Course overview
- Description
This is a four-year program leading to professional practice as a dentist. The overall aim of the course is to produce graduates committed to the well-being of the patient, community and society as accountable, responsible, scholarly, and competent dentists. The outcomes, content and teaching are organised around four domains: patient care, preventive and conservative dentistry, restorative dentistry, child and adolescent dental health.
The teaching consists of approximately 36 weeks of contact time each year. The first year of the program covers the medical and dental sciences such as anatomy, histology, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, pharmacology, pathology, embryology, population science and behavioural science as they relate to clinical dentistry. This is integrated with clinical aspects of dentistry and pre-clinical skills training using simulation devices. Later in the first year, more dental subjects will be introduced and these will be expanded upon in the second year of the course where more specialist areas of dentistry will be learnt. In the second year, students will spend more time in the simulation clinic and they will begin to treat patients within the Oral Health Centre of WA (OHCWA) clinics whilst under the supervision of staff dentists. In third year, clinical practice time at OHCWA increases and is a large focus of the training. More advanced theory will be taught throughout this year. In the final year, students will spend most of their time treating patients in the OHCWA clinics as well as in other clinics and hospitals as part of the various out-placements. The final year has some theory components but is largely considered as an “intense clinical practice year” where students refine their clinical skills by treating patients under the supervision of dentists. The DMD course is accredited by the Australian Dental Council and approved by the Dental Board of Australia so graduates can immediately register with the Dental Board of Australia to work as dentists.
- Course title
- Doctor of Dental Medicine
- Award abbreviation
- DMD
- Course code
- 91860
- Course type
- Professional practice master's degree
- Status
- Current / 2025
- Administered by
- Dental School
Course details
- Intake periods
- Beginning of year only
- Attendance type
- Full-time only
- Credit points required
- 192
A standard full-time load is 24 points per semester. - Standard course duration
- 4 years full-time (or equivalent part-time) comprising 144 points of taught units and 48 points of admission credit, as recognised and granted by the School
- Maximum course duration
- 4 years full-time (or equivalent part-time) comprising up to 192 points of taught study (see Rule 5 for further information)
- Professional accreditation
- Doctor of Dental Medicine is accredited by: Australian Dental Council (ADC); Dental Board of Australia.
- Time limit
- 10 years
- Delivery mode
- Internal
- Locations offered
- UWA (Perth), Oral Health Centre of WA, Various external placement clinics
- Domestic fee type
- Commonwealth supported and/or HECS-HELP
- Available to international students
- Not available to international students on student visas. Available to international students on other visas if visa conditions allow (see https://www.immi.gov.au). For information on international student fees see 'Student Procedures: Fees'. (Enquiries: https://www.uwa.edu.au/askuwa)
- Course Coordinator(s)
- Dr Poh Hun Loh
- Fees
- Visit the fees calculator.
Prospective students should see the Future Students website for details on admission requirements, intake periods, fees, availability to international students, careers information etc.
No study plans found for this course. See study plans for more information.
Specialisations
Course structure
Key to availability of units:
- NS
- non-standard teaching period
All units have a value of six points unless otherwise stated.
Students who commenced in 2020 or before, are advised to refer to the 2020 Handbook (course code 90860).
Students who have not completed the Dental Sciences Major MJD-DENTS must complete the relevant conversion units up to the value of 48 points from this group, as advised by the Faculty.
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NS | DENT3001 | Body Systems 1 | Approximately 6 hours per week | |
| NS | DENT3002 | Body Systems 2 | Approximately 6 hours per week | |
| NS | DENT3003 | Anatomy and Oral Sciences | 2 lectures per week; 3 hours practical per week. Total 5 hours per week. | |
| NS | DENT3004 | Introduction to Clinical Dentistry | 3 lectures per week; 3 hours pre-clinical practical sessions per week | |
| NS | DENT3005 | General Medicine and Pharmacology | 4 lectures per week; 2 hours practical classes per week | |
| NS | DENT3006 | Biofilm Sciences and Cariology | approximatively 6 hours (3 lectures per week; average 3 hours workshop/practical classes per week) | |
| NS | DENT3007 | Fundamentals of Clinical Dentistry 1 | approximately 6 hours per week (3 lectures per week; average 3 hours workshop/practical classes per week) | |
| NS | DENT3008 | Dental Public Health and Research Methodology | 3 lectures per week; 2 hours workshop/practical classes |
Take all units (48 points):
Year 2
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NS | DENT4212 | Fundamentals of Clinical Dentistry 2 Part 1 | 3 lectures per week; average 3 hours practical/clinical sessions per week. | |
| NS | DENT4213 | Fundamentals of Clinical Dentistry 2 Part 2 | 3 lectures per week; 3 hours practical/clinical sessions per week | |
| NS | DENT4214 | Fundamentals of Clinical Dentistry 2 Part 3 | 3 lectures per week; average 3 hours practical/clinical sessions per week | |
| NS | DENT4215 | Introduction to Clinical Dental Practice 1 | (approximately 6 hours per week) 3 lectures per week; average 3 hours practical/clinical sessions per week | |
