Program Overview

Bachelor of Dental Surgery [BChD]

Faculty of Health Sciences

The School of Dentistry at the University of Pretoria is widely recognised for the quality of its training, research, and patient care, as well as for its involvement in community-based projects. The typical work-day of a dentist is spent diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases of the mouth and teeth.

Programme Information

The degree in dentistry requires five years of full-time study, followed by one year of compulsory community service. Students get first-hand exposure to clinical dentistry from the second semester of the first year of study and participate in extensive clinical training from the third year onward through simulation and actual work on patients.

This programme is ideal for driven and hardworking individuals who love working with people, are detail-oriented, love to work with their hands and technology, and want to make a difference to communities in need. An interest in the natural sciences, biology, and research is a prerequisite.

The programme is accredited by HPCSA and focuses on developing clinical reasoning skills and "soft skills", including relational communication skills through case-based learning and role play.

Career Opportunities

• Dentists
• Specialists
• Academics
• Researchers

Faculty Notes

Modules will be presented only in English, which is the University's official language of tuition, communication, and correspondence.

The Faculty of Health Sciences continues to exemplify and build on the University of Pretoria's vision of being a leading research-intensive university in Africa. It is recognised internationally for its quality, relevance, and impact, as well as for creating knowledge, developing people, and making a difference locally and globally.

Admission Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Achievement level:
  • English Home Language or English First Additional Language: 5
  • Mathematics: 6
  • Physical Sciences: 5
  • APS: 35

Life Orientation is excluded when calculating the APS.

Applicants currently in Grade 12 must apply with their final Grade 11 (or equivalent) results.

Applicants who have completed Grade 12 must apply with their final NSC or equivalent qualification results.

Please note that meeting the minimum academic requirements does not guarantee admission.

Selection Process

Selection criteria are available on the faculty's webpage. Seventy (70) first-year students are selected annually. First choice candidates will be considered, and second choice candidates may be considered in certain categories.

Minimum Duration

5 years, full-time

Closing Dates

• South Africa: 30/06/2025
• International: 30/06/2025

Programme Structure

The programme follows a curriculum that is problem-based, student-oriented, and directed at the community, with vertical and horizontal integration of subjects. The programme is unique through early clinical exposure, integration, and community exposure, forming golden threads throughout the curriculum.