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Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)

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Applications for 2013 entry are open.

The Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) embraces recent advances in educational research and delivery and will be delivered in a blended mode. Key features include research informed learning and decision making with the inclusion of a distinct research component, recognition and utilization of graduate attributes, problem-based and self-directed learning, together with self-evaluation. The clinical component of the course has a strong and early emphasis, with patient-based clinical experience commencing in the first year. The use of new technologies is central to the delivery of the DMD program.




Further information on the DMD

The Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) is categorised as a professional postgraduate coursework degree, at the Master’s degree level because it accepts only graduates and uses postgraduate learning and teaching principles and methods. It is the initial professional entry degree to register as a dentist. The DMD fits within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) specifications for the Masters Degree (Extended) Australian Qualifications Framework Level 9. The DMD is distinct from the Faculty’s Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) which is the specialist degree following on from the first professional degree.

The duration of the course is four years and requires a previous Bachelors degree and, commencing in 2013, Human Biology to the equivalent of the University of Sydney BIOL1003. The DMD is open to applicants who have completed a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from an accredited University, including international institutions. Graduates of the DMD program will be fully qualified to practice dentistry upon completion of the degree, as well as being able to sit for the Dental Examining Board of Canada (DEB) examination to practice as a dentist (in Canada).

Please note there is no provision to transfer to the DMD from a Dentistry degree conducted at another university as candidates are required to have completed an undergraduate degree and the course delivery methods and sequencing are diferent. The Faculty does not conduct bridging courses for overseas trained dentists. If you wish to apply for the DMD, you are required to complete the full four year program. There are no credits granted for previous study.

Applications are sought from local and international students who have demonstrated academic excellence, adhere to the highest levels of professionalism and are keen to develop leadership capacity. The Federal Government is currently considering how it will provide long-term funding of postgraduate programs across the entire tertiary sector, and the outcomes of this review may impact the extent to which the Faculty of Dentistry can continue to offer commonwealth supported places (CSP) in the DMD for domestic students commencing in 2013. Until the University knows the Government¹s final policy on this issue, information on the availability of CSPs in the DMD for commencing domestic students in 2013 is not able to be provided. Applicants can still nominate for a CSP place and updates will be provided when known on the website.

For 2013, the course fees for the Doctor of Dental Medicine are as follows:

Local fee-paying students: AUD$53,520
International fee-paying students: AUD$63,120

Aims of the Doctor of Dental Medicine

In recent years, the roles of the dental health care provider have changed considerably. Effective preventive measures, rapid advances in biomedical and genetic research and the development of new dental technologies and materials are just some of the factors that have altered the scope and challenges of modern dentistry. The aging of the population has led to an increase in chronic and multi-system illness and an associated increase in complex pharmacological management. There is also an increasing expectation that all health care providers adopt an evidence-based approach, ensuring that their patients receive the most effective treatment available.

The Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) recognises these professional needs in the design and content of the DMD and also recognises academic maturity and graduate outcomes that students with a previous Bachelors degree possess in order to build on these qualities to:

  • gain, qualitatively and quantitatively, greater patient-based experience;
  • support research informed decisions through critique of available information and defend their treatment decisions as the most appropriate under the unique circumstances as presented by individual patients;
  • equip students with the confidence to accept supervised clinical responsibilities away from the parent institution and to embark on national and international electives from the end of Year 2 onwards;
  • develop leadership skills which distinguish the University of Sydney graduates and contribute to the dental profession, academia and public health service as ambassadors, community educators and promoters of heath at community level;
  • in addition to professional and ethical values, enhance a social conscience and a sense of social responsibility and cultural awareness;
  • instill a passion for life-long learning through a critical approach to learning and opportunities for self-evaluation.

Decision of Sydney University to offer a Doctor of Dental Medicine

The decision of the University of Sydney to adopt the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) has resulted from a major curriculum review conducted during 2008-2010. This new postgraduate coursework degree is based on the North American postgraduate model, aligned to international standards, with a focus on contemporary postgraduate content and learning and teaching methods.

