Why become an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon?
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMS) focuses on diagnosis, surgery, treatment and management of diseases, injuries and defects related to human jaws and their associated structures. As a highly specialised field, applicants require qualifications in both medicine and dentistry.
OMS surgeons collaborate with a range of healthcare professionals to deliver better outcomes for patients, including orthodontists, prosthodontists, radiologists, oncologists, ENT surgeons, neurosurgeons, plastic surgeons and more.
Qualified surgeons can perform a wide range of procedures covering the span of surgery, pathology and disease, trauma, and reconstruction related to the jaw and mouth.
Applicants must hold a registered dental degree and registered medical degree and have completed a year of General Surgery. The oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) training pathway is in conjunction with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS). Selection for this pathway is done on a bi-national level by the RACDS. Information can be obtained from www.racds.org.
Dental graduates without a medical degree
2027 applications now open
Dental graduates wishing to pursue a career in oral and maxillofacial surgery require a medical degree.
Adelaide University’s School of Medicine has an arrangement whereby dental graduates may laterally enter medical school at the last six months of the Bachelor of Medical Studies degree (Formerly years 1-3 of the program). Upon successful completion of this, applicants would be admitted directly into Doctor of Medicine (Formerly Years 4 – 6 of the program).
- The usual pathway for dentally qualified applications is:
- Dental degree
- One to two years' experience usually at a House Surgeon level
- Demonstrated interest in OMS
- Research experience.
Applicants are recruited and spend 12 months in the OMS Unit as a house dentist, and then enrol in the Bachelor of Medical Studies program for six months of full-time study, then enter the MD program full time study for three years.
Two 12-month full time house dentist positions (Start July 2026 – End June 2027) are available to prospective applicants who hold a registered dental degree.
- Applicants must submit:
- A cover letter
- Curriculum vitae including the names of referees who have expressed a willingness to be approached
- Official Academic Transcript
- Two passport size photographs.
Applicants who are unsure or who require advice may submit their enquiries to the OMS team. Please note, applications are to be submitted to the OMS Unit Manager.
It must be noted that this program does not imply or secure entry to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical training pathway. Requirements for OMS training can be found at www.racds.org.
Applications must be received by OMS Unit Manager by midnight ACST on Friday 27th Feb 2026. Late applications and incomplete applications will not be accepted. Email applications are acceptable.
Medical graduates without a dental degree
2027 applications now open
Medical graduates wishing to pursue a career in oral and maxillofacial surgery require a dental degree. Adelaide University’s School of Dentistry has an arrangement whereby medical graduates may laterally enter dental school at third year. Such arrangements are subject to individually tailored bridging requirements.
The usual pathway for medically qualified applicants is:
- Medicine degree
- One to two years' experience with an emphasis towards surgery
- Preferably first part RACS required (not mandatory)
- Demonstrated interest in OMS
- Research experience
- Dental Bridging Course for 4-6 weeks during January – February (fees apply)
- Modified semester 1, third-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery
- Semester 2, third-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery
- Fourth-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery full time, all year
- Fifth-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery full time, all year
- Graduated and registrable Bachelor of Dental Surgery.
The candidate will then apply for training in advanced oral and maxillofacial surgery. Acceptance into the BDS program at Adelaide University by medically qualified applicants does not imply automatic acceptance into the oral and maxillofacial surgery program.
Applicants for lateral entry dentistry must submit:
- A cover letter
- Curriculum vitae including the names of referees who have expressed a willingness to be approached
- Official Academic Transcript
- Two passport size photographs.
Applications must be received by OMS Unit Manager by midnight ACST on Friday 30th May 2026. Late applications and incomplete applications will not be accepted. Email applications are acceptable.
