This research degree may be undertaken either full-time or part-time, in all departments within the Faculty. The duration of the course of advanced study and research under supervision is at least two and a half years for full-time candidates and at least four years for part-time candidates.

A limited number of PhD Scholarships in Dentistry are available. Further information about these scholarships can be obtained from the University's Scholarships Office.

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Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent)

The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (DClinDent) degree provides graduate training in almost all specialist disciplines in dentistry. The aim of each discipline programme is to prepare graduate students to become registered specialists in that discipline. The programmes foster development of critical analysis, research skills, and advanced clinical skills that will be recognised for specialist registration.

Within each programme, course work includes papers on research methods and practice, advanced clinical science, and advanced clinical practice. A candidate's research will be presented in a thesis and demonstrate a significant contribution to knowledge in a particular field.

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Doctor of Dental Science (DDSc)

Award of the degree recognises the results of substantial and original investigation of relevance to dentistry. The work submitted shall comprise publications which form a connected dissertation. Every candidate shall have fulfilled one of the following conditions:

have been admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Dental Surgery of a university in New Zealand;
have been admitted with the status of one who is entitled to proceed to the degree.

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Master of Community Dentistry (MComDent)

The programme consists of papers and a research thesis. It encompasses the study and epidemiology of community oral health, oral health promotion, provision and funding of oral health care, and issues in the planning and management of public oral health services. The programme may be completed over two years full-time or three years part-time. Students with an approved qualification may be permitted to complete the course in less than two years.

The Master of Community Dentistry degree is recognised by the Dental Council of New Zealand as part of the training for registration as a specialist in Public Health Dentistry.

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Master of Dental Surgery (MDS)

The Master of Dental Surgery is offered in the areas of Biomaterials Science, General Dental Practice, and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (as part of the intercalated MDS/MB ChB programme). See below.

The programmes leading to the degree involve the completion of papers, required clinical practice and a research project. The programme may involve two or three years full-time study or may be completed part-time.

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Master of Dental Technology (MDentTech)

The duration of the programme is normally two academic years of full-time study or the equivalent in part-time study. It consists of three 500-level papers and a thesis.

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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (MDS/MB ChB)

Training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery involves completion of the degrees of MDS (Otago) in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and MB ChB (Otago) Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in a conjoint course over five years. The programme is designed to provide an understanding of applied sciences; and the concept of oral and maxillofacial surgery: It also provides practical experience in all aspects of implant surgery, dento-alveolar and oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Postgraduate Diploma in Community Dentistry (PGDipComDent)

The programme leading to the Postgraduate Diploma in Community Dentistry consists of two papers which may be taken over one year full-time or two years part-time. The diploma may be accepted as part of the requirements for the Masters Degree in Community Dentistry if required grades are achieved.

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Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry (PGDipClinDent)

The programme leading to the Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dentistry is offered over one year full-time or up to three years part-time. It may be completed in Dunedin or part time within dental practice. The diploma may be awarded in the following areas: endodontics, hospital dentistry, oral medicine, oral pathology, oral surgery, paediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, restorative dentistry.

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Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Therapy (PGDipDentTher)

The programme leading to the Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Therapy is offered over one year full-time or two years part-time. Candidates shall have graduated from a minimum two-year programme in Dental Therapy and have been practising as a dental therapist for at least two years.

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Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology (PGDipCDTech)

The Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology is designed to provide formal education, training and clinical practice over a 9-10-month period. The courses start in February. The diploma programme (which will be held at the School of Dentistry, University of Otago and the Otago Polytechnic) is for registered dental technicians, with no less than two years post-registration experience, who wish to obtain training in Clinical Dental Technology. The course of training is approved by the Dental Technicians Board for registration as a Clinical Dental Technician. Limited numbers of students will be accepted for this programme each year. Student selection will be based on the grade obtained for the Diploma in Dental Technology.

The course comprises three papers: Complete Denture Prosthodontics, Partial Denture Prosthodontics, and Dental Health.

Further Information

Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Technology (PGDipDentTech)

The duration of the programme is normally one academic year of full-time study or the equivalent in part-time study. It consists of three 500-level papers.

Further Information