How many dental schools are there in South Australia?

One: the University of Adelaide, which runs a 5-year undergraduate Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) established in 1920. There is no second dental school in SA.

What does Adelaide use to select dental applicants?

Adelaide uses a three-part model: the UCAT-ANZ, your ATAR (cut-off around 95.00) and a structured panel interview. All three components contribute to the offer decision.

What ATAR do I need for dentistry at Adelaide?

The ATAR cut-off for the Adelaide BDS sits around 95.00. Adjustment and access schemes can lower the selection rank for eligible applicants, but the UCAT-ANZ and panel interview also materially affect the outcome.

Do Adelaide dental students do rural placements?

Yes. While the program is anchored in metropolitan Adelaide, students rotate through a regional placement network across rural South Australia, building experience of country dental practice.

Is the Adelaide BDS undergraduate or graduate entry?

It is an undergraduate (school-leaver) program. You apply with the UCAT-ANZ and your ATAR rather than a prior degree and GAMSAT.

NextGenMedPrep

Australian Dentistry · Entry Guide

Dental schools inSouth Australia

1 schoolGAMSAT / UCAT-ANZ pathways

South Australia is served by the University of Adelaide's 5-year undergraduate Bachelor of Dental Surgery (~50 places, est. 1920). Selection combines UCAT-ANZ, ATAR (~95.00) and a structured panel interview. Adelaide's clinical placements span metropolitan Adelaide plus a regional rotation network across rural SA.

Overview

Studying dentistry in South Australia

South Australia has a single dental school: the University of Adelaide, whose Bachelor of Dental Surgery dates back to 1920 and remains one of the country’s established undergraduate dental programs. Selection is a three-part model — UCAT-ANZ, ATAR (around 95.00) and a structured panel interview. Clinical training is anchored in metropolitan Adelaide but rotates students through a regional placement network across rural SA, giving exposure to country dental practice. Domestic places are Commonwealth Supported (CSP) with HECS-HELP deferral.

Funding + places. Domestic places are Commonwealth Supported (CSP) with HECS-HELP deferral. University of Adelaide BDS (~50 places, est. 1920): UCAT-ANZ + ATAR (~95.00) + structured panel interview, with placements spanning metro Adelaide and a regional rotation network across rural SA.

Schools

Dental schools in South Australia

1 dental school in South Australia — click for the full school profile including admission tests, ATAR, interview format and place types.

Adelaide Dental

Adelaide · Established 1920

Multi-Mini Interview (minimum 6 stations × 10 minutes)

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

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UCAT-ANZ and GAMSAT prep, written-application coaching, and MMI / panel interview practice with tutors who know each South Australia dental school inside out.

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Reviewed by Isaac Butler-King, medical student at the University of Glasgow. Last reviewed: 12 July 2026