Bachelor of Dental Surgery with Honours (BDS(Hons))
Medicine
A course by
Otago University
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery with Honours (BDS(Hons)) is a restricted-entry advanced study option for high-achieving students in the final year of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) programme. It involves a full-time fifth year with prescribed papers including clinical and theoretical assessments.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Available in 2 locations
It will take a total of 1 year
Core skills this course teaches
Advanced Dental Knowledge
Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and skills in dental surgery beyond the standard bachelor degree through advanced coursework and clinical practice.
Research Competency
Conduct and complete a research project independently as part of the honours requirements, applying scientific methods relevant to dentistry.
Clinical Proficiency
Effectively pass both theoretical and clinical components in final year papers demonstrating high professional clinical standards.
What You're Signing Up For
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery with Honours (BDS(Hons)) is an advanced undergraduate degree offered by the University of Otago's Faculty of Dentistry. Admission requires approval on the advice of the Faculty and is only open to candidates in the fourth year of the BDS program with a minimum grade average of A-. The programme includes completion of first to fourth year BDS courses plus full-time study of the prescribed fifth year papers, including clinical and written assessments. The final year is taught at the Dunedin and Auckland Dental schools, with students allocated based on preference and availability. Students undertake a research project as part of the honours year. The degree is awarded with honours classifications based on performance in the fifth year papers DENT 570 and DENT 572. Students are subject to regulations including withdrawal conditions and possible exceptions by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences).
Course Content
- Admission requires being a fourth year BDS candidate with at least A- average
- Programme consists of first to fourth year BDS courses plus prescribed fifth year papers
- Fifth year is full-time study including clinical and written examination components
- Clinical papers require passing both theoretical and clinical components
- Final year students are allocated to Dunedin or Auckland Dental Schools
- Research project required as part of the honours programme
- Degree awarded with honours classification: First Class, Second Class Division I & II, or Third Class
- Assessment methods include oral, clinical, and written examinations
What you need to know first
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Healthcare
Dental
Future employment opportunities might be
Dentist
Dental researcher
Dental specialist roles