Our Dental Surgery program from University of the Pacific is built around a humanistic model of instruction that stresses the dignity of each individual and his or her value as a person. Students are referred to as "doctor" from day one, and faculty members are encouraged to act as mentors, not just instructors. In turn, students are expected to take responsibility for their instruction and practice the professionalism that will be required of them when caring for patients.
Other school hallmarks include the innovative Pacific Dental Helix Curriculum, which places a strong focus on active learning and critical thinking by integrating multiple disciplinary areas using small-group, case-based learning. We closely link foundational knowledge to clinical practice. From our state-of-the-art preclinical Simulation Laboratory to our small-group private practice model in the clinics, students learn what it takes to become "practice-ready" dental professionals trained for a rewarding career.
Programme Structure
- The thirty-six month curriculum leading to the degree of doctor of dental surgery begins in July and is divided into 12 quarters, each consisting of 10 weeks of instruction, one week of examinations and a vacation period of varying length (between one and four weeks).
- During the first quarter, students practice use of dental instruments and materials, working position and posture using direct and indirect vision, and basic dental laboratory procedures. They also are introduced to study and test-taking skills and methods of time management that will assist them in succeeding in the professional curriculum.
- In the first eight quarters, students take courses in the biomedical sciences, including: human anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology and microbiology. Those courses are followed by instruction in clinical topics such as the importance of saliva, tissue aging, nutrition, and infection control.
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.
English requirements
- Duolingo English Test: 110
- TOEFL® IBT: 80
- IELTS: 6.5
Other requirements
General requirements
Predental College Years: General minimum is three years of undergraduate coursework (90 semester or 135 quarter units).
Though we do not require a bachelor's degree to apply, it is highly recommended to have one to make an application more competitive.
The following prerequisite courses represent the minimum requirements for both semester and quarter system-based universities:
- Biological Sciences
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Physics
Letters of Recommendation: We require three letters of recommendation.
Grade Point Average (GPA): Your overall and science GPA, the schools attended, and the difficulty of your course load are all assessed on an individual basis.
Dental Admissions Test (DAT): Preference is given to students who provide Dental Admissions Test scores no later than November of each cycle. The committee will only review the most recent DAT scores in the application.
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees are shown in AUD and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.
- International: 185,862 AUD / year (≈ 131,748 USD / year)
- Out-of-State: 185,862 AUD / year (≈ 131,748 USD / year)
- Domestic (In-State): 185,862 AUD / year (≈ 131,748 USD / year)
Living costs
Stockton, United States
1,552-2,257 AUD / month
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
