Bachelor of Science in Dentistry (Honours)The B.Sc.Dent(Hons) degree offers an opportunity to explore in some depth a specific aspect of dentistry, or a discipline related to dentistry, that particularly interests you. It is a research-based degree, so the main component of the program is a research project, leading to the production of a research report or thesis. Honours programs in dentistry require commitment on your part and a mature approach to learning. You will be guided and supported by your supervisor(s) but the onus is on you to be organised and self-directed in your studies. Pre-requisites1. You must have completed a Bachelors degree, or at least 3 years of the BDS program.
2. You will need to have a good university academic record.
3. You must demonstrate to your potential supervisor an interest in and aptitude for research. Study Options
1. Full-time (one year)
This option is available to: - graduates of a minimum three-year Bachelor's program (eg. Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Bachelor of Oral Health, Bachelor of Health Science)
- students who have completed the third year of the BDS degree and who suspend their BDS studies for one year.
Students selecting this option work full time on their Honours program, completing the B.Sc.Dent.(Hons) degree in one year 2. Half-time (two years)
This option is available to those eligible for full time enrolment, but entails half-time study completed over two years.
3. Concurrent B.Sc.Dent(Hons)/BDS
This option is available to BDS students, permitting them to complete their Honours requirements at around the same time that they graduate with the BDS degree. This is achieved by taking advantage of summer vacations and other times to work on the Honours project. Students enrol at the end of the third year of the BDS program, but are encouraged to plan a research project, carry out a literature review, and complete one or possibly two essays during their first three years in the BDS. Areas of Study- Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health: Research in community and preventive dentistry, risk factors for oral disease, and evaluation of dental services. Contact Prof. John Spencer, Prof Gary Slade, Dr. Kaye Roberts-Thomson.
- Colgate Australian Clinical Dental Research Centre: Periodontology, properties of dental materials, ultra-structural investigations of tooth-restoration interfaces, and bio-dental imaging modalities. Contact Professor Mark Bartold.
- Craniofacial biology and dental education: Studies of the teeth and faces of Australian twins, investigations of dental wear, studies of normal and abnormal craniofacial growth and development, and dental education research. Contact Prof Grant Townsend, Prof Lindsay Richards, Dr John Kaidonis, Dr Tracey Winning.
- Forensic Odontology Unit: studies of methods of identification, including the use of photographic superimposition techniques. Contact: Dr Helen James.
- Oral & maxillo-facial surgery including the Japan Australia TMD Group. Contact: Prof Alastair Goss, Dr Paul Sambrook and Dr Bob Jones.
- Oral microbiology: studies of oral micro-organisms involved in dental caries and periodontal diseases. Contact Dr. Neville Gully and Peter Zilm.
- Oral Pathology. Contact Dr. Richard Logan.
- Orthodontics. Contact Prof Wayne Sampson and Dr Craig Dreyer.
What does the Program Involve?1. Research Project and Thesis
With support from your supervisor you will formulate specific aims and hypotheses and devise appropriate methods to test the hypotheses. This will generally require you to become proficient in the use of various pieces of equipment and to apply specific techniques. You will then need to analyse your results and interpret them. You will report your findings in a thesis or a manuscript suitable for submission to a scientific journal. 2. Two essays
Up to two essays on topics agreed to mutually with your supervisor(s) that are relevant to the research project. 3. Two seminars
At least two seminars relating to your studies. The first seminar is usually on one of the essay topics, while the second relates to the research project. 4. Core courses
You will be required to complete a structured program in Research Methods and Ethics, as well as topics in Basic and Applied Sciences. How to Apply1. Speak to prospective supervisors
2. Speak to Honours Co-ordinator for the School of Dentistry,
Dr Toby Hughes
3. Complete an application form and submit.
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