Doctor of Clinical Dentistry
UQ’s Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) is a three year fulltime Level 9 extended Masters (Australian Qualifications Framework) leading to a registrable specialist qualification. You will experience:
- Interdisciplinary learning and undertake patient care in a state-of-the-art facility with the most modern equipment, technologies and teaching methods.
- Collegial support and interaction with the profession from the first week of your first year of study.
- Research focus over all three years of the program.
Duration: 3 years full-time
Location: Herston campus
The School of Dentistry is pleased to announce that we are now assessing applications for the disciplines of Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Oral Medicine and Special Needs Dentistry for entry in 2020.
If you would like to register your interest in submitting a future application for the disciplines of Endodontics, Orthodontics or DMFR please complete this online form.
Study and Research Plan
The DClinDent program is comprised of 48 units taken over a period of three years (six semesters). Programs commence in mid-January each year. The content of each program varies dependent on the candidate’s chosen specialty. The DClinDent program includes:
- Common core courses in basic science
- A nominated field of Dental Science
- A research project and report
Participants attend seminars, tutorials, practical classes, clinical work and other relevant courses as required by the Discipline Lead. Participants also prepare a cumulative log summarising practical work performed in the principal program area for presentation to examiners if requested.
This program also features a research project occupying approximately 30 per cent of total program time.
Application and Selection
Applications for the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Oral Medicine and Special Needs Dentistry only) must be submitted online. The closing date is 12 April 2019 to commence in Semester 1, 2020.
Due to limited places, entry is competitive and not all applicants who meet the entry requirements will be offered a place. Entry is determined using a competitive selection process and is based on academic records, other postgraduate qualifications, work and research experience since graduation, commitment to the discipline and referee reports.
Applications will only be accepted through the University's online application system.
Supporting Documentation
Supporting documentation must be uploaded with your online application. Please make sure you upload the following documents to your online application by the closing date:
- Official academic transcripts (applicants are not required to submit academic transcripts for studies undertaken at UQ)
- Full CV (including evidence of clinical experience, research publications and contact details of two referees)
- Completed personal statement (docx, 101KB)
- Evidence of AHPRA registration (and ADC examinations certificate if relevant)
- Evidence of RACDS Primary Examinations or equivalent (if completed)
- Evidence of English language proficiency* if applicable
*Please note that if you are an overseas trained dentist and/or from a non-English speaking background, you will need to provide evidence of English Language Proficiency (i.e. IELTS overall band score of 7, with a minimum of 7 in each sub-band - reading, writing, listening and speaking, obtained within the past two years from the date of commencement of the program). Please see UQ’s English Language Proficiency policy for further information on how this criteria can be met.
Please use the Application Checklist (PDF, 171KB) to ensure that you have included all necessary documentation with your application, as incomplete applications will not be eligible for assessment.
Nomination of Two Referees
The names and contact details (including email addresses) of two nominated referees are also required. A request for referee reports will be forwarded to nominated referees for applicants who have been shortlisted. Please notify your referees and advise them of their nomination before submitting your online application by the due date.
Please note that nominated referees must be a current/former employer, mentor or professional colleague suitably qualified to assess your clinical abilities and professional attitude and character.
Clinical Assessment Program
Shortlisted applicants will be required to undertake a Clinical Assessment Program to be held at the School of Dentistry, which may include activities such as clinical observation, a situational judgement test, virtual case discussion and assessment, and a presentation task. Such applicants will be responsible for all travel and accommodation costs incurred in undertaking the assessment in Brisbane.
