The Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Special Needs Dentistry) is aimed at qualified local and international dentists who wish to practice at the specialist level in field of special needs dentistry. Your studies will be primarily clinical based with didactic sessions, complemented by a research project in the field of special needs dentistry under the supervision of an academic staff member.

As a postgraduate dentistry student, you will be prepared by our expert oral health professionals and researchers to accept specialist clinical responsibilities in both private practice or hospital settings. You will also enjoy the benefit of a rich clinical training environment at Westmead Hospital in the Department of Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Special Needs Dentistry, in the Westmead Centre for Oral Health. Training will be for specialist dental treatment of patients with the full range of disabilities, including those which are: physical, medical, and neuro-sensory or intellectual, including sensory, cognitive, mental-psychiatric and emotional impairments.

Future study options

The training in research component of this course will provide a basis for an academic career, which would involve further research training through a Doctor of Philosophy.

Graduate opportunities

This course is designed to prepare candidates for a career at the specialist level in Special Needs Dentistry, and to provide a basis to pursue a career pathway in research and/or clinical academic positions.