Bachelor of Dental Surgery
at Adelaide University, South Australia.
A five-year ADC-accredited dentistry degree at the Adelaide City Campus. Adelaide University reported fewer than five ATAR-based offers (<5) for Semester 1, 2026, so no selection rank is published. SACE prerequisites are one of Stage 2 Chemistry, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics or Physics, plus one of Biology, Earth and Environmental Science, Chemistry or Physics.
Lowest selection rank
Adelaide University has not published a lowest selection rank for this course for recent intakes. That usually means too few ATAR-based offers were made to report one, or that selection also uses a portfolio, audition, interview or other criteria. Check the current entry requirements on the official course page.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
Brush up on each prerequisite with our state-syllabus explainers and dot points.
What you will study
The degree takes a holistic, preventive approach to oral health care using an integrated learning approach. Students study the normal structure and function of the body and the oral cavity, evidence-based care and professional practice, with clinical experience from day one.
Placement and industry experience
Students undertake compulsory clinical placements in a range of clinic settings from first year, building professional and practical skills.
Career outcomes
- Graduates work as registered dentists in SA Dental, private general practice across Adelaide and regional SA, and community dental services after AHPRA registration.
- First-year jobs typically include the SA Dental Service graduate program, rural practice in Whyalla and Mount Gambier, and Adelaide private practices.
- Many alumni pursue specialty training (orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, paediatric dentistry) at the Adelaide Dental Hospital or interstate.
Professional accreditation
- Australian Dental Council (ADC)
- Dental Board of Australia registration eligible
Typical first jobs
- General dentist in the SA Dental Service graduate program
- General dentist in private practice across Adelaide
- Rural and regional dentist in Whyalla, Mount Gambier or the Riverland
- Dentist in community and Aboriginal health services
- Defence Force dental officer (with ADF sponsorship)
- Specialist dental trainee (after general-practice experience)
Graduate starting salary
$80,000 - $95,000 per year
Source: qilt.edu.au. Last reviewed 2026-05-24.
After graduation
The degree is accredited by the Australian Dental Council, so graduates are eligible to apply for registration as dentists with the Dental Board of Australia.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students with strong biology and chemistry foundations and manual dexterity
- Those comfortable with close, hands-on patient work
- People with strong concentration for fine clinical procedures
- Students prepared for a five-year highly structured pathway
- Those willing to do regional and community placement blocks
It is probably not for you if
- Students uncomfortable with fine motor work in confined spaces (the mouth)
- Those unwilling to treat real patients from second year
- Anyone uncomfortable with the high accreditation and registration burden
- Students who want a research-only or office-based career
Careers this leads to
Australian career pathways that name this Bachelor of Dental Surgery as an entry route. Each page shows uni, TAFE and apprenticeship alternatives.
Related courses at Adelaide University
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and selection ranks on the Adelaide University website and on SATAC before applying.