Application and Selection Timeline
Online applications open (Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Oral Medicine, Special Needs Dentistry): 1 March
Closing date for applications (Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Oral Medicine, Special Needs Dentistry): 12 April
Shortlisting of applicants who meet the minimum entry requirements: 27 May - 6 June
Shortlisted applicants will receive an invitation to attend a clinical assessment program: 7 June
Due date for response to invitation to attend clinical assessment program: 14 June
Shortlisted applicants attend Clinical Assessment Program in Brisbane: 24 - 26 June
Offers made to successful applicants: 5 July
Due date for response by domestic and international applicants to offer: 15 July
Periodontics
The Periodontics program involves attendance at lectures, seminars, tutorials as well as clinical sessions. Courses cover basic and applied topics relevant to the discipline of periodontics. These include immunology, microbiology, oral medicine and clinical oral pathology, biology of the periodontium and pulp, periodontal restorative interrelationships, implantology, and radiology. Students gain clinical experience treating patients referred to the periodontal clinic, in addition to regular case presentation sessions and clinical tutorials. Exposure to a range of periodontal treatments, including conservative, surgical, regenerative and mucogingival periodontal therapies as well as implantology, including advanced case planning, regenerative and augmentation procedures, are part of clinical training.
Prosthodontics
The Prosthodontics program provides specialist knowledge and skills in crown and bridgework, complete and partial denture prosthodontics, implant prosthodontics, temporomandibular joint disorders and occlusion. Advanced concepts in prosthodontics are taught through a seminar and tutorial program and clinical training. Students gain exposure to interrelated disciplines through participation in coursework, seminars and tutorials with students in other disciplines.
Oral Medicine
Oral Medicine is a challenging and rewarding specialty where students will see a large range of conditions, ranging from mainly medical to mainly dental in origin. The program includes rotations in oncology, dermatology, pain diagnosis and management, sleep medicine and soft and hard tissue pathology including salivary gland disorders. Graduates often work in a multidisciplinary environment to ensure the best outcomes for patients. There may also be the opportunity through a MOU between UQ and the RACDS to obtain the FRACDS (Oral Medicine special stream), which can be used as a post-nominal.
Special Needs Dentistry
The Special Needs Dentistry program provides knowledge and skills in the oral health care of people affected by an intellectual disability, medical, physical or psychiatric conditions. Students will be trained at postgraduate level to provide special methods or techniques to prevent or treat oral health problems and develop special dental treatment plans. Specialised facilities in treating Special Needs patients are provided at the Oral Health Centre, Herston. Students will also gain clinical experience in the medical and surgical units of the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital and other teaching hospitals in Brisbane, as well as selected public dental sector associated clinics.
Endodontics
Applications are not currently being assessed for this discipline.
The Endodontic program aims to provide graduates with the knowledge and skills required for research and specialist practice in the field of Endodontics. It comprises a mix of coursework, seminars, tutorials, clinical work and research training. Students will acquire a body of knowledge that includes the extended understanding of recent developments in the discipline and its professional practice, as well as knowledge of research principles and methods applicable to endodontic practice. Students will gain exposure to interrelated disciplines through participation in coursework, seminars and tutorials with students in other disciplines.
Orthodontics
Applications are not currently being assessed for this discipline.
The Orthodontics program covers all aspects of the discipline - basic and applied, through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, clinical training and case presentations. These areas of study include cephalometric theory and practice, craniofacial anatomy, development and morphology, biological force systems and their application, radiology and radiography techniques. Major clinical pursuits include orthodontics, diagnosis and management of dental and craniofacial anomalies, cleft lip and palate, and interdisciplinary management of complex malocclusions. Clinical work is undertaken at the Oral Health Centre, Herston and in conjunction with the Cleft Lip and Palate Service at Queensland Children’s Hospital and orthognathic surgery through the Maxillofacial Unit (Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital).
Dento-Maxillofacial Radiology
Applications are not currently being assessed for this discipline.
The Dento-Maxillofacial Radiology program covers all aspects of diagnostic radiology and radiography relevant to the maxillofacial region. Throughout the program, students will become familiar with advanced imaging techniques at the Oral Health Centre, Herston and visiting sessions at Medical radiology practices and the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. Cone beam imaging is a major component of the program.