Doctor of Clinical Dentistry
Overview
If you're a general dentist looking to specialise, the three-year Doctor of Clinical Dentistry postgraduate program will prepare you for specialist registration and practice.
This program enables you to become a registered specialist in dento-maxillofacial radiology, endodontics, oral medicine, orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics or special needs dentistry.
Study at the state-of-the-art $138 million Oral Health Centre at UQ’s Herston campus and develop a comprehensive understanding of the physiological, biochemical, structural and functional processes involved in general and oral health. Gain advanced diagnostic skills and clinical competence, as well as an in-depth understanding in scientific methodology, research and clinical practice.
You'll undertake extensive clinical placements at the Oral Health Centre, as well as dental clinics in hospitals and external healthcare facilities in Queensland.
You'll also develop advanced abilities in scientific reasoning and research, and study the role of research in dentistry and how it can support your clinical practice. You'll also complete a supervised project for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.
To be eligible for this program, you need an approved degree in dentistry from UQ (or equivalent) with a minimum two years of graduate clinical experience and be registered as a dentist with the Dental Board of Australia. You'll also need to provide a CV and nominate referees with your application. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to participate in a process of selection, which may include a theory and clinical skills assessment.
Program highlights
- Study in a supportive environment at the largest and most advanced tertiary oral health facility in Australia.
- Specialise in your preferred field and gain specialist registration with the Dental Board of Australia.
- Develop advanced abilities in scientific reasoning and research and complete a supervised project for submission to a peer-reviewed journal.
Fields of study
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
- Dento-Maxillofacial Radiology
- Endodontics
- Oral Medicine
- Orthodontics
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Work placements
- Research experience
- Laboratory work
- Fieldwork
Placements and work experience
You will undertake extensive supervised clinical practice in a range of dental clinics in hospitals, external healthcare facilities and the Oral Health Centre (OHC) located at Herston.
Placements will commence in first semester of the program. Actual timing of the placement may vary depending on area of speciality.
Clinical placements may be outside of the Brisbane metropolitan area where you will be required to fund your travel, accommodation and daily living expenses.
This program has pre-placement requirements which must be met prior to commencement of the program or a placement course. Further details can be found on the Placements website.
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:
- Clinical Science
- Advanced clinical practice
- Research Project
Career possibilities
Postgraduate study can take you anywhere. Depending on which field you choose, here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Orthodontist
- Periodontist
- Prosthodontist
- Special needs dentist
- Dento-maxillofacial radiologist
- Oral and maxillofacial surgeon
- Endodontist
- Oral surgeon
Professional memberships
When you graduate, you may be eligible for memberships with the following professional organisations. Contact the organisation to find out how to become a member.
- Academy of Australian and New Zealand Prosthodontists
- Australian & New Zealand Academy of Periodontists
- Australian Prosthodontic Society
- Australian Society of Endodontology
- Australian Society of Orthodontists
- Australian Society of Periodontology
- Australian Dental Association
- Oral Medicine Academy of Australasia
- Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons
Professional registration
When you graduate, you may be eligible for registration with the following professional organisations. Contact the organisation to find out how to register.
- Dental Board of Australia
Program accreditation
The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry is accredited by:
- Australian Dental Council
“Pursuing a dental specialisation after completion of my undergraduate degree was always at the top of my career goals. There is a supportive environment for students at the Oral Health Centre and the facilities are excellent for practical training”
Alyssa ZhangGraduate, Doctor of Clinical Dentistry
“Pursuing a dental specialisation after completion of my undergraduate degree was always at the top of my career goals. There is a supportive environment for students at the Oral Health Centre and the facilities are excellent for practical training”
Alyssa ZhangGraduate, Doctor of Clinical Dentistry
Events
See all events
Stories
See all stories
UQ people
Naomi and Veronique view research from refreshing perspectives
UQ people
Can you solve the current health crisis with a PhD from UQ?
UQ people
From medicine in Australia to business in Berlin: Cara's story
Stories
See all stories
UQ people
From medicine in Australia to business in Berlin: Cara's story
UQ people
How are our social and physical worlds shaping us?
Entry requirements
Prerequisites
Hold an approved degree in dentistry from the University (or equivalent) with a minimum two years of graduate clinical experience and be registered as a dentist with the Dental Board of Australia.
Please note that due to limited places, entry is competitive and not all applicants who meet the entry requirements are offered a place.
The minimum GPA to be considered for admission into this program is 4.0. The GPA cut-off for those offered a place in 2020 was 4.6.
Please see 'Additional application information' for further details on entry requirements.
Prerequisites
Hold an approved degree in dentistry from the University (or equivalent) with a minimum two years of graduate clinical experience and be registered as a dentist with the Dental Board of Australia.
Please note that due to limited places, entry is competitive and not all applicants who meet the entry requirements are offered a place.
