Why Doctor of Clinical Dentistry?
The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry program at Adelaide University provides specialist training for general dentists who want to undertake postgraduate training in specific disciplines of dentistry.
Elevate your skills and take your dental expertise to the next level. Study with the pinnacle of dental education at Adelaide University and make significant contributions to oral health that support optimal general health outcomes.
This program is accredited by the Australian Dental Council and graduates can register as a dental specialist in their selected discipline with the Dental Board of Australia.
Graduate ready to enhance lives on your chosen dentistry path. Treat patients with special needs, specialise in the interior of teeth or promote healthy gums to prevent disease. Get ready to extend your skills and change the way our community values oral hygiene and health.
Overview
The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry is a combined clinical training and research program. In three years of full-time study, you’ll gain expert clinical and research skills in your specific specialist discipline.
You'll choose from the following five areas of specialisation:
- Endodontics
- Orthodontics
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Special Needs Dentistry.
Experience cutting-edge dental technologies in the Adelaide Dental Hospital while also completing clinical placements at public healthcare facilities. Cultivate academic research skills through the presentation of a research dissertation and foster a deep understanding of the intricate relationships between oral health and wellbeing. Contribute significantly to the field of oral health with Adelaide University. Transform from a competent general practitioner into a specialised dental clinician.
Key features
Choose from five specialist training areas.- Study a professional postgraduate training program in the Adelaide Dental Hospital.
- Complete clinical placements across a range of healthcare settings.
- Develop, present and submit a research dissertation.
- Learn from leading specialists in your chosen specialist clinical dentistry field.
- Graduates are eligible for specialty registration in Australia.
What you'll learn
Adelaide University’s Doctor of Clinical Dentistry is a combined clinical training and research program. Based on your area of specialisation, you’ll study under specialist training by the School of Dentistry.
Beginning in first year, you’ll study a tailored blend of courses relevant to your interests. Areas of specialisation include:
Endodontics: Become a specialist in root canal treatment and other procedures involving the interior of teeth.
Orthodontics: Diagnose, prevent and correct misaligned teeth and jaws. Specialise in craniofacial growth and development, and surgical orthodontics.
Periodontics: Diagnose, prevent and treat periodontal diseases and conditions that damage gums and destroy the jawbone.
Prosthodontics: Restore and replace damaged teeth through fixed and removable prosthodontic techniques like implants, crowns, veneers and dentures.
Special Needs Dentistry: Treat patients with special care needs, such as disabilities, neurodegenerative disorders, aged-related oral health issues and palliative dental care.
Our program combines intensive clinical training with advanced theoretical knowledge and research.
All students complete core courses to fulfil a research dissertation during their specialisation and the following two research courses:
- Research Methods, Experimental Design & Ethics, and
- Doctor of Clinical Dentistry Research.
Assessment for this degree will include engaging in evidence-based research and conducting a research project. You will continue your research activity throughout the duration of your studies. Assessments will include oral presentations of your findings, and the submission of a dissertation. In your specialisation, you’ll develop academic literacy and presentation skills through specialist clinical courses.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 12 units for all Core courses, and
- 132 units for Discipline courses
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Course name
Research Methods, Experimental Design & Ethics
|
Course code
DENT5004
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Doctor of Clinical Dentistry Research A
|
Course code
DENT5005
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
 |
Course name
Research Methods, Experimental Design & Ethics
|
Course code
DENT5004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Endodontics I Part 1
|
Course code
DENT5017
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Doctor of Clinical Dentistry Research A
|
Course code
DENT5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Endodontics I Part 2
|
Course code
DENT5018
|
Units
36
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Endodontics II Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6000
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Endodontics II Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6001
|
Units
48
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Endodontics III Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6002
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Endodontics III Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6003
|
Units
48
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Research Methods, Experimental Design & Ethics
|
Course code
DENT5004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Orthodontics I Part 1
|
Course code
DENT5019
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Doctor of Clinical Dentistry Research A
|
Course code
DENT5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Orthodontics I Part 2
|
Course code
DENT5020
|
Units
36
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Orthodontics II Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6004
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Orthodontics II Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6005
|
Units
48
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Orthodontics III Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6006
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Orthodontics III Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6007
|
Units
48
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Research Methods, Experimental Design & Ethics
|
Course code
DENT5004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Periodontics I Part 1
|
Course code
DENT5021
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Doctor of Clinical Dentistry Research A
|
Course code
DENT5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Periodontics I Part 2
|
Course code
DENT5022
|
Units
36
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Periodontics II Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6008
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Periodontics II Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6009
|
Units
48
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Periodontics III Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6010
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Periodontics III Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6011
|
Units
48
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Research Methods, Experimental Design & Ethics
|
Course code
DENT5004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics I Part 1
|
Course code
DENT5023
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Doctor of Clinical Dentistry Research A
|
Course code
DENT5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics I Part 2
|
Course code
DENT5024
|
Units
36
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics II Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6012
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics II Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6013
|
Units
48
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics III Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6014
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics III Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6015
|
Units
48
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Research Methods, Experimental Design & Ethics
|
Course code
DENT5004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry I Part 1
|
Course code
DENT5025
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Doctor of Clinical Dentistry Research A
|
Course code
DENT5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry I Part 2
|
Course code
DENT5026
|
Units
36
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry II Pt 1
|
Course code
DENT6016
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry II Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6017
|
Units
48
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry III Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6018
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry III Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6019
|
Units
48
|
Complete 132 units comprising:
- One of the following:
- 132 units for all Endodontics, or
- 132 units for all Orthodontics, or
- 132 units for all Periodontics, or
- 132 units for all Prosthodontics, or
- 132 units for all Special Needs Dentistry