The Doctor of Dental Medicine is based on a full recognition of the greater level of academic maturity and higher level analytical, clinical and communication skills of postgraduate students. This allows for higher order learning with a greater emphasis on independent, self-directed study. Consequently it is expected that students will achieve quantitatively and qualitatively greater clinical ie patient based experience. Important features of the DMD include:

  • focusing medicine and health material in the dental context;
  • earlier patient-based clinical experience and increased clinical experience to be obtained in clinics in metropolitan, rural and remote areas;
  • science-based pre-requisite coursework;
  • utilising contemporary teaching and learning methods aligned to a course at a Masters degree level, with a considerably greater emphasis on electronic resources and self-directed learning to provide the foundation material/knowledge and then supported by tutorials to facilitate understanding and reflection.
  • development of graduates who consistently display higher-order cognitive skills to synthesise, integrate and translate research and knowledge to communication and clinical skills, and practice dentistry at the highest professional and ethical level.
  • a defined research component as foundation to an evidence-based approach to professional practice, clearly distinguishing the education from a skills-based approach. Furthermore this will prepare students for higher degree research studies and possible careers in research and or academia.
  • the development of leadership skills which distinguish the Sydney graduates and contribute to the dental profession, academia and public health services;
  • exposure, either in person or through mentoring, to international oral health activities.

Year structure overview

Year 1
During the first year of the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program, considerable focus is given to Integrated Life Sciences. The tutorial component requires students to listen to pre-recorded medical lectures and attend lectures which focus on dentally relevant medical learning and scenarios. Craniofacial Biology is presented on the Camperdown campuss. Select dentistry-focused learning is provided on the City and Westmead campuses. Additionally, one day per week is devoted specifically to learning dental skills in a simulated learning environment, predominantly at the Sydney Dental Hospital, including some sessions at the faculty’s other simulation facility at Westmead Hospital. Students learn and practise dental skills and techniques progressively in preparation for patient based clinical training by the middle of the second year. Underpinning Life and Biomedical Sciences knowledge provides a sound base from which students can build further knowledge as their level of sophistication and clinical experience grows. Students are also introduced to research and learn to perform a critical analysis of dentally relevant publications. Close to the completion of this first year, students are allocated patients, parents and/or caregivers and children in whom they promote oral health and perform oral hygiene and preventive oral health procedures. Students will be familiarised in the first weeks of Year 1 with information technology and research methodology which will equip them to commence a critical review of dental literature.
This inquiring approach underpins all learning during the full four years of the course.

Year 2
Throughout the process of acquiring pre-clinical and clinical skills, student importantly undergo personal and professional development to meet the high standards required to emerge as leaders in the profession. In Year 2, a reduced level of Integrated Life Science teaching continues and students commence the year with a course in Local Anaesthesia, with patient based Exodontia commencing in April. Simulated learning in restorative and endodontic procedures continue, preparing students for patient-based clinical training from the second semester onwards. Students also rotate between the Sydney Dental Hospital and the Westmead Centre for Oral Health situated at Westmead Hospital. Increasing didactic teaching of the other dental disciplines continue, together with select dentistry PBLs. Students commence their research project after having delivered proof of capabilities to critically analyse the dental literature.

Year 3
While students are now well prepared to enter the intensive clinical environments of the remainder of the course, simulated learning continues, alongside patient-based training, and by the end of Year 3, students will have acquired close to the the full scope of clinical procedures expected of newly qualified dentists. Equipped with the necessary professional attributes, students increasingly receive clinical training in metropolitan, rural and remote community clinics and gain a strong sense of the needs of the general Australian population. Work on the research project continues throughout this year.

Year 4
The final year of the Doctor of Dental Medicine commences with an intensive two-week course in Fixed Prosthodontics and Implantology. Following this, integrated learning continues through tutorial sessions, with the remaining time spent on honing clinical skills in metropolitan, rural and remote clinics. The research project is completed and submitted by the end of August for assessment.

Units of study

The Doctor of Dental Medicine is aligned to the oral health care needs of the Australian population on which the “Competencies of the newly graduated dentist” of the Australian Dental Board are based. The content is organised according to seven broadly defined disciplinary areas consisting of smaller Units of Study (UoS). These disciplinary areas constitute discipline clusters of closely related/cognate disciplines to promote/facilitate the delivery of the degree. While the didactic teaching is discipline based, once students commence patient-based training, disciplines are integrated as students acquire a greater scope of clinical skills.
The disciplinary areas are:


Integrated Life Sciences (total of 41 credit points)
This unit of study occupies a significant portion of learning in Year 1 and is incrementally replaced by clinically focused units of study as the course progresses. Foundation learning in addition to relevant online medical lectures are provided by the Sydney Medical School. A hybrid problem based learning model is followed by the acquisition of an understanding of the human organ systems. Dentistry students review information obtained from lectures, in small groups, facilitated by dentistry educators, to gain an integrated understanding of common medical problems and their dental relevance. A unit of Craniofacial Biology is undertaken which, together with general foundation studies, provides the foundation knowledge which strengthens the understanding of, and integration with, the clinical disciplines.

