Jonathan BensonDental education in Melbourne is highly respected and accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC). Melbourne hosts one of Australia’s top dental schools — the Melbourne Dental School — along with other universities in Victoria offering pathways into dentistry and oral health programs.
Whether you want to become a dentist, oral health therapist, or dental researcher, Melbourne’s institutions provide excellent clinical exposure, accredited programs, and global recognition.
Here’s a detailed guide to the top 10 dental schools in Melbourne, including programs offered, course highlights, and estimated fees.
Top 10 Dental Schools In Melbourne And Fees
1. Melbourne Dental School — University of Melbourne
The Melbourne Dental School is Melbourne’s flagship dental school and part of the University of Melbourne, one of Australia’s highest-ranked universities for dentistry. It is widely recognized for excellence in clinical training, research, and graduate outcomes.
Key Courses:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) – 4-year graduate-entry degree
- Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) – 3-year specialist degree
- Bachelor of Oral Health – undergraduate pathway for dental hygiene and therapy
Fees (International Students):
- DDS: ~AUD 112,000/year
- DClinDent: ~AUD 88,992/year
- Bachelor of Oral Health: equipment costs ~AUD 4,500
Why Choose Melbourne Dental School:
- Top-ranked in Australia and globally in dentistry
- Strong clinical opportunities in metropolitan and rural clinics
- Robust research culture and advanced facilities
2. La Trobe University — Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours)
La Trobe offers one of the few undergraduate dental degrees in Victoria. It prepares students for general dental practice upon graduation.
Course Structure:
- Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) – 5-year full-time professional degree including preclinical and clinical practice
Fees (International Students):
- Tuition: ~AUD 80,000+ per year
Why Choose La Trobe:
- Direct pathway from high school into dentistry
- Real clinical experience from early semesters
- Accredited and recognized for rural and community oral health care
3. La Trobe University — Bachelor of Oral Health Science
La Trobe University’s Bachelor of Oral Health Science prepares students for careers as oral health therapists or dental hygienists. The program focuses on clinical skills, patient care, and oral health promotion.
Fees (International Students):
- Tuition: ~AUD 48,200/year
Why Choose This Program:
- Shorter degree focusing on oral health practice
- Clinical placements included during study
- Prepares graduates for registration with the Dental Board of Australia
4. University of Melbourne — Bachelor of Oral Health
The University of Melbourne’s Bachelor of Oral Health, offered by the Melbourne Dental School, trains students for careers in oral health practice. The program focuses on clinical skills, patient care, and oral health promotion, preparing graduates for roles in dental care teams
Fees:
- Equipment costs ~AUD 4,500 over the first years
Why Choose This Program:
- Pathway into oral health sector with world-class clinical exposure
- Graduates can register with the Dental Board of Australia
- Focused training in hygiene and therapy
5. Monash University — Doctor of Dental Science
Monash University’s Doctor of Dental Science is a graduate-entry program with a strong clinical and research focus. Students gain advanced dental skills, preparing for careers as dentists or researchers
Fees (International Students):
- Tuition: ~AUD 66,000/year
Why Choose Monash:
- Recognized nationally for health sciences and research
- Combines academic rigor with clinical training
6. Holmesglen Institute — Diploma & Short Dental Programs
Holmesglen Institute offers vocational dental programs, ideal for students aiming for dental assistant roles or preparatory study before university.
Fees:
- Varies by course, generally lower than degree programs
Why Choose Holmesglen:
- Hands-on training in dental support roles
- Pathways into healthcare or dental clinics
- Flexible and shorter-duration programs
7. Interstate or Accredited Options Near Melbourne
Some students consider dental programs outside Victoria as alternatives:
- University of Sydney – 5-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
- University of Queensland – Bachelor of Dental Science
These programs are prestigious and provide additional options for students willing to relocate.
8. Oral Health Practitioner Courses (Various Providers)
Several private and TAFE providers in Melbourne offer oral health, hygiene, and dental assistance programs. While they don’t confer dentist status, they provide crucial stepping stones into dental careers or university degrees later.
9. Postgraduate Specialisation Courses — Melbourne Dental School
For students wishing to specialize in fields like orthodontics or periodontics, the Doctor of Clinical Dentistry is ideal.
Fees:
- Specialist training costs ~AUD 88,992+/year
Why Choose Specialist Programs:
- Advanced clinical training in a chosen specialty
- Access to cutting-edge research and technology
- Recognized qualifications for specialist dental practice
10. Research & PhD Pathways — University of Melbourne
Students aiming for careers in academia, innovation, or high-end clinical practice can enroll in PhD or Masters by Research programs in dental science.
Why Choose Research Pathways:
- Opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge dental research
- Flexible programs tailored to students’ research focus
- Builds credentials for academic and specialist careers
Comparison Table: Top Dental Schools in Melbourne and Fees
| Rank | School | Degree | Duration | Estimated Fees (International) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Melbourne Dental School – University of Melbourne | DDS | 4 yrs | ~AUD 112,000 p.a. |
| 2 | Melbourne Dental School – University of Melbourne | DClinDent | 3 yrs | ~AUD 88,992 p.a. |
| 3 | University of Melbourne | Bachelor of Oral Health | 3–4 yrs | Kit ~AUD 4,500 |
| 4 | La Trobe University | Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours) | 5 yrs | ~AUD 80,000+ p.a. |
| 5 | La Trobe University | Bachelor of Oral Health Science | 3 yrs | ~AUD 48,200 p.a. |
| 6 | Monash University | Doctor of Dental Science | ~4 yrs | ~AUD 66,000 p.a. |
| 7 | Holmesglen Institute | Vocational Dental Courses | Varies | Lower (vocational rates) |
| 8 | Interstate Options | Sydney/Queensland Dental Science | 5 yrs | ~AUD 70,000+ p.a. |
| 9 | University of Melbourne | PhD/Masters in Dental Research | 2–4 yrs | Varies |
| 10 | Melbourne Dental School | Specialist Pathways | 3–4 yrs | ~AUD 88,992+ |
Conclusion
Melbourne is a hub for world-class dental education, offering programs from undergraduate degrees to specialist and research pathways.
- Melbourne Dental School is the premier choice for dental surgery and specialist training.
- La Trobe University provides accessible undergraduate dental and oral health programs.
- Monash University and interstate options offer strong alternatives.
When choosing a dental school, consider career goals, entry qualifications, and financial planning, as programs are competitive and fees vary significantly.