Welcome from the Head of School

Head of School, Professor Laurence Walsh

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the School of Dentistry website. This site outlines the key activities of the School in the areas of teaching, research and interactions with the wider University and professional community. The School has a history of over 75 years in producing graduates of high calibre for the dental profession. It has been my great privilege to serve as the Head of School since 2004.

The Bachelor of Dental Science (BDSc) program within the School follows a unique educational model which gives the graduating students extensive experience through clinical placements prior to their graduation. The Bachelor of Oral Health (BOralH) program produces graduates who are trained across dental therapy, dental hygiene and health promotion. The School's Oral Health program was the first of its type, and attracts students of a very high academic calibre.  Employment rates for graduates from the School's two undergraduate programs are extremely high, and the graduates have rated the School’s programs as the best in Australia.

The School of Dentistry offers a wide range of programs for professional development as well as formal programs leading to specialization across a range of discipline areas.

Research within the School is focused around a number of themes, and crosses a range of areas from basic biological sciences through to technologies which have been applied into clinical practice.  Students within the School are involved in research projects, and the School's annual Research Day showcases the research work undertaken by staff and students of the School.

The School is a major patient treatment facility in Queensland, with students providing treatments to patients on a fee for service basis, and to patients eligible for treatment within public dental services. Students of the School make a significant contribution to the treatment of patients with Queensland Health community and school clinics, and the School has a very close working relationship with Queensland Health as well as with dental public health services in Tasmania and in the Northern Territory. The School works closely with Aboriginal medical services in delivering dental care by students on placements.

Our programs are designed to ensure a smooth transition from University studies to the world of professional practice.  Many of the School’s staff work within the profession as general dentists or specialists, which brings a "real world" flavour to all of the activities of the School. The School operates a multi-specialist private practice which provides premium level care for dental patients by offering treatments of greater complexity.

Laurence J Walsh
Head, School of Dentistry

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