Research (total of 12 credit points)
This unit of study commences in Semester 1 of Year 1 with familiarising students with the library, conducting literature searches and managing information, followed by Evidence-Based Dental Practice and research methodology. Students, working in groups, submit a literature review during Year 2 and commence engaging in hands-on research. At the completion of this unit of study, students submit a manuscript in a format required for publication in a selected scientific journal. An important aim of this unit of study is to foster an evidence-based and strong inquiring approach to learning throughout the course.


Professional and Community Practice (total of 13 credit points)
This unit of study comprises three cognate disciplines namely Professional Practice, Population Oral Health and Primary Care Dentistry. The unit of study will commence in Year 1 by providing students with the knowledge, skills and attributes as members of a dental team, motivational communication skills, initial skills for managing anxious patients, together with oral health promotion and disease prevention. Students will also be introduced to the study of disease from a population perspective. Finally, students will be equipped with the necessary skills to successfully run a private practice.

Professional Practice aims to provide students with the knowledge of efficient and effective clinical operatory practice and applying occupational health and safety requirements in a team environment while delivering routine dental services. With the focus on professional and ethical conduct, with the patient’s interest as the primary priority, this unit equips students to run a successful private dental practice. Graduates will understand the implications of contractual obligations, equal employment requirements, generating income and fulfilling financial obligations. An important component of the teaching is effective communication skills for motivation and behaviour change that would be delivered in close association with Primary care Dentistry.

Primary Care Dentistry provides students with an understanding of the nature of dental caries including its clinical presentation, natural history, epidemiology, determinants, prevention (both primary and non-invasive secondary prevention). Students acquire the skills to apply both primary and non-invasive secondary preventive measures. The clinical component of this discipline, together with periodontics, constitutes students’ first patient-based clinical experience in Year 1 when parents/caregivers and children are motivated to maintain good oral health.

Population Oral Health aims to provide students with an understanding of how dental disease impacts on populations with Aboriginal communities, special needs and medically compromised groups, used as specific examples. In addition, the epidemiology of dental caries, periodontal disease and maxillofacial trauma are presented.


Comprehensive Care Dentistry A (total of 35 credit points)
This unit of study comprises the disciplines of Tooth Conservation, Endodontics, and a combined module of Trauma. It commences in Year 1 with simulation based training in Tooth Conservation, with patient-based restorative clinical experience commencing in Semester 2 Year 2 and continuing in an integrated manner as skills in other clinical disciplines are acquired.

Tooth Conservation covers clinical aspects of tooth conservation including treatment planning and handling patient concerns regarding restorative procedures and materials. Training commences early in Year 1 in a simulated learning environment where students are introduced to dental instrumentation and the dental operatory environment, together with simple restorative procedures. Complexity of restorative procedures increases throughout Years 2 and 3, with initial practice of all procedures in the simulation clinic.

Endodontics provides students with an understanding of anatomy, histology and physiology of the pulp-dentine complex, the aetiology of pulpal disease and the required treatment. Training commences in the simulation clinic in Year 2 and with students progressing to patient-based experience, first performing endodontic procedures on single canal teeth and in Year 3 and 4 on multi-canal teeth.

Trauma is a combined module and is presented collaboratively between the disciplines of Endodontics, Oral Surgery and Paediatric Dentistry. Students receive training in the management of minor trauma to the oral hard and soft tissue.


Comprehensive Care Dentistry B (total of 31 credit points)
This unit of study is a combination of Prostodontics, Implantology, Periodontology, Occlusion, and Geriatric Dentistry. The latter is a combined module and will be presented together with the discipline of Orthodontics.

