Doctor of Clinical Dentistry (Special Needs Dentistry)

About the course

This specialist Doctor of Clinical Dentistry trains qualified dentists to deliver advanced care for patients with a wide range of disabilities and complex medical, cognitive and psychosocial needs. The programme is primarily clinical, supported by didactic teaching and a supervised research component each semester, culminating in a thesis capstone. Study is face-to-face at Westmead and designed for dentists seeking specialist-level practice in Special Needs Dentistry.

Career outcome

Graduates are prepared for specialist-level practice providing dental care to people with disabilities and complex health conditions across hospital, public dental and specialist clinic settings. The degree supports roles in multidisciplinary services, community and special care programmes, and clinical leadership in special needs dentistry. The embedded research thesis also develops skills for evidence-based practice and potential academic or clinical research pathways in Dentistry.

Living Costs in Westmead**

Restaurant (Meal, Inexpensive Restaurant) 0 - 0	Rent per Month (1 bedroom in City Centre) 0 - 0	Rent per Month (1 bedroom Outside of Centre) 0 - 0
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Average Salary***

*Source: QS World University Subjects Rankings (2026)

**Source: numbeo.com

***Source: PayScale.com (2026)