詹姆斯库克大学

Gain a comprehensive education in oral health and healthcare in Australia and train to meet the need for highly-skilled dentists in rural, remote and Indigenous communities.

What to expect

Study the foundational theory of dental science and the promotion of oral healthcare in underserved communities. Train alongside experienced, supportive professionals and explore issues of concern, particularly relating to tropical, rural and indigenous practice.

Be equipped with practical work skills in JCU’s world-class dental teaching complex, with a state-of-the-art clinical simulation laboratory. Apply your theoretical knowledge as you assess, diagnose and perform dental work on real patients. Expand your network and experience through extensive professional placements.

JCU Dental Surgery students graduate in high demand, with a broad range of knowledge and skills to stand out in a competitive field.

Career opportunities

JCU Dental Surgery graduates are healthcare practitioners who are sought-after in a variety of healthcare settings.

Graduates pursue careers as dentists in various areas including private practice, hospitals, community health services, The Australian Defence Force, education, or research.

This course is accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC) and graduates can apply for membership of the Dental Board of Australia.

Course learning outcomes

The James Cook University Bachelor of Dental Surgery will prepare graduates to be dental health practitioners who meet the professional attributes and competencies of the newly qualified dentist as defined by the Australian Dental Council.

On successful completion of the course, the graduate will be able to:

Apply an understanding of clinical and scientific principles and health and safety requirements related to the management of oral and dental conditions across all population groups in the community

Review legal responsibilities and ethical and social justice principles to ensure respect for all patients, independent of culture, language or background, particularly in relation to confidentiality and consent

Assess the oral health and preventive care requirements of individuals and populations especially in regional, rural, remote, Indigenous and tropical contexts and where necessary, formulate, implement and evaluate diagnosis, management and/or referral plans

Practise comprehensive dentistry in a range of clinical environments which include community sites within regional, rural, remote, Indigenous and tropical contexts

Retrieve, critically evaluate and apply evidence and research methods in clinical dental practice

Communicate clearly and coherently through English language and numeracy proficiency, appropriate for patients, families, colleagues and professional audiences

Promote and optimise oral and dental health at the individual and community level

Reflect on current knowledge, skills and attitudes and plan ongoing professional development to ensure the capacity to deliver current best practice.