Bachelor

Bachelor of Dental Surgery

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) is a five-year undergraduate degree training dental practitioners for clinical practice in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific. The program integrates theoretical dental and health sciences with extensive clinical practice and community oral health components throughout all years of study.

Year 1 is the Science Foundation Year. Years 2 and 3 develop foundations in dental and health sciences, basic medical science, community oral health, and applied clinical dental practice. Years 4 and 5 advance into higher-level dental and health sciences, advanced clinical practice, pharmacology, and community oral health programme delivery. Year 5 culminates with a clinical dental practice capstone and a dental electives component, preparing graduates for independent dental practice across PNG's diverse communities.

Entry Requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Dental Surgery is competitive. Applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Successful completion of the Science Foundation Year with passes in Chemistry and Biology.
  • Achieve the University's minimum matriculation GPA.
  • Applicants must be medically and physically fit for clinical dental practice.
  • Non-school leavers with relevant health sector experience may apply with supporting documentation.
  • All applicants are subject to the University's general admission requirements for health sciences programs.

Course Structure

Year 2

  • 2.29804Dental & Health Sciences I
  • 2.29805Community Oral Health I
  • 2.29806Applied Clinical Dental Practice I
  • 2.29807Basic Medical Science I

Year 3

  • 2.39804Dental & Health Sciences II
  • 2.39805Community Oral Health II
  • 2.39806Applied Clinical Dental Practice II
  • 2.39807Pharmacology

Year 4

  • 2.49801Dental & Health Sciences III
  • 2.49802Community Oral Health III
  • 2.49803Applied Clinical Dental Practice III
  • 2.49804Basic Medical Sciences II

Year 5

Semester 1

  • 2.59801Theory of Clinical Practice I
  • 2.59802Community Oral Health IV
  • 2.59803Clinical Dental Practice

Semester 2

  • 2.59804Dental Electives Elective

Course codes shown are indicative. Please contact the School directly for official course codes and credit information.