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Endodontics I Part 1
|
Course code
DENT5017
|
Units
0
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Endodontics I Part 2
|
Course code
DENT5018
|
Units
36
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Endodontics II Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6000
|
Units
0
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Endodontics II Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6001
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Endodontics III Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6002
|
Units
0
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Endodontics III Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6003
|
Units
48
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Orthodontics I Part 1
|
Course code
DENT5019
|
Units
0
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Orthodontics I Part 2
|
Course code
DENT5020
|
Units
36
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Orthodontics II Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6004
|
Units
0
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Orthodontics II Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6005
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Orthodontics III Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6006
|
Units
0
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Orthodontics III Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6007
|
Units
48
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Periodontics I Part 1
|
Course code
DENT5021
|
Units
0
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Periodontics I Part 2
|
Course code
DENT5022
|
Units
36
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Periodontics II Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6008
|
Units
0
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Periodontics II Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6009
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Periodontics III Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6010
|
Units
0
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Periodontics III Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6011
|
Units
48
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics I Part 1
|
Course code
DENT5023
|
Units
0
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics I Part 2
|
Course code
DENT5024
|
Units
36
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics II Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6012
|
Units
0
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics II Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6013
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics III Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6014
|
Units
0
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics III Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6015
|
Units
48
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry I Part 1
|
Course code
DENT5025
|
Units
0
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry I Part 2
|
Course code
DENT5026
|
Units
36
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry II Pt 1
|
Course code
DENT6016
|
Units
0
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry II Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6017
|
Units
48
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry III Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6018
|
Units
0
|
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry III Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6019
|
Units
48
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Research Methods, Experimental Design & Ethics
|
Course code
DENT5004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Endodontics I Part 1
|
Course code
DENT5017
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Doctor of Clinical Dentistry Research A
|
Course code
DENT5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Endodontics I Part 2
|
Course code
DENT5018
|
Units
36
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Endodontics II Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6000
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Endodontics II Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6001
|
Units
48
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Endodontics III Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6002
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Endodontics III Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6003
|
Units
48
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Research Methods, Experimental Design & Ethics
|
Course code
DENT5004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Orthodontics I Part 1
|
Course code
DENT5019
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Doctor of Clinical Dentistry Research A
|
Course code
DENT5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Orthodontics I Part 2
|
Course code
DENT5020
|
Units
36
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Orthodontics II Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6004
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Orthodontics II Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6005
|
Units
48
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Orthodontics III Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6006
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Orthodontics III Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6007
|
Units
48
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Research Methods, Experimental Design & Ethics
|
Course code
DENT5004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Periodontics I Part 1
|
Course code
DENT5021
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Doctor of Clinical Dentistry Research A
|
Course code
DENT5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Periodontics I Part 2
|
Course code
DENT5022
|
Units
36
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Periodontics II Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6008
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Periodontics II Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6009
|
Units
48
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Periodontics III Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6010
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Periodontics III Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6011
|
Units
48
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Research Methods, Experimental Design & Ethics
|
Course code
DENT5004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics I Part 1
|
Course code
DENT5023
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Doctor of Clinical Dentistry Research A
|
Course code
DENT5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics I Part 2
|
Course code
DENT5024
|
Units
36
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics II Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6012
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics II Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6013
|
Units
48
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics III Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6014
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Prosthodontics III Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6015
|
Units
48
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Research Methods, Experimental Design & Ethics
|
Course code
DENT5004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry I Part 1
|
Course code
DENT5025
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Doctor of Clinical Dentistry Research A
|
Course code
DENT5005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry I Part 2
|
Course code
DENT5026
|
Units
36
|
| Year 2 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry II Pt 1
|
Course code
DENT6016
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry II Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6017
|
Units
48
|
| Year 3 | |||
| Semester 1 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry III Part 1
|
Course code
DENT6018
|
Units
|
| Semester 2 | |||
|
Course name
Specialist Clinical Special Needs Dentistry III Part 2
|
Course code
DENT6019
|
Units
48
|
Career outcomes
Redefine your capabilities and make an impact in the field of dentistry with a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry. Successful graduates are eligible for specialty registration in Australia through the Dental Board of Australia.
Depending on your specialisation, careers can include:
- Orthodontist
- Periodontist
- Prosthodontist
- Endodontist
- Special Needs Dentist.
Industry trends
The Australian dental industry is embracing digital technologies to improve efficiency, patient care and practice management. The industry is focusing on enhancing patient experiences and accessibility of dental services with intraoral scanners and 3D printing. As patients return to clinics in-person, the Australian digital dentistry market is expected to double by 2027 (NBN, 2021). Revolutionise the use of new digital smile designs to improve patient comfort and minimise chair time.
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
Ready to apply?
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.
