Doctor of Clinical Dentistry
Overview
If you're a general dentist looking to specialise, the 3-year Doctor of Clinical Dentistry postgraduate program will prepare you for specialist registration and practice.
Advance your career as a dental specialist with UQ’s Doctor of Clinical Dentistry.
Designed for qualified general dentists looking to specialise, this 3-year postgraduate program will prepare you for specialist registration and practice in the following areas:
- Dento-maxillofacial radiology
- Endodontics
- Oral medicine
- Orthodontics
- Periodontics (accredited program by European Federation of Periodontology)
- Prosthodontics
- Special needs dentistry
You’ll study at UQ’s state-of-the-art Oral Health Centre — a $138 million facility located at the Herston campus.
The program will provide you with 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 of scientific methodology, research and clinical practice.
You'll undertake extensive clinical placements at the Oral Health Centre, as well as public dental sector-associated clinics and external healthcare facilities in South East Queensland.
You'll 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.
Program highlights
- Benefit from interdisciplinary learning and patient care at the state-of-the-art Oral Health Centre, with the most modern equipment, technologies and teaching methods.
- Take advantage of collegial support and interaction with leading specialists from your first week of study.
- Maintain a research focus throughout the program under internationally renowned academics.
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
Placements and work experience
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
- Data Collection & Analyses
- Research Completion & Report
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
- Specialist in special needs dentistry
- Dento-maxillofacial radiologist
- Endodontist
- Oral medicine specialist
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
Having the opportunity to study under internationally renowned periodontists has been invaluable, and the extensive clinical experience combined with excellent supervisor support has truly set me up for success.
I loved the multidisciplinary opportunities with this program. Working on a complex case across orthodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics showed how collaborative care can transform not just a smile, but a patient’s confidence and quality of life.
This program stood out for its strong clinical training, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and strong research focus, which aligned with my professional goals. I’ve also appreciated the strong support from supervisors and academic staff, who are approachable and committed to our learning.
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
Having the opportunity to study under internationally renowned periodontists has been invaluable, and the extensive clinical experience combined with excellent supervisor support has truly set me up for success.
I loved the multidisciplinary opportunities with this program. Working on a complex case across orthodontics, periodontics and prosthodontics showed how collaborative care can transform not just a smile, but a patient’s confidence and quality of life.
This program stood out for its strong clinical training, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and strong research focus, which aligned with my professional goals. I’ve also appreciated the strong support from supervisors and academic staff, who are approachable and committed to our learning.
Events
See all events
9 June
Master of Physiotherapy information webinar
Stories
See all stories
UQ people
Lydia's journey to becoming a special needs dentist
6-minute read
UQ people
Meet the expert: exploring dentistry with Nicole Stormon
3-minute read
UQ people
Special needs dentistry: insights from Dr Claudia Lopez Silva
4-minute read
Stories
See all storiesUQ people
Lydia's journey to becoming a special needs dentist
6-minute read
UQ people
Meet the expert: exploring dentistry with Nicole Stormon
3-minute read
UQ people
Special needs dentistry: insights from Dr Claudia Lopez Silva
4-minute read
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
To be eligible for entry, you'll need:
- Hold a degree in dentistry from UQ (or equivalent)
- Have a minimum two years of graduate clinical experience.
- Hold general or limited registration with the Dental Board of Australia.
- You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification. [Note the GPA cut-off for 2024 was 5.2].
Applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander who meet the minimum entry requirements for this program will be offered an interview. On admission to the program, you will need to provide evidence of your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status.
- Hold a degree in dentistry from UQ (or equivalent)
- Have a minimum two years of graduate clinical experience.
- Hold general or limited registration with the Dental Board of Australia.
- You must have a grade point average (GPA) of 4.0 on a 7-point scale in your previous qualification. [Note the GPA cut-off for 2024 was 5.2].
Applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander who meet the minimum entry requirements for this program will be offered an interview. On admission to the program, you will need to provide evidence of your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status.
Relevant disciplines for previous qualifications
Hold 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.
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 2024 was 5.2. 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 (including Paper Edition) - Overall 100, listening 25, reading 25, writing 27, speaking 23.
PTE Academic - Overall 72, sub bands minimum 72.
CES - Overall 185, All sub bands minimum 185.
BE and OET are not accepted.
There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.
Inherent requirements
To complete this degree, you have to meet its inherent requirements by demonstrating essential skills and attributes. Read the inherent requirements before you apply.
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 Student (GS) requirement.
Additional application information
Additional application information
Fields of study
Fields of study
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Fields of study
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
$64,264
2026
Approximate yearly cost of full-time tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
AUD $93,736
2026
Additional costs
- Digital Camera (value at student's discretion)
- Annual CPR re-certification (approximately $80 per year)
- Annual Dental Board registration ($362)
- First Aid Certificate (including CPR) (approximately $130 renewed every 3 years)
- Laptop computer (value at student's discretion)
- Scrubs (approximately $90 per set)
- Costs for vaccinations and serology are the responsibility of the student and will vary based on individual and program requirements.
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.
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.
Scholarships
You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:
How to apply
Applying online
All international applications should be submitted to UQ. If you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent near you.
The program code for the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry is 5616.
Applying online
All domestic applications should be submitted to UQ.
The program code for the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry is 5616.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 1 - August 31 of the previous year.
Visa processing times vary. Apply and accept your offer as early as you can.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
The closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 1 - August 31 of the previous year.
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 university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (ATSIS) Unit.
Explore other programs
Express yourself. And your interest.
They say choosing a degree is hard, which is why we've made it easy. Register your interest and we'll send you everything you need to know about applying to UQ.