COURSE CURRICULUM

The Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) at La Trobe University requires students to complete 600 credit points, comprising 540 credit points of core subjects and 60 credit points of core-choice subjects. The five-year program is designed to progressively develop students’ knowledge, clinical competence, and research skills. In the first year, students study the foundations of oral health practice, dental science, scientific and clinical knowledge, rural community engagement, preclinical simulated practice, and research and evidence in practice, while completing academic integrity and Indigenous cultural literacy modules. The second year builds on these foundations with advanced scientific and clinical knowledge, preclinical skills, oral health promotion, general medicine, medicine for dentistry, and evidence-based practice. During the third year, students transition into clinical training through subjects in removable prosthodontics, preclinical skills, oral pathology, oral medicine, clinical dentistry, and scientific knowledge, while choosing either an industry honours or research honours stream. In the fourth year, students undertake more advanced clinical dentistry, scientific and clinical knowledge, preclinical skills, and complete either an industry project or a research project based on their selected honours pathway. The final year continues advanced clinical education and professional development, preparing students for independent dental practice. This comprehensive curriculum integrates scientific knowledge, practical training, patient care, and research to produce competent, ethical, and highly skilled dental professionals.