
Dentists work in different locations, including in community, industrial, private practice, and public service clinics.
Qualification: BDS
Faculty: Health Sciences
Duration: 5 years
School: Oral Health Sciences
Study mode: Full-time
Modern dentistry has moved beyond the scope of the ‘drilling and filling’ of the past. Today, dentists manage diseases and abnormalities of the face, jaws, joints, and soft tissue lining of the mouth. They offer comprehensive care for the entire oral and facial system.
The Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS) is a five-year, full-time course. Years one to three focus on bioethics, health law, and dental sciences. Years four and five focus on understanding the medical, dental, social, and community context of dental clinical practice. You will be required to complete one year of community service after graduating. If you are registering for the BDS for the first time, you must register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HCPSA).
Dentists work in different locations, including in community, industrial, private practice, and public service clinics.
English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5
Mathematics Level 5
Life Sciences AND Physical Science Level 5
The Faculty of Health Sciences uses a composite index score to guide applicant selection. This includes:
Each of the two components carries a 50% weighting.
Click here for the NBT Test Dates. NBT results are valid for three years and Wits only considers the first attempt of the NBT from the most recent year. Visit www.nbt.ac.za
The NBT should be written by 13 August 2023.
Applicants applying to the Graduate Entry Medical Programme (GEMP) only, as well as applicants who are in their final year of study towards a Bachelor’s degree, or who have already completed a Bachelor’s degree, are not required to write the NBT.
All applicants to the Bachelor of Dental Science and the Bachelor of Oral Health Sciences must spend time observing specific procedures as performed by a Dentist/Dental Therapist/Oral Hygienist to gain insight into the profession. Applicants must complete a job shadowing certificate of attendance (minimum 16 hours).
Only observation hours completed between 1 July 2022 and 31 July 2023 will be accepted. Please download the form from: https://www.wits.ac.za/undergraduate/apply-to-wits/additional-requirements/
Applicants who fail to submit a certificate will not be considered for admission.
Application Closing Date: 30 June 2023 | Residence Applications: 30 September 2023
Wits Plus applicants, applications can only be done online. We will be in contact with you should we require additional documentation.
Compliance with the minimum requirements does not guarantee a place at the University. The University has a specific number of places for first year undergraduates, approved by the Department of Higher Education and Training. Final selection is made subject to the availability of places, academic results and other entry requirements where applicable.
Click here to see the current average tuition fees for the first year of study. The Fees website also provides information about the payment of fees and closing dates for fees payments. Once you have applied you will be able to access the fees estimator on the student self-service portal.
The Financial aid office provides information on student funding and scholarships. University-funded Scholarships include Vice-Chancellor's Scholarships, University Entrance Scholarships, Equality Scholarships, Sports Scholarships and National Olympiad winner awards. For information about NSFAS funding, please visit the NSFAS website. External bursaries portal: The Bursaries South Africa website provides a comprehensive list of bursaries in South Africa.
Wits Plus applicants: terms of payment are in accordance with University regulations, and students are not eligible for University bursaries/NSFAS or residential accommodation.
Tel: +27 (0)11 717 1888, or
Log a query at www.wits.ac.za/askwits