Dentistry

Entry requirements

Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Senate.

Every applicant shall

• be a graduate; and
• have attained a satisfactory standard of academic performance; or
• have submitted evidence satisfactory to the Senate of previous training and experience appropriate to the planned programme of study.

If your first language is not English you need to meet our English language requirements as follows: IELTS score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); we also accept a number of other English language tests. 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, July

Course content

The Diploma for Graduates (DipGrad) can be used for many purposes, and in some cases, effectively provides an additional major. It requires you to do at least seven papers, of which at least four are at 300-level or above. The programme is designed for graduates and may be completed by full-time candidates in one year.

A DipGrad is a great way to retrain or to update existing qualifications. Many students also find it a convenient way to continue learning and that it is a useful bridge to postgraduate study.

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.

Papers required

CLDN 910 Research Evaluation and Design

CLDN 920 Clinical Practice - Research Evidence

(for students withdrawing from a Doctor of Clinical Dentistry programme).

Structure of the Programme

Every programme of study for the diploma shall

• consist of papers worth at least 120 points;
• include at least 72 points for papers at or above 300-level;
• include such other work as may be prescribed in particular cases.

The Diploma may be endorsed in any of the subjects defined in the Endorsements if the programme includes the requirements specified in the Schedule.

Students who have been granted credit for study elsewhere that has not been counted towards any other qualification may include up to 60 points for such credit in a programme. The credit may be at 100- or 200-level only, except in the case of students participating in the Student Exchange Programme, who may be credited with papers at 300-level or above.

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