UWA Dental School
WA's only tertiary dental training centre
The UWA Dental School is WA’s only tertiary dental training centre, offering aspiring and existing dentists a range of practical and innovative postgraduate courses in a high-tech dental teaching and learning facility.
The graduate Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program extends over 4 years and is clinically focused with early clinical contact and exposure to research activity. The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) postgraduate speciality training extends over 3 years, offering programs in Endodontics, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry and Oral Medicine. These programs enrich the training environment at the School, and offer opportunities for advanced patient care.
The School operates the Oral Health Centre of WA (OHCWA), a centralised public tertiary referral centre and dental teaching hospital, where eligible patients are treated on behalf of the State Government of WA. OHCWA offers a full range of general and speciality dental services to the Western Australian community, and we are proud of the high standard of care provided by our clinicians, dental clinical assistants and laboratory technicians.
Our vision, mission and motto
Our Vision
To be recognised internationally as a contemporary, progressive, innovative and vibrant centre of excellence in dentistry.
Our Mission
To achieve excellence in dental education, research and oral health care to the benefit of our local community and the advancement of dentistry globally.
Our Motto
Achieve excellence, pursue impossible.
Courses
Doctor of Dental Medicine
You'll be based at the Oral Health Centre of Western Australia, a high-tech dental teaching hospital and learning facility on the UWA Health campus in Nedlands. You will learn by treating patients under close supervision by highly experienced and skilled tutors, or by observing general and specialist dentists treating a wide range of dental conditions. Successful graduates can register with the Dental Board of Australia as a dentist and enter the profession immediately.
Doctor of Clinical Dentistry
The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry is a three-year, full-time specialist training program for qualified dentists. The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (90840) program is accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC). Upon graduation, individuals are eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHpra), allowing them to practice as a specialist dentist in their chosen field across Australia. Visit the DCD course page for further information on our specialisations which include Endodontics, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry and Oral Medicine.
Please refer to admissions requirements for information regarding eligibility and the selection process.
Our research
News
Rural champion sets sail
For more than 20 years, Sue Pougnault has changed lives through her relentless dedication to recruitment and retention of rural origin students to medicine and dentistry. Ahead of her retirement in October 2024, Sue reflects on a remarkable career with UWA and the Rural Clinical School of WA.
Read moreTooth Fairies go bush
With her new University of Western Australia Honorary Doctorate under her wing, Annette Stokes AM is flying back to WA’s Goldfields with a new research goal in her sights.
Read moreAll smiles: Funding boost for Indigenous children's dental health
A project at The University of Western Australia that aims to improve the dental health of Indigenous children has been awarded almost $1.5 million in Federal Government funding.
Read moreDental School facilities
Professional development
The UWA Dental School partners with the Australian Dental Association (WA Branch) in providing high-level continuing professional development as part of WA Dental CPD. This involves continuing dental education, clinical excellence, as well as dental and oral research relevant to the profession. The collaborative effort between the ADAWA and the Dental School is a testament to both organisations’ commitment to quality professional development. A list of available courses at ADAWA can be viewed here.
AJ Herman Fellowship Lecture
Each year the Dental School invites a distinguished scholar from outside Western Australia to the University to undertake research or to teach in the School. A lecture is presented by the Fellowship awardee.
In 2019, the School welcomed Professor W. Murray Thomson, an experienced dental researcher and specialist in dental public health. He is well known for his influential life-course work in the renowned Dunedin Study.
