Dreaming of a rewarding How to Become a Dentist in Australia ? Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a university student, or a foreign-trained dentist, the journey to becoming a dentist in Australia is structured, rigorous, and full of opportunity. This guide from Atlas Dental Scholars walks you through every step of the process — from education to licensure — helping you plan your pathway with clarity and confidence.

Step 1: Understand the Role of a Dentist in Australia

Dentists in Australia are responsible for diagnosing, preventing, and treating oral health issues. Their scope of practice includes general dentistry, orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, and more. To practice legally, all dentists must be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and meet the standards of the Dental Board of Australia.

Step 2: Choose Your Pathway — Local vs International

The journey differs based on whether you are:

• A domestic student completing school in Australia


• An international student who wants to study and work in Australia


• A foreign-qualified dentist seeking recognition and licensure

Let’s break down these paths.

Pathway 1: For Australian High School Graduates

If you’re in Australia and still in school, the typical route is:

1.1. Complete Year 12 (High School)

Ensure you meet the prerequisites in subjects like biology, chemistry, and mathematics. Your final high school exam results (ATAR score) must be competitive — often 95+ — for dental programs.

1.2. Enroll in an Accredited Dental Program

Australian universities offer two types of dental degrees:

• Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc)


• Bachelor of Oral Health (for oral health therapists and hygienists)

Leading dental schools include:

• The University of Sydney


• The University of Melbourne


• The University of Queensland


• Griffith University


• James Cook University

Programs are 5 years in duration and include academic, clinical, and community practice components.

1.3. Register with AHPRA

After completing your degree, apply for registration with the Dental Board of Australia via AHPRA. You must meet English language proficiency and professional standards.

Pathway 2: For International Students

International students can also study dentistry in Australia by:

2.1. Meeting Academic Requirements

You’ll need strong grades in science subjects, proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS), and sometimes pass an admissions test like the UCAT ANZ.

2.2. Applying to an Accredited Dental Program

Apply through the international office of each university.  Atlas Dental Scholars Tuition for international students ranges from AUD 60,000–80,000 per year.

2.3. Student Visa

Obtain a Subclass 500 student visa, including Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

2.4. Registration Post-Graduation

On successful completion of an accredited course, apply to AHPRA for registration and begin your practice or apply for postgraduate training.

Pathway 3: For Overseas-Trained Dentists

Dentists trained outside Australia must get their qualifications assessed and pass competency exams.

3.1. Qualification Assessment

Submit your documents to the Australian Dental Council (ADC). If deemed eligible, you’ll proceed to examinations.

3.2. ADC Examination Process

There are three main stages:

• Initial Assessment: Submit academic and professional documents.


• Written Examination: Two-day computer-based exam assessing clinical knowledge.


• Practical Examination: Hands-on test of clinical skills and patient care.

Preparation is key. Atlas Dental Scholars provides coaching and guidance for passing these high-stakes exams.

3.3. Apply for Registration

Once you pass all ADC assessments, apply for general registration with AHPRA.

Specializations and Further Education

After registering as a general dentist, you can specialize by completing a 3-4 year postgraduate program in fields like:

• Orthodontics


• Endodontics


• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery


• Prosthodontics

These programs are competitive and require clinical experience and entrance exams.

Costs and Financial Considerations

Here’s a rough estimate of the financial investment involved:

• Undergraduate Dental Degree (domestic): AUD 10,000–15,000/year


• Undergraduate Dental Degree (international): AUD 60,000–80,000/year


• ADC Examination Process: AUD 10,000–15,000 total


• Registration & Licensing Fees: AUD 500–1,000


• Living Expenses: AUD 20,000–30,000/year

Many students apply for government loans (HECS-HELP for citizens), scholarships, or part-time work.

Why Choose Australia?

• High global ranking of dental schools


• Diverse, multicultural learning environment


• Strong healthcare infrastructure


• Excellent career prospects and work-life balance


• Pathway to permanent residency and citizenship

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Final Thoughts: Your Success Partner — Atlas Dental Scholars

Whether you're preparing for undergraduate admissions, ADC exams, or specialization, NDEB Coaching in India offers personalized coaching, mentorship, and comprehensive study plans. We specialize in supporting international and Indian-trained dentists navigate the licensing pathway and succeed in Australia.

If you're serious about becoming a dentist in Australia, contact Atlas Dental Scholars today and take the first confident step toward your dental career.

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