Dentistry Entry Discussion and Questions

[dotwingz]

I want to know what is the minimum gpa for admission in dental schools.?(Can someone be accepted with 5.5 or 6 gpa?(I know that this is impossible in Canada since they really care about GPA ..Is this the same in Australia?

There are a good amount of schools in Australia that dont care too much about super high GPAs

UPDATED Dentistry Schools Selection Criteria Y12s & Non-standards

UPDATED (June, 2020). Dentistry Entry pathways table created by Dreamer and Cal. Thank you to both of them for their hard work and dedication to the cause! From LMG! ** note: prices quoted are for 2020 entry and are typically indexed to increase slightly each year. While these prices are a...

medstudentsonline.com.au

This guide here is probably a good start to get a general idea, although its referencing domestic admissions process, which has higher requirements than international. Looking through old MSO posts led me to to this Which dental schools can I apply to? which is probably a good start to see what you need

I can become a permanent resident what factors should I have to considered as a csp?they want 7 gpa for example?how many people can become csp each year?is this somthing that I can count on or this is only for special students ?and what about BMP?

Full Fee Places (non CSPs) are the exception not the rule for Australian citizens. There are only a handful of universities that offer them along side CSPs (except for griffith which all students are partially full fee). Given that you are an international student I say its unlikely youll be eligble for a CSP by the time you apply and will have to pay intl student fees. If are eligble for a CSP, then these are allocated to the more competitive applicants. BMP are a medical not a dental thing, they dont apply

 

[Cal]

What do you think is the most lucrative field in dentistry?

Being out of dentistry

 

[Unluckydude]

What do you think is the most lucrative field in dentistry?

I agree with Cal. We're not trolling you or anything. No matter which field of dentistry you're in, you'll only be in the upper middle class. So there is no point of choosing a dent speciality or becoming a dentist for money. The only way to get rich is through investing. It's best to do something you like and learn how to invest in your spare time.

 

[apinchofsalt]

Hi i’m a year 12 student who’s interested in dentistry and atm i’m still hesitant between 2 courses Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy and Bachelor of Medical Science at USYD. Which degrees should i choose if i want to take the GAMSAT and apply for postgraduate Doctor of Dental Medicine after i finish my undergraduate degree? Like which degrees would provide me good and fundamental knowledges that i will be well-prepared for the GAMSAT exam in particular and Doctor of Dental Medicine in general. Many people said Oral health is more beneficial as I will study about teeth and dental stuff during 3 years but there might be higher chance that i will get into Medical Science as Oral Health Therapy is very competitive due to the limited spots available and I’m not sure if i’m able to pass the MMI. Does anyone have any tips for the MMI? Is it difficult to get satisfactory performance? And also how’s the experience between 2 courses guys? Is it a lot different as i heard Oral Health therapy is a really small cohort (just around 35-40 people), and Medical Science is way bigger. Thanks btw

 

[Crow]

Hi i’m a year 12 student who’s interested in dentistry and atm i’m still hesitant between 2 courses Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy and Bachelor of Medical Science at USYD. Which degrees should i choose if i want to take the GAMSAT and apply for postgraduate Doctor of Dental Medicine after i finish my undergraduate degree? Like which degrees would provide me good and fundamental knowledges that i will be well-prepared for the GAMSAT exam in particular and Doctor of Dental Medicine in general. Many people said Oral health is more beneficial as I will study about teeth and dental stuff during 3 years but there might be higher chance that i will get into Medical Science as Oral Health Therapy is very competitive due to the limited spots available and I’m not sure if i’m able to pass the MMI. Does anyone have any tips for the MMI? Is it difficult to get satisfactory performance? And also how’s the experience between 2 courses guys? Is it a lot different as i heard Oral Health therapy is a really small cohort (just around 35-40 people), and Medical Science is way bigger. Thanks btw

Welcome to MSO!