Prosthodontics in its earliest teaching aims to introduce students to the discipline or oral rehabilitation. The program develops students’ skills in the handling of impression and cast materials, taking alginate impressions, and pouring up impressions to produce stone casts. Students are subsequentially provided with the knowledge to understand the consequences of tooth loss, replacing missing teeth, types of dentures, and components of partial and full dentures and their function. In Year 3, students are introduced to Fixed Prosthodontics which aims to provide students with the knowledge and skills related to principles and technique of preparing teeth for full coverage restorations and partial aesthetic restorations ie porcelain veneers, including provisional restorations, shade selection, cementation and clinical outcomes. The program progresses from pre-clinical skills and knowledge development to clinical application in second semester. In addition, students participate in a five day intensive clinical program at the beginning of Year 4 during which, in addition to full gold and ceramo-metal crowns and bridges, each student restores a single tooth with an all-ceramic crown, with in-house processing from pouring the impression, trimming and sectioning the die and Procera scanning.

Implantology introduces students to the application of dental implants in the Integrated Clinics and commences with a preclinical laboratory exercise for a single tooth. Specific treatment planning sessions in collaboration with the OMS guide students through decision making and work-up for single tooth implants and implant-retained overdentures; students assist during surgical and undertake prosthodontic procedures.

Periodontology covers normal anatomy and histology of periodontal tissue, the composition and role of oral biofilm and periodontal disease, the removal of biofilm, classification of periodontal disease and the treatment and periodontal maintenance and supplementary treatment. Students are introduced to this discipline in the early stages and together with caries management, it constitutes the earliest patient-based clinical experience which students undertake as part of their studies.

Occlusion provides students with information on the dynamics of the jaw-joint-muscle-tooth system (stomatognathic system), as a dynamic system for function with implications for patients’ function, nutrition and general health. This module adds to the introductory information on the handling of alginate impression materials, clinical procedures in recording a face bow transfer record and the applications of articulators taught in Years 1 and 2.

Geriatric Dentistry teaches students how to render comprehensive oral health care and teach prevention to a dynamic, diverse and rapidly growing elderly population. Students learn the complexity of aging, patient management and the importance of dentistry in total patient care. This module considers the dental needs of the rapidly changing and ethnically diverse geriatric population. It covers a wide range of lecture topics, from nutrition and aging to oral cancer and other pathologic lesions of the geriatric patient.


Orthodontics and Paediatric Dentistry (total of 17 credit points)
Both of these disciplines commence in Year 1 with an emphasis on the introduction of oral health education and disease prevention in childhood.

Orthodontics introduces students to orthodontics as a dental specialty and an understanding of the role it plays in general dentistry. Students gain an understanding of the concept of normal and malocclusion. Knowledge of craniofacial growth and development is acquired in a coordinated way together with basic histology and embryology to foster an understanding of the aetiology of orthodontic problems. Subsequent to this, students are able to diagnose different malocclusions, obtain and analyse necessary records and formulate a problem list with a tentative treatment plan. Students gain practical experience in the orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning process on real patients together with practical knowledge of the operation and mode of action of various orthodontic appliances, along with the indications for various appliances. In addition, students acquire an understanding of the common problems and complications associated with orthodontic treatment. Students gain an understanding of the process of comprehensive orthodontic treatment in the management of various malocclusions in different patient age groups, through observing specialists performing such treatment. The management of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) and how to diagnose and treat this condition is a further component to student experience in this module. The module will conclude with a series of seminars in Year 4 during which students have the opportunity to share information, put and have questions answered about their patients` treatment and share experiences and complications encountered during the course of treatment.

Paediatric Dentistry develops caring and professional dentists who have the basic knowledge and competency to manage paediatric patients in general dental practice and with the ability to maintain and update this knowledge. Teaching will focus on behaviour management, pain control, the management of caries and dental anomalies in paediatric patients, together with oral pathology and the management of paediatric patients with special needs.

Oral Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences (total of 19 credit points)
This unit of study comprises Oral Radiology, Oral Pathology and Medicine, Orofacial Pain, and Oral Surgery. The latter three disciplines are presented in an integrated manner in Years 3 and 4, while Oral Radiology is primarily delivered in Years 1 and 2 and subsequent to this is integrated in clinical practice.
Local Anaesthesia and a component of Exodontia are introduced in Year 2.

