Bachelor of
Dental Surgery
A dentist can examine, diagnose and treat diseases, trauma and other problems of the oro-facial structures. Becoming a dentist may also lead on to specialisation, academic research or teaching pathways. Working independently as a contractor, employee or even your own boss or within a supportive setting such as the hospital are just some of the options available after graduating.
Entry requirements
Entry into dentistry in Aotearoa is based on academic performance in Health Sciences First Year (HSFY), UCAT, and a successful interview with the Faculty of Dentistry Application Board. Entry in to this programme is through the University of Otago in Dunedin.
Secondary Education
University entrance is required to enter into Health Sciences First Year (HSFY). Useful subjects at high school include biology, chemistry, physics, Maths and English. For more information on scholarships available for secondary school students, please go to our page on ‘scholarships’.
In 2019 there were 2969 registered dentists working in Aotearoa. Of this, 3.6% identified as being Māori.
Dental Specialists
Endodontist / Specialising in root canal treatment.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon / Diagnose pathology of the oro-facial structures and carry out the necessary surgical correction.
Oral Medicine / Diagnosis and Management of pathology involving the oro-facial structures.
Oral Pathologist / Study of the causes and development of pathology of the oro-facial structures, which also includes histological analysis and diagnosis of specimens.
Orthodontist / Diagnosis and correction of malocclusion and facial abnormalities such as cleft palate.
Paediatric Dentist / Provide management of oral health for children and adolescences. The child may often have associated medical, behavioural, physical or developmental disabilities.
Periodontist / Diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gums to prevent tooth loss.
Prosthodontist / Treatment of malfunction due to missing or damaged dentition, leads to improvement of both function and aesthetics.
Public Health Providers /
leadership and expertise in population-based dentistry, oral health surveillance, policy development, community-based disease prevention and health promotion.
Special Needs Dentist / Providing oral health care for those with medical, physical, intellectual and psychiatric disabilities.
Entry Requirements: A Bachelor of Dental Surgery or overseas equivalent accepted by the NZ Dental Council and a current Annual Practising Certificate and Registration is required.
Bachelor of
Oral Health
An oral health therapist can provide routine examinations, preventative and dental treatment for both children and adolescents up to the age of 18. They provide education to empower individuals to maintain good oral hygiene through healthy oral behaviours to prevent disease.
Entry requirements
The University of Otago and the Auckland University of Technology offer a Bachelor of Oral Health which allows for registration in both scopes of therapy and hygiene.
Secondary Education
University entrance is required to enter into training to become a dental therapist. Subjects of use include biology, chemistry and English.
In 2019 there were just over 587 dental therapists registered with the NZDC with 9.8% identifying their ethnicity as Māori.
Bachelor of
Dental Technology
A dental technician designs, constructs and repairs fixed and removable oral and extra oral appliances to replace missing teeth, repair or protect damaged teeth or oro-racial structures usually at the direction of a clinician. A technician can also become a Clinical dental technician which enables them to work with the public in a clinical setting.
Entry requirements
The University of Otago offers a Bachelor of Dental Technology
Secondary Education
University entrance is required to enter into training to become a dental therapist. Subjects of use include biology, art, maths and physics.
In 2019, there were 405 registered dental technicians with 2.8% identifying as Māori.
Dental Assistant
Kaiāwhina Mahi Niho
A dental assistant supports a dentist or therapist/hygienist in their role and also helps in running the dental clinic.
Entry requirements
There are no specific entry requirements to become a dental assistant and training is often received whilst working.