Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Special Needs Dentistry)
Duration: 3 Year(s)
The University of Sydney
Sydney, New South Wales (NSW), Australia
Course TypeDoctorate
Course Specialty
General Dentistry
Overview
- The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Special Needs Dentistry) at the University of Sydney is designed for qualified dentists who wish to specialise in the care of patients with special needs—those who face barriers to standard dental care due to disability, medical complexity, behavioural or cognitive issues, or other factors.
- Over three years of full-time study (144 credit points), students follow a structured sequence of units that build from foundational research methods and special needs dentistry I/II, through to advanced clinical units in later semesters (Special Needs Dentistry III-VI) and a research/clinical studies component.
- The curriculum combines clinical experiences in specialist settings (often treating complex patients in hospital-based or referral centres), didactic seminars, supervised specialist practice, and research studies. Students will gain skills in assessment, treatment planning, sedation/anaesthesia options, behaviour management, multidisciplinary care, referral systems, and advocacy for vulnerable patient groups.
- Graduates of this programme are well placed to obtain specialist registration in Special Needs Dentistry and to work in hospital dental departments, specialist private practice, community health services, or academia. They play a key role in improving access to oral care for medically or socially vulnerable populations.
Admission Intake
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Fee (INR):
-
Stipend (INR):
-
Accomodation:
Hostel Facility
Scholarship:
-
Eligibility
- Hold a recognised dental qualification (e.g., BDS, DMD) from an approved institution.
- Be eligible for or hold registration (or limited registration for postgraduate training) with the relevant dental regulatory body for the jurisdiction.
- Demonstrate interest and commitment to specialist practice in special needs dentistry (experience may strengthen application).
- For international applicants: meet English language proficiency, credential equivalence, and any “inherent requirements” for specialist clinical training.
- Must be able to undertake full-time specialist training (3 years) with associated clinical and research components.
Minimum Education
BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery)
Admission Process:
- Ensure you hold the required dental qualification and meet professional registration eligibility.
- Prepare your application, including academic transcripts, dental registration/licensure evidence, CV demonstrating dental practice experience (general practice and possibly relevant experience with special needs patients), evidence of English language proficiency (if required).
- Submit an online application via the University of Sydney specialist dentistry admissions portal for the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Special Needs Dentistry) before the deadline.
- The School assesses applications on academic merit, professional registration status, dental practice experience, suitability for specialist training and may include interview/portfolio review.
- If offered a place, accept the offer by the deadline, complete enrolment formalities, including any pre-placement checks (health, immunisation, police check, working with children etc.).
- Commence full-time specialist training (3 years); complete all required units, clinical placements, supervised specialist practice, research/clinical study components and meet the progression and competency requirements for specialist registration.