| NS | DENT4216 | Fundamentals of Clinical Dentistry 3 Part 1 | Approximately 6 hours per week (3 lectures per week; average 3 hours practical/clinical sessions per week) | |
| NS | DENT4217 | Fundamentals of Clinical Dentistry 3 Part 2 | Approximately 6 hours per week (3 lectures per week; average 3 hours practical/clinical sessions per week) | |
| NS | DENT4218 | Introduction to Clinical Dental Practice 2 Part 1 | Approximately 5 hours per week (2 lectures per week; average 3 hours practical/clinical sessions per week) | |
| NS | DENT4219 | Introduction to Clinical Dental Practice 2 Part 2 | Approximately 5 hours per week (2 lectures per week; average 3 hours practical/clinical sessions per week) |
Take all units (48 points):
Year 3
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NS | DENT5310 | Integrated Dental Practice 1 (24 points) |
| 8 lectures per week; average 21 hours practical/clinical sessions per week |
| NS | DENT5311 | Integrated Dental Practice 2 (24 points) |
| 8 lectures per week; 21 hours practical/clinical sessions per week |
Take all units (48 points):
Year 4
| Availability | Unit code | Unitname | Unit requirements | Contact hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NS | DENT5409 | Integrated Dental Practice 3 (24 points) |
| 2 lectures per week; average 24 hours practical/clinical sessions per week |
| NS | DENT5410 | Integrated Dental Practice 4 (24 points) |
| 2 lectures per week; 24 hours practical/clinical sessions per week |
See also the rules for the course and the Student Rules.
Rules
Applicability of the Student Rules, policies and procedures
1.(1) The Student Rules apply to students in this course.
(2) The policy, policy statements and guidance documents and student procedures apply, except as otherwise indicated in the rules for this course.
Academic Conduct Essentials and Communication and Research Skills modules
2.(1) A student who enrols in this course for the first time irrespective of whether they have previously been enrolled in another course of the University, must undertake the Academic Conduct Essentials module (the ACE module) and the Communication and Research Skills module (the CARS module).
(2) A student must successfully complete the ACE module within the first teaching period of their enrolment. Failure to complete the module within this timeframe will result in the student's unit results from this teaching period being withheld. These results will continue to be withheld until students avail themselves of a subsequent opportunity to achieve a passing grade in the ACE module. In the event that students complete units in subsequent teaching periods without completing the ACE module, these results will similarly be withheld. Students will not be permitted to submit late review or appeal applications regarding results which have been withheld for this reason and which they were unable to access in the normally permitted review period.
English Language competency requirements
3.(1) To be considered eligible for consideration for admission to this course an applicant must satisfy the University's English language competence requirement as set out in the University Policy on Admission: Coursework, except as otherwise indicated in the rules for this course.
(2) Applicants presenting with the IELTS Academic require an overall score of at least 7.0 and no band less than 7.0.
Admission requirements
4.(1) To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have—
(a) a bachelor's degree, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and
(b) the equivalent of a selection grade point average (GPA) of at least 5.5;
and
(c) (i) a Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) overall score of at least 55 and no section less than 50; or
(ii) a Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) score of at least 500 with no section less than 124 for international applicants; or
(iii) a Dental Aptitude Test of at least 17 for international applicants; or
(iv) a Dental Admission Test of at least 17 for international applicants;
or
(d) a place in an Assured Pathway into this course;
or
(e) entry via an Indigenous pathway
(2) To be considered to transfer to this course an applicant must have—
(a) met the requirements under rule 4.(1);
and
(b) completed at least 0.5 years at a recognised accredited postgraduate Doctor of Dental Medicine;
and
(c) demonstrate compelling or compassionate grounds for transfer into the program, as recognised by the University;
and
(d) satisfied all prerequisites for the year of the course into which they are requesting transfer
Admission ranking and selection
5. Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on—
(a) a structured interview in which eligible applicants will be assessed based on the personal qualities considered desirable in dental practitioners, and a spatial awareness test, with invitation to attend the interview based on equal weightings under Rule 4(1), (2) and (3), in alignment with the interview quota for the year;
and
(b) the intake quota for that year;
and
(c) (i) for non-rural applicants, a selection score determined by the GAMSAT/MCAT/DAT, GPA and interview;
(ii) for rural applicants, a selection score determined by the GAMSAT, GPA, interview and rurality ranking.
(d) applicants applying for a transfer are subject to any limitations on places as determined by the dental school
Articulations and exit awards
6. This course does not form part of an articulated sequence.
Course structure
7.(1) The course consists of units to a total value of 192 points (maximum value) which include conversion units to a value of 48 points.
(2) Units must be selected in accordance with the course structure, as set out in these rules.
(3) Students who have completed the Integrated Dental Sciences Major MJD-DENTS are granted credit for conversion units up to a value of 48 points.