Recommended reading: Common pitfalls to avoid for year 12 school leavers and other medicine applicants

 

[Cal]

Hi i’m a year 12 student who’s interested in dentistry and atm i’m still hesitant between 2 courses Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy and Bachelor of Medical Science at USYD. Which degrees should i choose if i want to take the GAMSAT and apply for postgraduate Doctor of Dental Medicine after i finish my undergraduate degree? Like which degrees would provide me good and fundamental knowledges that i will be well-prepared for the GAMSAT exam in particular and Doctor of Dental Medicine in general. Many people said Oral health is more beneficial as I will study about teeth and dental stuff during 3 years but there might be higher chance that i will get into Medical Science as Oral Health Therapy is very competitive due to the limited spots available and I’m not sure if i’m able to pass the MMI. Does anyone have any tips for the MMI? Is it difficult to get satisfactory performance? And also how’s the experience between 2 courses guys? Is it a lot different as i heard Oral Health therapy is a really small cohort (just around 35-40 people), and Medical Science is way bigger. Thanks btw

welcome

To preface, do the degree you are most interested in; not what will get you the best chance of entry. Because all of them will give you equal chances, but the one you are most likely to do the best in is the one you are interested in.

AVOID THE Medical Science Degree!!! Everyone here will agree, because it has no job prospects and it is extremely full of gunners who wanna get into med.

Oral Health is a great Idea! closest thing to dentistry, without actually doing it, will give you good knowledge of the dental terminology and science behind it, so you can really focus on honing in your surgical skills. Also, oral health therapy is not particularly competitive comparatively to dentistry, so if you have a decent Atar and don't make them think you are a psychopath you should be in for a good shot. Also there are many that don't need MMIs as well around australia and NSW which are also low-ish cutoffs.

I think oral health is a great Idea: It gives you a career in a very, very related field and if you are interested in it then you are likely to succeed. Don't forget you can also resit UCAT and apply as a non-standard to the Undergraduate schools around the place as well Dentistry is probably the easier of Med and Dent to get non-standard entry into a course purely because of the range of options.

If you have any more dent related Qs feel free to ask

 

[tdnii]

Hi i’m a year 12 student who’s interested in dentistry and atm i’m still hesitant between 2 courses Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy and Bachelor of Medical Science at USYD. Which degrees should i choose if i want to take the GAMSAT and apply for postgraduate Doctor of Dental Medicine after i finish my undergraduate degree? Like which degrees would provide me good and fundamental knowledges that i will be well-prepared for the GAMSAT exam in particular and Doctor of Dental Medicine in general. Many people said Oral health is more beneficial as I will study about teeth and dental stuff during 3 years but there might be higher chance that i will get into Medical Science as Oral Health Therapy is very competitive due to the limited spots available and I’m not sure if i’m able to pass the MMI. Does anyone have any tips for the MMI? Is it difficult to get satisfactory performance? And also how’s the experience between 2 courses guys? Is it a lot different as i heard Oral Health therapy is a really small cohort (just around 35-40 people), and Medical Science is way bigger. Thanks btw

Highly recommend allied health major, not only you can study fundamental health science topics but also the opportunities of clinical contact which may benefit your MMI. Allied health can also be a good backup career if you didn't get into med or dent.

 

[dotwingz]

Hi i’m a year 12 student who’s interested in dentistry and atm i’m still hesitant between 2 courses Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy and Bachelor of Medical Science at USYD. Which degrees should i choose if i want to take the GAMSAT and apply for postgraduate Doctor of Dental Medicine after i finish my undergraduate degree? Like which degrees would provide me good and fundamental knowledges that i will be well-prepared for the GAMSAT exam in particular and Doctor of Dental Medicine in general. Many people said Oral health is more beneficial as I will study about teeth and dental stuff during 3 years but there might be higher chance that i will get into Medical Science as Oral Health Therapy is very competitive due to the limited spots available and I’m not sure if i’m able to pass the MMI. Does anyone have any tips for the MMI? Is it difficult to get satisfactory performance? And also how’s the experience between 2 courses guys? Is it a lot different as i heard Oral Health therapy is a really small cohort (just around 35-40 people), and Medical Science is way bigger. Thanks btw

Woah this is a big question,

In terms of picking a degree for GAMSAT prep or Dentistry Prep read through that guide Crow linked (especially the medsci part). MedSci degrees are often advertised by the universities selling them as degrees that are good prep for the GAMSAT/Health Careers, but realistically the GAMSAT is becoming more and more about critical reasoning then pure science knowledge, so people of many backgrounds can (and do) do well.

Re: Oral Health, Im not too familiar with it, but IIRC University of Newcastle offers a pretty good option that has a bit more of a streamlined admissions process (which is on their ourimbah campus so its accessible from Nth Sydney). Once again you should be picking this if your backup is Oral Hygienist, because in the likely scenario that you dont get into Dentistry you need to be satisfied with your career choice as you'll have to be working in it.

