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.
NSC Requirements:
English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5
Mathematics Level 5
Life Sciences Level 5
Physical Science Level 5
This includes:
1) Your matric academic results for five subjects: English, Mathematics, Physical Science and Life Sciences and the best other subject. We consider the percentage achieved, not the symbol.
2) National Benchmark Test (NBT) scores.
Each of the two components carries a 50% weighting.
All applicants must write the NBT. 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 2021 and 31 July 2022 will be accepted. Please download the form from: www.wits.ac.za/undergraduate/apply-to-wits/ under Additional Forms. Applicants who fail to submit a certificate will not be considered for admission.