The minimum GPA to be considered for admission into this program is 4.0. The GPA cut-off for those offered a place in 2020 was 4.6.
Please see 'Additional application information' for further details on entry requirements.
English language requirements
IELTS overall 7; reading 7; writing 7; speaking 7; listening 7. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
TOEFL IBT - Overall 100, listening 25, reading 25, writing 27, speaking 23.
TOEFL PB - Overall 600, listening 59, reading 59, writing 64/6.
Pearsons - Overall 72, sub bands minimum 72.
CES - Overall 185, All sub bands minimum 185.
Other OET - A minimum grade of B for each sub skill (L,S,R,W).
BE is not accepted.
There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.
Additional application information
Applications submitted on or before 13 April 2020 will be assessed and considered for entry in Semester 1, 2021.
Applications for the Prosthodontics program are now being invited for a second round of offers (closing date 5 August, 2020).
Limited places are available in each discipline and entry is determined using a competitive selection process based on academic records, other postgraduate qualifications, work and research experience since graduation, commitment to the discipline and referee reports.
A late second round for selection may be considered if places are not filled or if other disciplines become available.
Supporting documentation
Applicants must provide supporting documentation with their application. Click here for detailed information.
Clinical Assessment Program
Shortlisted applicants must undertake a Clinical Assessment Program at the School of Dentistry. Applicants will be responsible for all travel and accommodation costs incurred in undertaking the assessment in Brisbane.
At the commencement of the program, you will be required to obtain, and thereafter hold for the duration of the program, a current Blue Card and First Aid Certificate (including CPR). You will also be required to provide evidence that you do not carry blood-borne transmissible viruses or tuberculosis (TB) and comply with a schedule of immunisations. For more information, visit http://habs.uq.edu.au/placement-ready.
For applicants who need to provide evidence of English proficiency, please note that a higher level of English language proficiency than the UQ minimum is required.
Additional application information
Applications submitted on or before 13 April 2020 will be assessed and considered for entry in Semester 1, 2021.
Applications for the Prosthodontics program are now being invited for a second round of offers (closing date 5 August, 2020).
Limited places are available in each discipline and entry is determined using a competitive selection process based on academic records, other postgraduate qualifications, work and research experience since graduation, commitment to the discipline and referee reports.
A late second round for selection may be considered if places are not filled or if other disciplines become available.
Supporting documentation
Applicants must provide supporting documentation with their application. Click here for detailed information.
Clinical Assessment Program
Shortlisted applicants must undertake a Clinical Assessment Program at the School of Dentistry. Applicants will be responsible for all travel and accommodation costs incurred in undertaking the assessment in Brisbane.
At the commencement of the program, you will be required to obtain, and thereafter hold for the duration of the program, a current Blue Card and First Aid Certificate (including CPR). You will also be required to provide evidence that you do not carry blood-borne transmissible viruses or tuberculosis (TB) and comply with a schedule of immunisations. For more information, visit http://habs.uq.edu.au/placement-ready.
For applicants who need to provide evidence of English proficiency, please note that a higher level of English language proficiency than the UQ minimum is required.
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement.
Fields of study
Fields of study
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Dento-Maxillofacial Radiology
In this field of study, you'll become familiar with advanced imaging techniques at the Oral Health Centre on UQ’s Herston campus and visiting sessions at medical radiology practices and the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.
Cone beam imaging is a major component of this field of study.
Endodontics
In this field of study, you'll acquire knowledge on the recent developments in endodontics and professional practice, as well as knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to endodontic practice.
You'll gain exposure to interrelated disciplines through participation in coursework, seminars and tutorials with students in other disciplines.
Oral Medicine
The program includes rotations in oncology, dermatology, pain diagnosis and management, sleep medicine, and soft and hard tissue pathology, including salivary gland disorders.
Graduates often work in a multidisciplinary environment to ensure the best outcomes for patients. There may also be the opportunity through an MOU between UQ and the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons to obtain a FRACDS fellowship (Oral Medicine special stream), which can be used as a post-nominal.
Orthodontics
You'll study cephalometric theory and practice, craniofacial anatomy, development and morphology, biological force systems and their application, radiology and radiography techniques.
Major clinical pursuits include orthodontics, diagnosis and management of dental and craniofacial anomalies, cleft lip and palate, and management of complex malocclusions.
Your clinical work will be undertaken at the Oral Health Centre on UQ’s Herston campus and teaching hospital facilities, such as the Cleft Clinic at Queensland Children's Hospital, and orthognathic surgery through the Maxillofacial Unit (Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital).
Periodontics
You'll study immunology, microbiology, oral medicine and clinical oral pathology, biology of the periodontium and pulp, periodontal restorative interrelationships, implantology and radiology.
You'll gain experience treating patients referred to the periodontal clinic, in addition to regular case presentation sessions and clinical tutorials.