Im not sure of the difference between Medicine and Oral Health MMI's, but there is plenty of interview material on this website (search Skarzin to get his guide and practice questions). I recommend forming a group of friends and practicing with them either face to face or over skype/discord, etc.

Once again im not sure of difference between Oral Health and MedSci, but MedSci is largely seen by many as a rat race. Especially at Universities with Lateral Admission Schemes into Medicine (e.g. UNSW). I would recommended doing against MedSci as it does not give you a significant advantage in selection to Grad Entry Med/Dent, and has pretty poor employment outcomes

 

[rachiejean]

Does anyone have insight into Griffith? My GPA is 6.86 and I'm a rural student. any hope? it's just below last years cut off. I looked at the collated offers but it said nothing about rural students.

Also, why do they only do offers Jan 14th but have to start march? As a rural student id need to sell the house, move into town, kids' schools, etc so im starting to worry I won't make it!

 

[Cal]

Does anyone have insight into Griffith? My GPA is 6.86 and I'm a rural student. any hope? it's just below last years cut off. I looked at the collated offers but it said nothing about rural students.

Also, why do they only do offers Jan 14th but have to start march? As a rural student id need to sell the house, move into town, kids' schools, etc so im starting to worry I won't make it!

I think your GPA is very within the ball park of getting an offer, particularly a second round one if not a first round so I wouldn't be worried. On the note of moving houses, the first 3 years of Griffith dent are pretty general and you shouldn't have many problems trying to get some time to delay if you need, particularly because it shouldn't be hard to study a majority of the stuff online; particularly during these times. But in general the best thing to do is ask the uni themselves if they can help. Also, there might be a rural entry scheme at Griffith which have a couple places for dent, because at uq they do have a rural entry scheme for dentistry, although it is relatively unknown. So again it is best to contact the uni about it

If you have any other Qs, just ask

 

[dotwingz]

Does anyone have insight into Griffith? My GPA is 6.86 and I'm a rural student. any hope? it's just below last years cut off. I looked at the collated offers but it said nothing about rural students.

Also, why do they only do offers Jan 14th but have to start march? As a rural student id need to sell the house, move into town, kids' schools, etc so im starting to worry I won't make it!

From their website it seems that there are Rural benefits. Although I havent seen reference to scores needed anywhere along here. You should email to the faculty and see what its like in the last years (and tell us )

Rural Priority Access Scheme

If you have lived in a regional or remote area for at least 5 years, you may be eligible for a priority place in dentistry or medicine.

www.griffith.edu.au

Through Griffith University's Rural Priority Access Scheme (GURPAS), Commonwealth Supported Places are set aside for rural students in the following degrees:

• Doctor of Medicine
• Bachelor of Medical Science
• Bachelor of Dental Health Science

Also, I remember it was a rush for me between getting my offer and starting sem last year, and i dont even have any obligations as a teenager!

 

[Jnh]

Does anyone have insight into Griffith? My GPA is 6.86 and I'm a rural student. any hope? it's just below last years cut off. I looked at the collated offers but it said nothing about rural students.

Also, why do they only do offers Jan 14th but have to start march? As a rural student id need to sell the house, move into town, kids' schools, etc so im starting to worry I won't make it!

I got into Griffith dent a few years ago as a rural applicant with a slightly lower GPA. I applied and was given rural offers in 2 consecutive years (much like yourself I had a life to sort out so wasn't able to accept the first offer).
6.86 is competitive for non rural spots, so Id be quietly very confident you will get an offer. Although keep in mind this is the last year Griffith is offering spots without UCAT/interview, so who knows whether this will impact things.

14th Jan is the first main offer round for QTAC, Griffith don't make dent offers early.

 

[rachiejean]

According to QTAC, it says i don't satisfy the requirements for the English component? It comes up as not satisfied? But all other unis I have listed as back up courses say satisfied? I was in contact with Griffith and they said I had done enough so now I'm quietly panicking!

This is what it says - English, Literature, English and Literature Extension or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 and 4, C) NOT SATISFIED
I thought completing tertiatry studies satisfies that requirement?