Satisfactory progress
8. To make satisfactory progress a student must pass units to a point value greater than half the total value of units in which they remain enrolled after the final date for withdrawal without academic penalty.
9. A student who has not achieved a result of Ungraded Pass (UP) for the Communication and Research Skills module (the CARS module) when their progress status is assessed will not have made satisfactory progress even if they have met the other requirements for satisfactory progress in Rule 8.
Progress status
10.(1) The School, on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners, may assign a progress status of 'On Probation' or 'Excluded' to a student who does not make satisfactory progress under Rule 8.
(2) Unless it determines otherwise in light of exceptional circumstances, and except as set out in (3), the School, on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners, assigns a progress status of 'On Probation' to a student who fails to make satisfactory progress under Rule 8.
(3) Unless it determines otherwise in light of exceptional circumstances, the School, on the recommendation of the Board of Examiners, assigns a progress status of 'Excluded' to a student who—
(a) fails to make satisfactory progress under Rule 8 and has previously repeated two years of the course; or
(b) fails to make satisfactory progress under Rule 8 in the same year of the course for a second time.
(4) A student who is assigned a progress status of 'Excluded' under (3) (a) or (b) will not be permitted to re-enrol in the course.
[(4) is an exception to University Policy]
11. A student who does not make satisfactory progress in terms of Rule 9 is assigned the progress status of 'On Probation', unless they have been assigned a progress status of 'Suspended' or 'Excluded' for failure to meet other satisfactory progress requirements in Rule 8.
Award with distinction
12. To be awarded the degree with distinction a student must achieve a course weighted average mark (WAM) of at least 80 per cent which is calculated based on—
(a) all units above Level 3 attempted as part of the course that are awarded a final percentage mark;
(b) all relevant units above Level 3 undertaken in articulating courses of this University that are awarded a final percentage mark;
and
(c) all units above Level 3 completed at this University that are credited to the master's degree course.
Deferrals
13. Applicants are not permitted to defer admission to this course and are expected to commence their course in the offered intake only. Approved leave is not available during the first academic year of this course. Applicants seeking admission to an alternative intake must submit a new application for that intake.
Additional rules
Supplementary assessment
14.(1) Subject to (2), a student who fails a didactic or non-clinical practical component of a unit may be granted supplementary assessment in that component.
(2) The Board of Examiners will not provide an opportunity for supplementary assessment to a student who —
(a) fails more than two units in any calendar year;
or
(b) fails a deferred or supplementary examination;
or
(c) has a progress status of 'On Probation'.
Requirements of students on probation
15.(1) Students who have been assigned a progress status of ‘On Probation' must repeat all units that they have previously attempted in that year of the course.
Approved leave and retention of credit
16.(1) Students may apply for a period of approved leave in accordance with University Policy on Student Enrolment.
(2) Following a period of approved leave of less than two years, students retain credit for all units previously passed.
(3) Following a period of approved leave of two years or more, full credit is unable to be granted and students must repeat the units comprising the most recently completed year of the course.
Requirement to attend and complete prescribed work
17.(1) Students must attend compulsory teaching and undertake practical and clinical work at the University, at the Oral Health Centre of Western Australia, and at other institutions or locations as approved by the UWA Dental School.
(2) Providing approval is granted, a student is permitted to take a maximum of 10 University days annually as leave. Leave can include compassionate leave, medical leave, or personal/other leave.
(3) Leave is administered and managed as outlined in the UWA Dental School Student Handbook.
(4) Students who are absent for more than 5% or 10 clinical sessions, whichever applies in the specific academic year, will be required to make-up/replace the equivalent number of sessions during the remainder of that academic year.
Entry from Integrated Dental Sciences Major at The University of Western Australia
18. Subject to completing other admission requirements, in recognition of prior learning, students who have satisfactorily completed the MJD-DENTS Integrated Dental Sciences Major may be granted up to 48 credit points towards year 1 of the Doctor of Dental Medicine Course.
Entry via the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Entry Pathway
19. Students entering the DMD course via the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery pathway will not be eligible for recognition of prior learning.
Advanced standing
20. The School may grant advanced standing for previously completed Dental units if they were completed as part of a postgraduate dental course recognised by the Dental School as being equivalent to the Doctor of Dental Medicine of this University.
Infection Control Requirements
21. At admission and during enrolment students must comply with the University's Infection Control Requirements, appended to relevant UWA policies.
Mode of study
22.(1) Students must enrol on a full-time basis unless the School permits otherwise in exceptional circumstances.
(2) Students who have been permitted to enrol on a part-time basis in units of one level will not be permitted to enrol on a part-time basis in units of the next level.
Requirement to attend and complete prescribed work
23.(1) Students must attend compulsory teaching and learning activities, and undertake practical and clinical work at the University, at the Oral Health Centre of Western Australia, and at other institutions or locations as approved by the UWA Dental School.
(5) Students must complete all compulsory teaching and learning activities, and pass all practical and clinical work as described in 17 (1) prior to sitting summative assessments.