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Become a dentist

You can download this infographic as a PDF. You have My Health Career’s permission to distribute it via email and hard copy.

 

From high school

Check with the university or universities you are applying to about the entry requirements for high school graduates. This may involve:

There are some variations on obtaining a qualification as a dentist directly from high school. Different universities offer

  • A 5 year undergraduate degree
  • A 5 year program which includes a 3 year undergraduate degree followed by a 2 year post graduate course

The fee structures may be different for these two options. Make sure you know the costs involved before you start a course.

Please check with the institution you are applying to in case they have alternative entry pathways.

 

Graduate entry

Check with the university or universities you are applying to about the entry requirements for university graduates. This may involve:

  • GAMSAT – you may need to register for and sit the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test and achieve a high score (click here for Dr Gerry Considine’s tips for GAMSAT success)
  • GPA – your grade point average, that is, the average of your grades in your undergraduate university degree (the highest being 7) may be used as part of the entry criteria
  • Interview – an interview may also be used by the university as a way of selecting which students will gain entry into their dental school

In Australia the dentistry degree is generally 4 years when you are entering as a university graduate. Following on from an undergraduate degree that is at least 3 years, this pathway takes at least 7 years.

If you are considering a graduate entry dentistry program be sure to plan ahead! Ensure that your undergraduate subjects meet the pre-requisite requirements of the university or universities you are looking at applying to.

Please check with the institution you are applying to in case they have alternative entry pathways.