 

[THERESA20]

Hi guys,
Im new here so im not sure if this is the right forum but I was just wondering this year(I'm in my first year of uni) because of covid we were given the chance to change any of our subjects to an Ungraded Pass/satisfactory grade and this will not contribute to my gpa.
I am completing 8 subjects this year and I want to change one of my subjects to be an ungraded pass.
Will this still be considered one full year of study or will it be considered less than a full year of study since I have less than 8 subjects contributing to my gpa( but still completed 8 subjects)
I would love to get into dent in Griffith or Jcu!
Thank u so much!

 

[Crow]

Hi guys,
Im new here so im not sure if this is the right forum but I was just wondering this year(I'm in my first year of uni) because of covid we were given the chance to change any of our subjects to an Ungraded Pass/satisfactory grade and this will not contribute to my gpa.
I am completing 8 subjects this year and I want to change one of my subjects to be an ungraded pass.
Will this still be considered one full year of study or will it be considered less than a full year of study since I have less than 8 subjects contributing to my gpa( but still completed 8 subjects)
I would love to get into dent in Griffith or Jcu!
Thank u so much!

You will be fine so long as you’ve completed 1FTE year of study. Though, for your own peace of mind, I’d recommend contacting Griffith and JCU to get this in writing.

 

[sherri]

Hi guys I am needing some advice. I am in first year uni at Griffith with GPA 6.5. i am hoping to maintain or increase this GPA to finish on 6.5 or higher.
I live in QLD and would love to get into dentistry- I have worked in the industry as a dental nurse for 5 years since high school. I do not satisfy the pre-req and my ucat was quite low. Do i have any chance at Griffith?What is happening with international students? Is it worth deferring my degree after this year to give UCAT a third and final try.... :/

 

[DrDrLMG!]

Hi guys I am needing some advice. I am in first year uni at Griffith with GPA 6.5. i am hoping to maintain or increase this GPA to finish on 6.5 or higher.
I live in QLD and would love to get into dentistry- I have worked in the industry as a dental nurse for 5 years since high school. I do not satisfy the pre-req and my ucat was quite low. Do i have any chance at Griffith?What is happening with international students? Is it worth deferring my degree after this year to give UCAT a third and final try.... :/

Your GPA isn't high enough for Griffith, unfortunately. Have you done a JCU application? Your history and experience could help you write a winning written application and your GPA is competitive for there. I don't think you have to defer your degree to try UCAT again, you can do both (unless you are concerned your GPA will drop?). When you say you don't satisfy the pre-req, what do you mean?

 

[Crow]

Hi guys I am needing some advice. I am in first year uni at Griffith with GPA 6.5. i am hoping to maintain or increase this GPA to finish on 6.5 or higher.
I live in QLD and would love to get into dentistry- I have worked in the industry as a dental nurse for 5 years since high school. I do not satisfy the pre-req and my ucat was quite low. Do i have any chance at Griffith?What is happening with international students? Is it worth deferring my degree after this year to give UCAT a third and final try.... :/

To add to the above, what do you mean by "what is happening with international students"? Are you an international applicant?

 

[sherri]

No I’m domestic. I am questioning whether there may be more places for domestics for next year if they aren’t flown over

Your GPA isn't high enough for Griffith, unfortunately. Have you done a JCU application? Your history and experience could help you write a winning written application and your GPA is competitive for there. I don't think you have to defer your degree to try UCAT again, you can do both (unless you are concerned your GPA will drop?). When you say you don't satisfy the pre-req, what do you mean?

Yes I’m concerned it may drop. I have no satisfied the chem or maths B component yet but have done everything else. Therefore I am not eligible for JCU.

 

[DrDrLMG!]

No I’m domestic. I am questioning whether there may be more places for domestics for next year if they aren’t flown over


Yes I’m concerned it may drop. I have no satisfied the chem or maths B component yet but have done everything else. Therefore I am not eligible for JCU.

We have talked about your first question in our dedicated Covid thread, so please check that out and ask any further questions there.

As for chem and maths B, if you're keen on JCU, then you can do bridging courses that satisfy these, you are not ruled out permanently. Some even run over summer and as long as you are enrolled at the time of your JCU application, they will still consider you (at least, that was the case historically for Med, and I assume it's the same for Dent - would be worth an email).

There's not really too much point stopping your degree/holding off if you're hoping for a Griffith offer as your GPA as it currently stands is too low, so the only way to be competitive would be to pump out some HDs.