You will learn a range of periodontal treatments during clinical training, including conservative, surgical, regenerative and mucogingival periodontal therapies. You will also gain skills in advanced case planning and regenerative and augmentation procedures.
Prosthodontics
You'll be taught advanced concepts in prosthodontics through a seminar and tutorial program and clinical training.
You'll gain exposure to interrelated disciplines through participation in coursework, seminars and tutorials with students in other disciplines.
Special Needs Dentistry
You'll be trained at postgraduate level to provide special methods or techniques to prevent or treat oral health problems and develop special dental treatment plans.
Specialised facilities in treating special needs patients are provided at the Oral Health Centre on UQ’s Herston campus. You'll also gain clinical experience in the medical and surgical units of the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and other teaching hospitals in Brisbane, as well as at selected public dental sector associated clinics.
Fields of study
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Dento-Maxillofacial Radiology
In this field of study, you'll become familiar with advanced imaging techniques at the Oral Health Centre on UQ’s Herston campus and visiting sessions at medical radiology practices and the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.
Cone beam imaging is a major component of this field of study.
Endodontics
In this field of study, you'll acquire knowledge on the recent developments in endodontics and professional practice, as well as knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to endodontic practice.
You'll gain exposure to interrelated disciplines through participation in coursework, seminars and tutorials with students in other disciplines.
Oral Medicine
The program includes rotations in oncology, dermatology, pain diagnosis and management, sleep medicine, and soft and hard tissue pathology, including salivary gland disorders.
Graduates often work in a multidisciplinary environment to ensure the best outcomes for patients. There may also be the opportunity through an MOU between UQ and the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons to obtain a FRACDS fellowship (Oral Medicine special stream), which can be used as a post-nominal.
Orthodontics
You'll study cephalometric theory and practice, craniofacial anatomy, development and morphology, biological force systems and their application, radiology and radiography techniques.
Major clinical pursuits include orthodontics, diagnosis and management of dental and craniofacial anomalies, cleft lip and palate, and management of complex malocclusions.
Your clinical work will be undertaken at the Oral Health Centre on UQ’s Herston campus and teaching hospital facilities, such as the Cleft Clinic at Queensland Children's Hospital, and orthognathic surgery through the Maxillofacial Unit (Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital).
Periodontics
You'll study immunology, microbiology, oral medicine and clinical oral pathology, biology of the periodontium and pulp, periodontal restorative interrelationships, implantology and radiology.
You'll gain experience treating patients referred to the periodontal clinic, in addition to regular case presentation sessions and clinical tutorials.
You will learn a range of periodontal treatments during clinical training, including conservative, surgical, regenerative and mucogingival periodontal therapies. You will also gain skills in advanced case planning and regenerative and augmentation procedures.
Prosthodontics
You'll be taught advanced concepts in prosthodontics through a seminar and tutorial program and clinical training.
You'll gain exposure to interrelated disciplines through participation in coursework, seminars and tutorials with students in other disciplines.
Special Needs Dentistry
You'll be trained at postgraduate level to provide special methods or techniques to prevent or treat oral health problems and develop special dental treatment plans.
Specialised facilities in treating special needs patients are provided at the Oral Health Centre on UQ’s Herston campus. You'll also gain clinical experience in the medical and surgical units of the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital and other teaching hospitals in Brisbane, as well as at selected public dental sector associated clinics.
Fees and Scholarships
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
Indicative annual fee
AUD $73,072
Indicative annual fee 2021
This indicative annual fee is the cost of enrolling in the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry for the 2021 academic year. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units per academic year).
If you enrol in a larger or smaller study load, your fees will be calculated on a proportionate basis. All fees are reviewed annually.
FEE-HELP
Domestic students who are accepted into the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry pay tuition fees.
FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their tuition fees.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Indicative annual fee
AUD $59,360
Indicative annual fee 2020
Fee information for 2021 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2020.
This indicative annual fee is the average cost of enrolling in the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry at 2021 fee rates. It is calculated based on a standard full-time study load (16 units per academic year).
The average fee would be less for part-time study. Actual fees will vary according to your choice of courses, their unit value and the time you take to complete this program. Fees may be higher in later years as all fees are reviewed annually.
Additional costs
- Annual CPR re-certification (approximately $60 per year)
- Dental Board registration (approx total $2,640)
- Senior First Aid Certificate (including CPR) (approximately $155 renewed every 3 years)
- Laptop computer (value at student's discretion)
- Costs for vaccinations and serology are the responsibility of the student and will vary based on individual and program requirements.
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
Scholarships
Make your university experience more affordable with a scholarship. Opportunities include:
How to apply
Applying online
All international applications should be submitted to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.
The program code for the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry is 5616.
Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study
Applying online
All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.
The program code for the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry is 5616.
Find out more about applying for postgraduate coursework study
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying - or if you have any questions about Uni - get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
Keep up to date
Sign up to get information about applying and studying at UQ.