top of page

What It Takes to Enter Dental School and Clinics in Singapore

Updated: Jul 22

As someone interested in dentistry, you likely have questions about what dental school entails in Singapore. The rigorous path to becoming a dentist starts long before entering clinics as a professional.


What It Takes to Enter Dental School and Clinics in Singapore

This guide provides an inside look at prerequisites, the dental school experience, and insights from current students and graduates. You’ll learn how to position yourself as a competitive applicant, what daily life is like for dental students, and how to develop knowledge and skills most valued in the profession. Whether you’re exploring dentistry or committed to this career path, you’ll gain a clear understanding of how to prepare for and succeed in dental school and clinics in Singapore. Let’s start by looking at common misconceptions about dental education and the reality you’ll face on the road to becoming a dentist.


Table of Contents

What is the Curriculum Like in Dental School in Singapore?
What is a day like in a dental school in Singapore?
What are the Requirements to Enter Dental School in Singapore?
How Long is Dental School in Singapore?
What are the Costs of Attending Dental School in Singapore?
What Kind of Jobs and Salaries Can You Expect After Graduating Dental School in Singapore?
Conclusion

 

What is the Curriculum Like in Dental School in Singapore?


Core Foundations in Early Years

In the first two years of dental school in Singapore, the curriculum concentrates on building a strong foundation in the biological sciences. According to Crimson Education, these early years follow an integrated system that covers essential subjects like anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology. Mastering these core concepts lays the groundwork for clinical training in later semesters.


Hands-On Clinical Experience

As you progress through the program, the focus gradually shifts towards developing practical dental skills. The curriculum incorporates extensive clinical exposure, allowing you to gain invaluable hands-on experience under close supervision. You'll have the opportunity to work with a wide range of treatments and procedures, honing your abilities in various dental specialties.


Personalized Training and Soft Skills

One notable aspect of dental education in Singapore is the emphasis on personalized attention. Small class sizes ensure that students receive highly individualized supervision throughout their training. Additionally, the curriculum incorporates elements that foster the development of essential soft skills, such as communication, empathy, and professionalism – qualities crucial for building strong patient relationships.


Comprehensive Clinical Competency

By the time you graduate, the well-rounded curriculum will have equipped you with a diverse set of clinical experiences. This comprehensive approach aims to produce competent and confident dentists, capable of providing high-quality care across various dental disciplines. The culmination of your education is a solid foundation for a successful career in the dental field.


 

What is a day like in a dental school in Singapore?


A Demanding Schedule

A typical day in dental school is intense and packed with a demanding schedule. Students often have back-to-back classes from early morning until late evening, with only a short break for lunch. According to a senior NUS dental student, the day revolves around attending lectures, lab sessions, and clinical practice rotations.


Theoretical and Practical Learning

The morning is usually dedicated to theoretical classes, where students attend lectures covering various dental topics. These lectures lay the foundation for developing a comprehensive understanding of dental concepts and procedures.

In the afternoon, the focus shifts to hands-on learning through lab sessions and clinical rotations. Lab sessions allow students to practice dental techniques and enhance their manual dexterity under the guidance of experienced instructors. As mentioned on a personal blog, clinical rotations involve treating real patients under close supervision from professors, providing invaluable practical experience.


A Balanced Approach

While the curriculum is rigorous, dental schools in Singapore strive to strike a balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills. As noted by a Quora user, a significant portion of the day is dedicated to practical sessions, as dentistry is a field that heavily relies on hands-on expertise.

Students are encouraged to develop strong interpersonal skills alongside their technical proficiency, as building meaningful relationships with patients and colleagues is integral to a successful dental career. As highlighted by a Reddit user, the small cohort size in dental schools fosters a close-knit community, where everyone knows each other personally.


Commitment and Perseverance

While the path to becoming a dentist is challenging, it is a rewarding journey for those willing to commit and persevere. A personal blog post emphasizes that failure is common in dental school, as it is not an easy course. However, the challenges are worth it for the opportunity to build a fulfilling career in the long run.


 

What are the Requirements to Enter Dental School in Singapore?


Getting into the BDS Program

To enter the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) program at the National University of Singapore (NUS) - the only dental school in the country - applicants must meet rigorous undergraduate entry requirements. Key prerequisites include excellent scores in Chemistry, Biology or Physics at the A-Level or International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations. Typically, AAA for A-Levels and 36 points for IB are minimum scores required.


The 4-year BDS curriculum provides comprehensive training covering dental sciences, oral surgery, endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics and primary dental care. Graduates are eligible for registration with the Singapore Dental Council to practice dentistry in Singapore and Malaysia.


Qualifying for Registration

Apart from the local BDS program, the Dental Council also recognizes certain international dental qualifications primarily from Australia, the UK, Ireland and affiliated universities. Programs typically range from 4 to 7 years depending on the institution.

After completing an accredited dental degree, graduates need to register with the relevant regulatory body in their country of study. They can then apply for registration in

Singapore under one of three categories:

  • Full Registration for independent clinical practice

  • Conditional Registration requiring supervision for up to 2 years

  • Temporary Registration for limited clinical attachments


Those with conditional registration must pass the Qualifying Examination (QE) conducted by the Singapore Dental Council to convert to full registration for unsupervised practice.


