Bachelor of Dental Surgery
at James Cook University, Queensland.
A five-year dentistry degree at Cairns with a focus on tropical, rural and Indigenous practice. Prerequisites are English, Mathematical Methods and Chemistry (Units 3 and 4, C); Biology is recommended. Applicants also submit a JCU application form.
Lowest selection rank
The lowest selection rank (LSR) is the lowest ATAR plus adjustment factors (equity, subject and regional bonuses) that received an offer to the JCU Bachelor of Dental Surgery for that intake. Universities publish it in their admissions student profiles. Only intakes with a published figure are listed.
| Intake | Lowest selection rank | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 86.95 | qtac.edu.au |
| 2025 | 87.00 | qtac.edu.au |
A lowest selection rank describes a past intake, not a guaranteed entry score. Check the current entry requirements on the official course page before you apply through QTAC.
Prerequisite Year 12 subjects
Brush up on each prerequisite with our state-syllabus explainers and dot points.
What you will study
The broad-based program covers all aspects of dental practice, integrating basic sciences with dental clinical sciences and preventive oral health strategies. Clinical skills are taught from early in the course. The final year is dedicated entirely to clinical experience, with placements in Queensland Health dental facilities across northern Queensland. Part-time study is not permitted from the second half of Year 2.
Placement and industry experience
Students undertake clinical placements at dental facilities across northern Queensland, and the final year is spent entirely in clinical practice. Immunisation evidence, first aid and CPR certificates, a Blue Card and blood-borne virus testing are required.
Career outcomes
- Graduates work as registered dentists in tropical, rural and remote northern Queensland communities, Queensland Health public dental services and private practice.
- First-year jobs typically include the Queensland Health new graduate dentist program, private practice in Cairns, Townsville and the Atherton Tablelands.
- Many alumni pursue specialty training (paediatric dentistry, special needs dentistry, oral surgery) or roles in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services.
Professional accreditation
- Australian Dental Council (ADC)
Typical first jobs
- General dentist in Queensland Health public dental clinics
- General dentist in private practice in Cairns, Townsville or the Tablelands
- Rural and remote dentist across north Queensland
- Dentist with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 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
Graduates can register as dentists with the Dental Board of Australia and work in public, private, rural and Indigenous dental services.
Is this the right degree for you?
You probably thrive here if
- Students with strong biological-science 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 drawn to rural, remote and Indigenous oral health
It is probably not for you if
- Students uncomfortable with fine motor work in confined spaces (the mouth)
- Those unwilling to work on real patients early in the degree
- 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 JCU
Sources
Course details are summarised by ExamExplained, not copied from the university. Confirm course content and selection ranks on the James Cook University website and on QTAC before applying.