Clinical Dentistry

Entry requirements

A postgraduate diploma can usually be taken at any time after the completion of your bachelor's degree (BDS) or equivalent.

If your first language is not English you need to meet our English language requirements as follows: IELTS score of 7.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 7.0)or Internet-based TOEFL of 102 or better with a minimum of 24 in each section; or Paper-based TOEFL of 600 or better with a TWE (Test of Written English) of 5.0 or better. Due to COVID-19, we currently accept Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS Indicator Test, and TOEFL iBT Special home Edition.

Don’t meet the English language requirements? The University of Otago Language Centre "English for Otago" programme offers a pathway for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students to meet the English language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Months of entry

February

Course content

The Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (PGDipClinDent) course is designed for general dental practitioners and dental surgeons in hospital practice who-as part of their work-have a particular interest in, or responsibility for, the care and treatment of children and adolescents.

Dentistry is an important part of the health service. It offers a rewarding and worthwhile career to anyone who has an interest in and a concern for the needs of people, an even temperament and a sense of precision. As a profession Dentistry gives an unusual opportunity to contribute to appearance, well-being and general health. One of its great attractions is its emphasis on caring for people and encouraging them to find the means to care for themselves.

Most graduates in Dentistry enter general practice on their own or in association with others. Some undertake postgraduate study and research training in preparation for an academic career. Others obtain further experience and complete postgraduate clinical qualifications before entering specialist practice.

Structure of the Programme

The programme of study shall consist of appropriate papers (GDPR 701 and GDPR702, SPND 701 and SPND 702, etc.) which will normally include clinical practice.

Majors:

The diploma may be awarded in any of the following subjects:

• Endodontics
• General Practice
• Oral Medicine
• Oral Pathology
• Oral Surgery
• Paediatric Dentistry
• Periodontology
• Prosthodontics
• Restorative Dentistry
• Special Needs Dentistry

Information for international students

Otago offers students an unrivalled campus experience and a vibrant, social student culture. The majority of Otago’s 21,000 students live, work and play in Dunedin - New Zealand’s only true university city. Otago is home to over 3,000 students, from over 100 countries.

Fees and funding