Oral Radiology guides students in the understanding of all terminology related to Dentomaxillofacial radiology and to gain the ability to apply the theory of physics and radiation biology, projection geometry and film/electronic sensor image acquisition and processing to clinical situations. Students also learn to recognise normal radiographic anatomy and identify caries and alveolar bone loss. Students practice taking bitewing radiographs of premolars and molars; periapical radiographs of the dentition using paralleling and bisecting angle techniques; film processing technique from the phase of exposure to the finished radiograph, using both conventional silver-halide-based film imaging and digital imaging, together with the accurate mounting of the radiographs and recording of patient details. In Year 3 students take and interpret Panoramic and Cephalometric extra-oral radiographs

Oral Pathology and Medicine assists students to develop a critical understanding of the maxillofacial and oral diseases as well as systemic diseases with oral manifestations that they may encounter in the course of their professional career and be called upon to diagnose, prevent and treat. The course aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to understand the epidemiology, the aetiology and pathogenesis of conditions that affect the oral and maxillofacial tissues. This will facilitate the diagnosis of the more common oral conditions or to assist students in arriving at a differential diagnosis thereby allowing for correct patient management or referral to relevant specialists for appropriate management.

Orofacial Pain provides an understanding of the assessment and diagnosis of orofacial pain and temporomandibular disorders. Students gain an understanding of anatomy and physiology of craniofacial structures including the temporomandibular joints, jaw muscles and trigeminal nerve and particularly of the peripheral nerve distribution of the major trigeminal nerve trunks and other cranial nerves, the anatomical relations of the structures they innervate, and their primary central connections.

Oral Surgery commences in Year 2 with a course in Local Anesthesia and exodontia whereby students are equipped with the appropriate knowledge and practical skills to safely administer local anaesthetics and carry out extraction of teeth. This module is designed to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills in the principles and practice of surgery. Emphasis is placed both on the technical aspects of surgery, as well as the integration of basic sciences to form the appropriate scientific basis for the clinical practice of surgery. The remainder of the course is presented in an integrated manner with Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine.

Integrated Clinical Dentistry (24 credit points)

This unit of study builds on the discipline specific training and the integrated clinic sessions completed in earlier years, this unit will enhance student’s ability to integrate all aspects of patient care within the full range of teaching environments, including metropolitan and rural placements, as well as the main teaching centres of SDH and WCOH. The UoS will enhance the development of a clear understanding of the scope of specialist services available to patients in each of the disciplines. In light of this, students will understand their limitations in providing aspects of patient care and will know when and where to refer patients for more specialised treatment. Students will also become competent in integrating their knowledge in treatment of medically compromised patients and be able to communicate effectively with a range of health practitioners to ensure the best possible standard of dental care.

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Admissions process

Before applying, please read the Admissions guidelines and FAQ (PDF) for DMD & MBBS applicants

Applications from medical graduates

There is no existing credit recognition between the MBBS and the DMD. The Faculty will, however, consider applications for the DMD from graduates of the MBBS from Sydney University, on the provision that there has been no remediation, without the graduating student needing to satisfy the aforementioned requirements for admission to the degree (however, a formal application is required).



Domestic Candidates

Domestic Student

Admission Requirements

The three basic admissions criteria involve performance in:

  1. A minimum Grade Point Average of 5.5 (7.0 scale) in any Bachelor degree
  2. The Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT)
  3. The Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI)


Please Note: Offers of admission are made by the Dean. At the University of Sydney, the Dean of a Faculty is responsible for the admission of candidates to courses within that Faculty subject to the policies of the Senate and the Academic Board and the authority of the Vice-Chancellor: clause 37.2 of the University of Sydney (Amendment Act) Rule 1999.

The Dean in exercising his/her responsibility in making any decision will abide by University policies in relation to admission to the Faculty of Dentistry award courses, including those that specify that applications for admissions, are considered according to the criteria detailed in the Faculty resolutions.

Eligibility

Applicants must have a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution:


  1. An Australian university listed in the Australian Qualifications Framework at: sub-category i. Australian Universities or ii. Self-Accrediting Higher Education Institutions;
    OR

  2. An overseas university listed by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR).

  3. Applicants are welcome to check the University of Sydney's International Office or 'ask a question' to determine whether their university is listed by the NOOSR.

