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The University of Western Australia (UWA)

  • 22% international / 78% domestic

Doctor of Clinical Dentistry

  • Doctorate (PhD)

The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) is a three-year, full-time specialist training program for qualified dentists.

Key details

Degree Type
Doctorate (PhD)
Course Code
90840, 068911K
Study Mode
In person

About this course

The DClinDent is a degree by coursework and includes a supervised research project and report. Coursework covers topics in biostatistics, research methodology, oral and maxillofacial radiography and radiology, practical aspects of specialist dentistry and discipline-oriented research. The program involves didactic teaching, weekly seminars, journal clubs and clinics combined with a supervised research project. Interdisciplinary teaching and research opportunities are available. The research methodology and the research project are worth 25 per cent of the degree. The research work must be presented as a formal research report/dissertation, and in some disciplines there may be an extra requirement that the research report must be submitted to suitable professional journals for consideration for publication. Additional training is provided in the practical aspects of extended patient care and patient-oriented research in the specialised field of dentistry, including the ethics of clinical research and effective communication of clinical research results.

Entry requirements

Admission requirements

If you're interested in furthering your career by studying this postgraduate course, find out the admission details below

COMPETITIVE ENTRY PROCESS
Application Checklist

Entry into the DClinDent is on a competitive basis with places being offered to the highest ranked applicants as assessed by the Dental School.

COMPETITIVE ENTRY PROCESS
Application Checklist

Entry into the DClinDent is on a competitive basis with places being offered to the highest ranked applicants as assessed by the Dental School. To be considered, ensure that you provide the following with your application:

  • Evidence of general dental qualification, including degree transcripts.

  • Dental Registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Students must be registered to practice dentistry in Australia throughout the duration of the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry course. Applicants who do not hold AHPRA Dental Registration will be assessed by the Dental School regarding their eligibility for AHPRA Limited Registration to practice dentistry in Australia.
  • English language competency - this course has a
    higher level English language competency (ELC) requirement
    :

  • Evidence of current AHPRA Dental Registration will meet the ELC requirement for this course.
  • Applicants who do not hold current AHPRA Dental Registration can meet the ELC requirement via one of the following tests:
    • IELTS (Academic) with a minimum overall score of 7.0 and no band less than 7.0.
    • Pearson Test of English (PTE) (Academic) with an overall score of at least 65 and no sub-score less than 65.
    • TOEFL iBT with an overall score of at least 94, a minimum score of 23 in the Speaking band, 24 in the Listening and Reading bands, and 27 in the Writing band.

    Please note - The University doesn't recognise OET, NZREX, or PLAB.


  • Curriculum Vitae showing dental experience. A minimum two years of professional experience as a general dentist is required, or the equivalent if there has been periods of part-time work.

  • Personal statement outlining your interest in your chosen specialisation.

  • Two referee reports on the required template: download the DClinDent Referee Report Template (PDF)

  • Optional: advise whether you are intending to sit or have completed the Primary Examination for Fellowship or the MRACDS (GDP) for Membership of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, or equivalent, as recognised by UWA. Examples of exams that may be considered for equivalency are the MJDF Part 1, The Royal College of Surgeons of England or the MFDS Part 1, The Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, or the MFD part 1 Examination of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland.

Contact the Admissions team should you require further advice regarding these requirements.

Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have-
(a) a Bachelor of Dental Science, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and
(b) at least two years of full-time professional experience or equivalent in the practice of general dentistry;
and
(c) current registration as a dentist in Australia.
Applicants must be eligible and remain registered for the duration of the course.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to this course an applicant must have-
(a) a Bachelor of Dental Science, or an equivalent qualification, as recognised by UWA;
and
(b) at least two years of full-time professional experience or equivalent in the practice of general dentistry;
and
(c) current registration as a dentist in Australia.
Applicants must be eligible and remain registered for the duration of the course.
Doctor of Clinical Dentistry Program
Applications

Applications for 2026 commencement open 1 February and close 30 April 2025

Refer to the DCD application checklist on the admissions tab for information on documentation is required by the due date, and contact the Admissions team should you have any queries.

Apply via the online application portal: uwa.edu.au/apply


Doctor of Clinical Dentistry Program
Applications
Ranking and Selection Process
Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on-
(a) personal statement addressing; research expertise; years of clinical experience and training; other relevant training;
and
(b) interview;
and
(c) two referees reports
(d) desirable - passed the Primary Examination for Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.
Ranking and Selection Process

Where relevant, admission will be awarded to the highest ranked applicants or applicants selected based on-
(a) personal statement addressing; research expertise; years of clinical experience and training; other relevant training;
and
(b) interview;
and
(c) two referees reports
(d) desirable - passed the Primary Examination for Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons.

Study locations

Perth

Career pathways

Careers and further study

Explore the career opportunities available to you.

Career Pathways
The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (90840) program is accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC). Upon graduation, individuals are eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHpra), allowing them to practice as a specialist dentist in their chosen field across Australia. The course consists of didactic work, clinical practice, laboratory and research work.
Career Pathways The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (90840) program is accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC). Upon graduation, individuals are eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHpra), allowing them to practice as a specialist dentist in their chosen field across Australia. The course consists of didactic work, clinical practice, laboratory and research work.
Further Study
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Further Study Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Course structure

Core

Take all units (18 points):

Endodontics specialisation

Take all units (126 points):

Oral Medicine specialisation

Take all units (126 points):

Orthodontics specialisation

Take all units (126 points):

Paediatric Dentistry specialisation

Take all units (126 points):

Periodontics specialisation

Take all units (126 points):

Prosthodontics specialisation

Graduate outcomes

Graduate satisfaction and employment outcomes for Dentistry courses at The University of Western Australia (UWA).
60.5%
Overall satisfaction
69.8%
Skill scale
46.5%
Teaching scale
91.2%
Employed full-time
Data source

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