 

How Long is Dental School in Singapore?


In Singapore, the typical duration of dental school programs ranges from 5 to 7 years, depending on the specific degree pathway chosen. According to Crimson Education, there are two main routes to becoming a dentist in Singapore.


Undergraduate Dental Degree

The most common pathway is a 5-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc) degree program. This undergraduate dental degree is offered by the National University of Singapore (NUS) and allows students to begin their dental education directly after completing their pre-university studies.


Postgraduate Dental Degree

Alternatively, students can opt for a 4-year postgraduate dental degree, such as the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), after completing an eligible Bachelor's degree in a related field. While no Singaporean universities currently offer this postgraduate pathway, Crimson Education highlights that the University of Sydney offers a 7-year double degree program combining a Bachelor of Science and a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).


Extended Programs

For those interested in pursuing dental education abroad, Crimson Education also provides an overview of the duration of dental programs in other countries. In Australia, the UK, and Ireland, recognized dental programs typically span 5 years, with some variations among specific institutions.

Regardless of the chosen pathway, it is essential to note that dental education in Singapore is a rigorous and demanding journey, requiring dedication, perseverance, and a genuine passion for the field. Prospective students should carefully consider their interests, academic strengths, and career aspirations before embarking on this challenging yet rewarding profession.


 

What are the Costs of Attending Dental School in Singapore?


Tuition Fees

The tuition fees for dental programs in Singapore can be substantial. At the National University of Singapore (NUS), the estimated tuition fee for the 5-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery program is around S$47,500 per annum for Singaporean students and S$73,000 per annum for international students. These fees cover course materials, clinical training, and other academic expenses.


Living Expenses

In addition to tuition, dental students also need to factor in living costs during their studies. According to a blog post on MoneySmart.sg, the estimated annual living cost for university students in Singapore ranges from S$9,000 to S$13,000. This includes accommodation, food, transport, and other personal expenses.


Additional Costs

There are several other costs associated with pursuing a dental degree:

  • Dental equipment and supplies (e.g. loupes, instruments)

  • Professional association membership fees

  • Licensing exam fees

  • Immunizations and health screenings

These additional expenses can quickly add up, potentially costing several thousand dollars over the course of the program.


Financial Aid Options

To offset the high costs, dental students in Singapore may explore various financial aid options:

  • Government loans and grants (e.g. Tuition Fee Loan, Study Loan)

  • University scholarships and bursaries

  • External scholarships from organizations


Proper financial planning is crucial to ensure you can afford the investment required for a quality dental education in Singapore.


 

What Kind of Jobs and Salaries Can You Expect After Graduating Dental School in Singapore?


Salaries for Dentists in Singapore

After graduating from dental school in Singapore, you can expect a competitive salary as a dentist. The average salary for a dentist in Singapore is around SGD 7,000 per month, with salaries ranging from SGD 5,000 to SGD 10,000 per month. This can vary based on factors like experience, specialization, and whether you work in the public or private sector.


As a fresh graduate or an entry-level dentist, you may start at the lower end of the range. However, with experience and progression to roles like lead dentist or consultant, your earnings can increase substantially. Specializations like orthodontics or oral surgery also tend to command higher salaries.


Job Prospects and Career Paths

Common job roles for dentists in Singapore include working in general dental practices, public hospitals/clinics, or setting up your own private practice. You could also pursue specializations like orthodontics, endodontics (root canals), prosthodontics (dental prosthetics), or oral and maxillofacial surgery.


The healthcare sector in Singapore is expected to grow steadily due to an aging population, providing ample opportunities. However, being a dentist is a physically demanding job requiring precision, attention to detail, and continuous skills upgradation.

Experienced dentists with 5+ years under their belt commonly earn around SGD 300,000 per year. Those who own successful private dental clinics can potentially earn over SGD 1.2 million in net income annually, charging premium rates for international clients.


Comparing to International Salaries

For some global context, entry-level dentists in the US can expect to earn an average salary of $131,490 in their first year after dental school. Mid-career dentists with 5-9 years of experience in the US earn around $148,000 on average, while late-career dentists with over 20 years of experience earn the highest average of $166,500.


Salaries in Singapore are influenced by being a major financial hub with a high cost of living. However, the prospects for dentists remain lucrative, with ample opportunities for career growth and high earning potential, especially in private practice or specializations.


 

Conclusion

You now have a better understanding of what it takes to enter dental school and clinics in Singapore. The journey requires dedication, perseverance, and a passion for oral healthcare. While the road is long, you can achieve your dreams of becoming a dentist through hard work and the right mindset. Approach each day with enthusiasm. Learn from your mentors. Serve your patients with empathy. If you stay focused on helping people through dentistry, you will find great fulfillment in this career. The dental community needs more aspiring professionals like you to meet demand. With the right preparation and attitude, you have what it takes to succeed.


If you have any inquiries about maintaining your oral health, don't hesitate to visit Maple Dental, our trusted dental clinic in Kovan. Your dental care is in the best hands as our experienced dentists will provide you with personalised guidance to ensure that your dental health is at its best.


To find out more about the services Maple Dental Provides, click the link below! https://www.mapledental.sg/services

285 views

Related Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page