Note: An applicant who has been excluded from any University must indicate this on the application form. Sydney Medical School may contact the applicant for further detail.
Applicants for the Doctor of Dental Medicine whose bachelor degree was conferred 10 or more years before 1st January of the year in which the applicant intends to commence the Doctor of Dental Medicine must either:


  1. obtain a second bachelor degree at a recognised institution* within 10 years before 1 January of the year in which the applicant intends to commence the Doctor of Dental Medicine; or
  2. obtain a Graduate Diploma or a Master or PhD degree at a recognised institution* within 10 years before 1 January of the year in which the applicant intends to commence the Doctor of Dental Medicine.

For example, for 2013 entry, an applicant's first bachelor degree must not be conferred earlier than 1 January 2003. Otherwise, an applicant needs to obtain a Graduate Diploma or a Master or PhD degree which must not be conferred earlier than 1 January 2003.

Grade Point Average (GPA)

GPA for the DMD is calculated using the same methodology as for the MBBS degree at Sydney University.
Please find more details "here"

Human Biology pre-requisite

Candidates are required to have completed (at a credit level) a human biological science degree or, as a minimum, completed one semester of a Human Biology subject equivalent to the University of Sydney unit of study "Human Biology" (BIOL1003).
.
Accordingly, this criterion may be achieved as part of the undergraduate degree or on a non-degree basis through a winter or a summer school program. The aim of this criterion is to ensure that incoming students to the Doctor of Dental Medicine have exposure to human biology at a tertiary level. Completion of any degree in the health sciences such as physiotherapy or nursing will satisfy this criterion. The same applies to a degree in medical science or any degree with at least three components in the following areas: anatomy, biochemistry, cell biology, human genetics, immunology, microbiology, pathology or physiology. Appications to the DMD will be assessed on satisfying this criterion.

Admissions Test

GAMSAT REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must sit for the Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) as part of the application process and have achieved a minimum score of 50 in each section of the GAMSAT to be considered.

Applicants who have achieved a minimum GPA of 5.5 will be selected for interview based on their Overall GAMSAT Score.

Each year’s cut-off score is determined once all applications have been received by Sydney Medical School.The minimum Overall GAMSAT Score for admission for the 2012 cohort was 60 with a minumum of 50 in each section.

NB. Rural, ATSI, and refugee applicants are all considered on a case-by-case basis.

GAMSAT REGISTRATION

The GAMSAT has been developed as a selection instrument by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) in collaboration with the graduate-entry medical schools.

GAMSAT is designed to serve five major purposes:

  • to ensure that all commencing students have analytical and problem-solving skills and basic competence in the biological and physical sciences
  • to recognise those applicants who have a broad understanding of those basic concepts in the social sciences and humanities which are considered advantageous to the study and practice of medicine
  • to ensure that applicants have an acceptable standard in written communication in English
  • to provide valid and reliable information that will allow ranking of applicants
  • to indicate to potential applicants the background knowledge necessary to commence the course and the standards required (how an applicant gains this knowledge is an individual choice).

The test consists of three sections designed to assess each applicant's performance in the areas of:

  1. reasoning in humanities and social sciences
  2. written communication in English
  3. reasoning in biological and physical sciences (Chemistry 40%, Biology 40%, Physics 20%).

The assumed level of knowledge for the section on reasoning in the biological and physical sciences corresponds to the first year of university studies in biology and chemistry, and Year 12 in physics.

ACER produces materials to assist candidates in their preparation for GAMSAT.

The GAMSAT takes place once a year only, in March, and can be taken one or two years before the year in which an applicant seeks to begin the Dental Program. Applicants must register with ACER to sit the test by the published deadline date in January.

Please note GAMSAT results are valid for two years (i.e. results from GAMSAT 2011 will be valid for application to the 2012 and/or 2013 entry). The applicant nominates which year's results are to be considered if more than one set of test results are valid. Individual section scores from tests in different years cannot be mixed.

When considering which year's results to nominate, be aware your overall score is the relevant factor, not your percentile.

Registration for GAMSAT and application for admission to the Dental Program are separate processes.

Applications, information and sample questions for GAMSAT are available online from the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) website

You can also contact ACER directly:

Tel: +61 3 8508 9097
Email:

Interview


Interviews for the DMD are held in conjunction with those for the MBBS degree at Sydney University.
Please find more details "here"

Application


All domestic applications for entry into the Doctor of Dental Medicine must be submitted online directly to the University of Sydney.

