Bachelor of Dental Surgery

Dentistry is a rapidly changing, expanding profession. Employment prospects for Dentists are excellent, especially in the public sector and in rural areas.

As a dentist, you can make a positive difference to the health and confidence of people everywhere. Our Bachelor of Dental Surgery offers a state-of-the-art grounding in one of Australia’s highest demand health professions.

About this degree

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery at James Cook University is a 5 year undergraduate degree that provides you with the knowledge and skills you need to become a competent practitioner of dentistry.

World-class dentistry studies with a local flavour

It is a broad-based program that includes all aspects of dental practice and focuses on issues of concern to northern Australia, particularly those relating to tropical, rural and Indigenous practice. The curriculum integrates the basic sciences with dental clinical sciences and preventive oral health strategies.

Indigenous health

In addition, our Indigenous Health Careers Access Program (IHCAP) is the first initiative of its kind in Australia designed to increase the success levels of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students pursuing a health career.

New teaching facilities

To meet the increasing need for dentists, JCU has invested significantly in a new dental teaching complex with state-of-the-art dental treatment centre, and a world-class clinical simulation facility.

Practical training

Practical experience treating patients is a key part of our curriculum. You’ll train alongside leading practitioners in Cairns and across northern Queensland to develop hands-on clinical skills — a distinct advantage to launch your dental career in private or public practice, the defence force, teaching, research or specialty practice.

Career Opportunities

There is a severe shortage of dentists in Australia, particularly in rural, remote and Indigenous communities. Queensland in particular, with its highly decentralised population faces some unique challenges in providing a health workforce for all its communities, and the demand for dental services is high. Dentists work in private practice, in state operated dental health services, and in teaching and research. The demand for dentists will increase in coming years as the range of services provided by dentists continues to expand and the population ages.

Professional Accreditation

JCU's Bachelor of Dental Surgery will prepare graduates as generalist dentists in accordance with the dental profession's scope of practice. The Faculty of Medicine, Health and Molecular Sciences has applied for accreditation by the Australian Dental Council.

Graduates will be eligible for professional registration with all dental boards in Australia and New Zealand, enabling them to enter dental practice.

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