Sydney launches dedicated endodontics stream into Doctor of Clinical Dentistry
The University of Sydney has launched its new Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) (Endodontics) program, a three-year full-time master's degree made possible through collaborative partnerships at NSW Health and Sydney Dental Hospital.
The course has been designed for general dentists, registered within Australia or New Zealand, with a minimum of three years’ experience.
“Endodontics is the field for dentists who enjoy managing dental infections and dental trauma. Saving natural teeth is the core of our specialty,” said Course Director, Associate Professor William Ha.
“Graduates, as specialist endodontists, are in high demand in the private and public sector, in both metropolitan and rural settings.
"They are also sought after within universities as educators and tutors – the only unemployed endodontist is a retired endodontist.”
Associate Professor Ha emphasised the real-world benefits for students in the program who will have the advantage of studying in a working dental hospital.
“Students in the program will be managing specialist level cases referred to Sydney Dental Hospital and each student will have a dental operating microscope and modern endodontic equipment,” said Associate Professor Ha.
“The availability of on-site Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) used for advanced imaging and management of difficult cases enables a greater experience in digital dentistry.
“Engaging with other disciplines, and some of the referring dentists, available on-site will enable greater training in professionalism and treatment planning. Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Endodontics) graduates will have advanced knowledge in endodontic diagnosis and treatment, in both primary endodontics and re-treatment.”
Head of School and Dean at The University of Sydney School of Dentistry, Professor Heiko Spallek said the new program will offer a highly engaging experience for students.
Under the expert guidance of Associate Professor William Ha, our endodontics program will admit just three students annually, ensuring a rigorous and immersive clinical experience in the cutting-edge facilities of the Sydney Dental Hospital, preparing our graduates for exceptional careers as dental specialists
The addition of the endodontics stream has been designed to complement existing streams in dentistry where patients need endodontic treatment.
It will make the University of Sydney the most comprehensive specialisation dental school in Australia, offering nine out of 13 specialties that are recognised by the Dental Board of Australia, and the only dental specialist training institution in NSW.
"Expanding our Doctor of Clinical Dentistry program cements our position as the premier destination for dental specialist education in Australia, offering an unparalleled range of specialisations including prosthodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, paediatric dentistry, special needs dentistry, orthodontics, and oral medicine,” said Professor Spallek.
"Our comprehensive Doctor of Clinical Dentistry program provides endodontic trainees with a unique opportunity to engage in a dynamic, interdisciplinary learning environment that fosters collaboration across various specialisations, further enhancing their skills through exposure to shared patient cases and diverse clinical perspectives.”
The three-year full-time degree will commence in 2024, with applications closing 31 July 2023.