Please note: There is no fee to make an application to the Doctor of Dental Medicine. There is an Interview Booking and Administration Fee for applicants who are made, and accept, an invitation to interview.

In order to complete the online application, applicants must upload transcripts and any other required documents, electronically, at the time of application. Any applicant who is seeking admission under one of the special-entry schemes (ie. rural, indigenous, refugee or PhD/Masters by research) must upload supporting documentation at the time of application or the application will be processed as a standard application.

All documents must be correctly certified, as per the University’s guidelines.

Please note: The online application form is open for all University of Sydney courses. Due to the timeframe involved, the Sydney Medical School and Faculty of Dentistry will only process first preference applications: i.e.


  • Applications for DMD must nominate DMD as their first preference;

  • Applications for SMP must nominate SMP as their first preference;

  • Applicants wish to apply for both DMD and MBBS must submit two separate applications to be considered.

(NOTE: Registration for GAMSAT and application for admission to the Dental Program are separate processes.)


Application Process Image

Applicants should be aware that the presentation of forged documents in connection with admission to the Doctor of Dental Medicine is a criminal offence and the University may take appropriate action against such cases, or other admissions irregularities, including the withholding of relevant information.
Action may include cancellation of an application for admission, of an offer of admission, or of enrolment.

APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MONDAY 4 JUNE 2012

The closing date for applications to Sydney Medical Program for study in 2013 has been extended to 5pm on Monday June 4, 2012.

But please note: Applicants will not be able to lodge their application between 6pm on Friday 25 May and 1pm Sunday 27 May, when the University’s application system will be offline while urgent upgrades are implemented. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

Timeline


The application and admissions timeline for the DMD follows the same timeline for the MBBS offered at Sydney University. For details please refer timeline for domestic applicants.

Admission guidelines and frequently asked questions


Please refer to this page.

Checklist of supporting documentation (PDF)



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Admission of International Applicants


International applicants can apply via a registered agent of the University of Sydney, or directly to the University of Sydney.

Direct applications can be made online (form opens April 1) or by downloading and completing the following form.

International students



Admission requirements

Eligibility

Grade Point Average

Admissions Test (GAMSAT)

Interview (MMI)

Application

Timeline

Admission guidelines and frequently asked questions

Admission Requirements

The three basic admissions criteria are:

  • A minimum Grade Point Average of 5.5 (7.0 scale) in any Bachelor degree.
  • Satisfactory performance in an Admissions test.
  • Satisfactory performance in an interview.

Note: Offers of admission are made by the Dean. At the University of Sydney, the Dean of a Faculty is responsible for the admission of candidates to courses within that Faculty subject to the policies of the Senate and the Academic Board and the authority of the Vice-Chancellor: clause 37.2 of the University of Sydney (Amendment Act) Rule 1999.
The Dean, in exercising his/her responsibility in making any decision, will abide by University policies in relation to admission to Sydney Medical School award courses, including those that specify that applications for admissions are considered according to the criteria detailed in the relevant Faculty resolutions

Eligibility

Applicants must have a Bachelor degree from a recognised institution:


Language requirements are as follows:

IELTS 7.0 (6.0)
IBT 100 (23/22)

Additional information is provided at English Language Proficiency Requirements

To apply for an English language waiver, candidates are required to produce a letter from the Registrar’s Office of the issuing institution stating that the language of the institution and of instruction, examination and assessment, is English. If the institution resides in a country whose first language is English, it is not necessary to submit a waiver.


Grade Point Average (GPA)

The GPA for the DMD is calculated using the same methodology as for the MBBS degree at Sydney University.
Please find more details "as follows"

Admissions Test


International applicants must take one of the admissions tests:

Graduate Australian Medical Schools Admissions Test (GAMSAT) or GAMSAT UK

North American Medical Colleges Admissions Test (MCAT) US Applicants must use MCAT

Dental Admissions Test (DAT)

Canadian Dental Aptitude Test

Please note applicants must have achieved a minimum score of 50 in each section of the GAMSAT to be considered. Applicants with MCAT scores must have achieved a minimum grade of M in the writing sample and 8 in sections that are given numerical scores to be considered.

Applicants using the DAT or CDAT must achieve a minimum score of 15 in each of the sections (carving score will not be used) to be considered for interview.

