Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Application procedures

Applicants must hold a registered dental degree and registered medical degree and have completed a year of General Surgery. The oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMS) training pathway is in conjunction with the Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons (RACDS). Advice may be obtained from the director of training, Dr Paul Sambrook. Selection for this pathway is done on a bi-national level by the RACDS. Information can be obtained from www.racds.org.

Dental graduates without a medical degree

2025 applications now open

Dental graduates wishing to pursue a career in oral & maxillofacial surgery require a medical degree. The University of Adelaide Medical School has an arrangements whereby dental graduates may laterally enter medical school at the last six months of the Bachelor of Medical Studies degree, (Formerly years 1 -3 of the MBBS program). Upon successful completion of this, would be admitted directly into Doctor of Medicine (Formerly Years 4 – 6 of the MBBS program).

The usual pathway for dentally qualified applications would be:

  • dental degree 
  • one to two years' experience usually at a House Surgeon level 
  • demonstrated interest in OMS
  • research experience. 

Applicants are recruited and spend 12 months in the OMS Unit as a house dentist and then enrol in the Bachelor of Medical Studies program six months July - December full time study, Then enter the MD program full time study for three years. 

Two 12 month full time house dentist positions (July 2024 – June 2025) are available to prospective applicants who hold a registered dental degree.

Applicants must send a cover letter and curriculum vitae including the names of referees who have expressed a willingness to be approached. The CV should include an official Academic Transcript and two passport size photographs. Applicants who are unsure or who require advice are encouraged to speak with Dr Paul Sambrook.

It must be noted that this program does not imply or secure entry to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical training pathway and requirements for OMS training can be found at RACDS.ORG.

Applications must be received by Bree Graham by midnight on Friday 1st March 2024* Australian Western Standard Time. Late applications will not be accepted. Email applications are acceptable.

Medical graduates without a dental degree

2025 applications now open

Medical graduates wishing to pursue a career in oral and maxillofacial surgery require a dental degree. The University of Adelaide Dental School has an arrangement whereby medical graduates may laterally enter dental school at third year. Such arrangements are subject to individually tailored bridging requirements. 

The usual pathway for medically qualified applicants would be:

  • medical degree
  • one to two years' experience with an emphasis towards surgery
  • preferably first part RACS required (not mandatory)
  • demonstrated interest in OMS
  • research experience
  • Dental Bridging Course 4-6 weeks during January, February (a fee will be charged for this course)
  • modified third-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
  • modified fourth-year BDS
  • full fifth-year BDS
  • graduated and registrable BDS.

The candidate will then apply for training in advanced oral and maxillofacial surgery. Acceptance into the BDS program at the University of Adelaide by medically qualified applicants does not imply automatic acceptance into the oral and maxillofacial surgery program. 

Applicants for lateral entry dentistry should forward a cover letter, curriculum vitae (including three current references) and Academic Transcripts. An appointment for an interview with Dr Paul Sambrook (Director) and Dr Andrew Cheng (Director of Research) will then be made for you.

Applications must be received by Bree Graham by midnight on Sunday 26 May 2024* Australian Western Standard Time. Late applications will not be accepted. Email applications are acceptable.

Contact for applications

Bree Graham
Unit Business Manager
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Level 11, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences building
North Terrace
Adelaide 5000

Phone: +61 8 8222 8255
Email: bree.graham@sa.gov.au