
For international applicants the selection process is similar to that used for the undergraduate ‘bridging dentistry’ program.   While selection is based on academic merit, clinical experience and further training, it also includes a skills assessment test.   Skills Assessments are usually conducted mid-year and includes a general interview, a structured dental interview, written test papers in radiography/radiology and local anaesthesia, technical exercises in restorative dentistry and endodontics, and treatment planning.

Application Information – local applicants

Australian and New Zealand citizens, and Australian permanent residents.

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.

The closing date for Graduate Diploma applications is 30 April each year, prior to the calendar year in which study commences.  Study normally commences prior to Semester 1 in mid-late January each year.

Applications for 2009 have closed.

Applications for 2010 will be made through SATAC using the new online GradStart system.  Detailed information about the online application process will be made available.

The completed application form must be accompanied by the following documents

• Proof of your status as a permanent resident or holder of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa (if required)
• Complete certified transcripts of degrees and diplomas (showing passes and fails)
• Certified evidence of other qualifications
• Proof or name changes if your qualifications were awarded in a different name
• Certified English Language translations of your qualifications if these are not in English
• Curriculum Vitae
• Short statement of interests and aptitudes

Please note:  Submission of an application does not constitute an offer of a place in the program.

Application information – international applicants

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.

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.

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.

International applicants must apply through the University’s International Office.

The closing date for Graduate Diploma applications is 30 April each year, prior to the calendar year in which study commences.  Study normally commences prior to Semester 1 in mid-late January each year.

Applications for 2009 have closed.

The completed application form must be accompanied by the following documents

• Proof of your health status in relation to Prescribed communicable Infections
• Complete certified transcripts of degrees and diplomas (showing passes and fails)
• Certified evidence of other qualifications
• Proof or name changes if your qualifications were awarded in a different name
• Certified English Language translations of your qualifications if these are not in English
• Curriculum Vitae
• Short statement of interests and aptitudes

Please note:  Submission of an application does not constitute an offer of a place in the program.

Tuition Fees for 2009

• full fees (local) AUS $20,670 for 2008     AUS $26,784 for 2009
• full fees (international) AUS $35,000 for 2008   AUS $41,000 for 2009

Local students may be eligible for Commonwealth Government support via the FEE-HELP loan scheme.  The University defers the up-front fees to the loan and repayments by the student are managed by the University and the Australian Taxation Office.

Formal Enrolment

• students will enrol online via Access Adelaide.  Assistance will be provided with this process
• students will usually be enrolled full-time over two semesters

The standard full-time, two semester study plan of enrolments, showing course units, is as follows:

Part-time enrolment in the OS-Dentist Training Program study plan with the School of Dentistry and the SA Dental Service usually takes the following pattern:

Please note that this program is undergoing a major curriculum review.  The study plan options and course offerings are expected to change from 2010.  Study plans will be available for general dentists, OS-trained dentists aiming to enter practice in Australia, dental hygienists, oral health therapists and dental therapists.

OS-Dentist Training Program

For more information about the Graduate Diploma in clinical Dentistry : OS-Dentist Training Program  please e-mail dental.graduate@adelaide.edu.au
Places in this study plan are restricted and depend on the availability of clinical supervisors in the South Australian Dental Service.

Dental Board Registration

Candidates will have ‘full’ or ‘limited’ registration as a dentist depending on whether they are local or international, Australian or overseas-qualified.  Registration will be at the student’s own expense.   The Graduate School Office will assist students with application forms and provide a letter of support to the Board.

Clinical Placements

Each student will spend time in supervised general dental practice in facilities of the Adelaide Dental Hospital and/or the Statewide Dental Service of the SA Dental Service, Royal Adelaide Hospital and / or the Adelaide Women’s and Children’s Hospital.  Clinical placements in rural locations are compulsory for students undertaking the OS-Dentist Training Program and may be possible for others.  The clinical work will involve comprehensive dental care for eligible adults, adolescents and children.

Salary / Stipend

Full-time students will not receive a part-time salary or stipend from either the University or the SADS but may be able to undertake paid teaching in the School of Dentistry.   Part-time students in the OS-Dentist Training Program will be employed on a stipend in the SA Dental Service at the level of Dental Officer Grade 1, step 3.

Interested students may wish to investigate other sources of assistance through University, regional health and Commonwealth scholarships.

Mentorship & Pastoral Care

A staff member of the SADS or the University of Adelaide Dental School will be assigned to each student as a mentor.  If possible, a member of the ADASA will also be assigned as a mentor.   Mentors involved with clinical supervision and not academic staff of the University will be awarded Honorary academic titles with the University of Adelaide and have access to basic educational training, university e-mail, the electronic resources on MyUni and the Barr Smith Library.

This group of practitioners will assist the student in matters of clinical work, patient care, professional conduct and study.  Where appropriate this group of practitioners may also give pastoral support.

Ms Vivien Joseph will, in her role as Student Counsellor for the School of Dentistry, provide pastoral care and support for the students.

Radiation Licence

As part of the preclinical exercises students will revise and update their skills in intra-oral radiography and radiology as required.   Students will need to obtain either full or limited  registration with the Dental Board of South Australia before applying for a radiation licence with the Radiation Protection Division, Environmental Protection Division.   Licencing may be at the student’s own expense.

Prescribing of pharmaceuticals

As part of the pre-clinical exercises students who are dentists will revise and update their knowledge of prescription drugs as required.  Candidates with ‘student registration’ can not hold a prescriber authority with the Health Insurance Commission and will need to arrange patient prescription needs with a qualified tutor.   Dentists with limited and full registration will need to apply for authority to prescribe as a dentist. 

Professional Associations

Students in this Graduate Diploma program will be encouraged to become members of the Australian Dental Association (SA Branch Inc) (ADASA) or other relevant professional body.

Contact Information

For further information or an application form contact

Administrative Officer
Graduate School
School of Dentistry
University of Adelaide
Adelaide
South Australia 5005
Ph +61 8 8303 6069
Fax +61 8 8303 3444
dental.graduate@adelaide.edu.au

Postgraduate Co-ordinator in Dentistry

Dr Janet Fuss
Assistant Dean (Postgraduate)
Senior Lecturer
Ph +61 8 8303 6069
Fax +61 8 8303 3444
janet.fuss@adelaide.edu.au