International applicants are advised to pay attention to the new regulations regarding the US Direct Loan Program. On the advice of the US Department of Education, one of the new regulations regarding the US Direct Loan Program effective from 1 July, 2011 is that all US students are required to take the MCAT exams for admission into Medical Schools. The Medical School must collect all MCAT results, after obtaining appropriate consent, and submit annually by 30 April to the accrediting authority (AMC) (or to the US Department of Education upon request).
For further details, please visit the US Department of Education website.

The Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT)

The Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) has been developed as a selection instrument by the Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) in collaboration with the graduate-entry medical schools.

GAMSAT is designed to serve five major purposes:


  • to ensure that all commencing students have analytical and problem-solving skills and basic competence in the biological and physical sciences

  • to recognise those applicants who have a broad understanding of those basic concepts in the social sciences and humanities which are considered advantageous to the study and practice of medicine

  • to ensure that applicants have an acceptable standard in written communication in English

  • to provide valid and reliable information that will allow ranking of applicants

  • to indicate to potential applicants the background knowledge necessary to commence the course and the standards required (how an applicant gains this knowledge is an individual choice).


The test consists of three sections designed to assess each applicant's performance in the areas of:

  1. reasoning in humanities and social sciences

  2. written communication in English

  3. reasoning in biological and physical sciences (Chemistry 40%, Biology 40%, Physics 20%).


The assumed level of knowledge for the section on reasoning in the biological and physical sciences corresponds to the first year of university studies in biology and chemistry, and Year 12 in physics.
ACER produces materials to assist candidates in their preparation for GAMSAT.

The GAMSAT takes place once a year only, in March, and can be taken one or two years before the year in which an applicant seeks to begin the Doctor of Dental Medicine. Applicants must register with ACER to sit the test by the published deadline date in January.

Please note GAMSAT results are valid for two years (i.e. results from GAMSAT 2011 will be valid for application to the 2012 and/or 2013 entry). The applicant nominates which year's results are to be considered if more than one set of test results is valid.
Individual section scores from tests taken in different years cannot be mixed.

Registration for GAMSAT and application for admission to the Doctor of Dental Medicine are separate processes.

Application forms, information and sample questions for GAMSAT are available from the Graduate Medical Admissions Centre at ACER.


Interview


Interviews for the DMD are held in conjunction with those for the MBBS degree at Sydney University.

Application

Applicants must submit an application and fee by July 13 of the year prior to the year in which the applicant wishes to commence study*. (NOTE: Registration for GAMSAT/MCAT and application for admission to the Doctor of Dental Medicine are separate processes.)

International applicants for the Doctor of Dental Medicine Program may submit an application to Sydney Medical School via one of the following the methods:

1. Direct application to the University of Sydney:

To apply directly to the University, please either:



Deadline: 13 July*

Subject to places being available, Sydney Medical School will also assess late applications and make offers outside of the main round.

2. Direct application via a University representative (agent)

Checklist of required documentation (PDF)

Subject to places being available, Sydney Medical School will also assess late applications and make offers outside of the main round.

Application procedure

Applicants may apply through a University of Sydney representative, either in Australia or in another country.
The University is represented by offices in over 50 countries.
This may be helpful to you if:

  • you need advice on living in Australia, or

  • you need assistance with completing documentation required by the University or the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship, or

  • you need a reliable point of contact for communication with the University.


Please note that some representatives may charge a fee for their services.

Applicants should be aware that the presentation of forged documents in connection with admission to the Doctor of Dental Medicine is a criminal offence and the University may take appropriate action against such cases, or other admissions irregularities, including the withholding of relevant information.
Action may include cancellation of an application for admission, of an offer of admission, or of enrolment.

*If you are having trouble meeting this deadline (for example because you are sitting a late graduate admissions test) please email hugh.mccuaig@sydney.edu.au to discuss your circumstances.


APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MONDAY 4 JUNE 2012

But please note: Applicants will not be able to lodge their application between 6pm on Friday 25 May and 1pm Sunday 27 May, when the University’s application system will be offline while urgent upgrades are implemented. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

Timeline for 2013 Admission of International Applicants


The application and admissions timeline for the DMD follows the same timeline for the MBBS offered at Sydney University. For details of the timeline, refer timeline for international applicants.

Admission guidelines and frequently asked questions

Please refer to this page.

Pls refer to Checklist of supporting documentation(PDF)