Student treatment

Student dentists

More than 200 student dentists are currently studying through the Centre.   As part of their training they undertake dental treatment on suitable patients.  All treatment provided by students is closely supervised by highly skilled academic and private dentists.

Treatment by 3rd and 4th year students is usually available almost immediately and is provided free of charge.  In contrast, work by final year students (pre-Graduation Interns), fully qualified dentists and specialist dentists at the Centre is charged for, and patients often need to go on a waiting list.

Treatment by students

The Centre is often looking for additional people willing to receive their dental treatment from dental students.  In the first instance, potential patients must:

•     be the holders of current Healthcare or Pensioner Concession cards;
•     be available for regular weekly appointments on an ongoing basis;
•     be medically fit to receive routine dental treatment;
•     be sufficiently fluent in English to enable communication and give informed consent to treatment (although there are bilingual dental students able to communicate with some non-English speaking patients);
•     be able to cope with the extended treatment time needed by students (appointments can be 3 hours long);
•     require specific treatment which is included in the teaching programme in each clinical discipline; and
•     be able to travel to the Centre each week for treatment.

Anyone who believes they are eligible for public dental treatment and would like to be considered for student patient status at the Centre should ring 9346 4400. 

Appointments will be made for callers who meet the basic criteria outlined above to determine if they are suitable for treatment by students.