Doctor of Dental Surgery

The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at University of Melbourne is the first Australian professional-entry, master’s-level dental degree. Based on advanced, evidenced-based clinical training, the degree leads to registration as a general dental practitioner with the Dental Practice Board in Australia and New Zealand, and creates a pathway to enter the Master of Philosophy, PhD or Doctor of Clinical Dentistry.

The DDS uses the latest scientific evidence in oral health to impart the expertise, skills and knowledge related to all areas of clinical dental practice. It includes the teaching of advanced treatment options such as dental implants, all-ceramic restorations and use of advanced materials.

The course is delivered by highly qualified academics, with research experience from leading universities around the world. The program emphasis is on pre-clinical practical classes and clinical patient treatments in all specialties of dentistry. All studies are conducted with the underpinning ethos of prevention of dental disease for which the Melbourne Dental School has a world-renowned reputation.

Located in Carlton, the Melbourne Dental School is an advanced learning environment at the forefront of oral health, state-of-the-art technologies and international collaborations, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

Course description

As part of the four year full-time degree, students spend significant time in provision of patient care, and clinical methods, as well as undertake a two-year research project in oral health. In the final year, students have the unique opportunity to experience working in a private practice setting, where they will learn how to run a small dental clinic.

The Doctor of Dental Surgery creates a new benchmark of education in dentistry. Employing state-of-the-art technologies, the Doctor of Dental Surgery uses new learning infrastructure, including a 100 seat pre-clinical laboratory and the new Melbourne University Dental Clinic, for advanced clinical teaching.

The DDS experience is where students will learn how to plan, seek and attain ethics approval. Students also complete, analyse and finally prepare a research project for publication and oral presentation at the School research day.

Please note: Expected costs for first year DDS students will be in the order of $5,000 AUD for equipment that will be used throughout the course.

Recent information session

Doctor of Dental Surgery Information Session: 2025 Intake

When:  Tuesday 23 April 2024, 6.00-7.00pm AEST

Hear from Deputy Head of Melbourne Dental School and DDS Course Director, Associate Professor Rebecca Wong, and learn more about the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). This will also be an opportunity for you to ask questions and meet a current student and find out more about their DDS experience.

Watch recording