University of Pretoria Dentistry School

The School strives to promote the general health of the South African population by training competent and caring oral health professionals and to provide continuing education programmes in the pursuit of life-long learning; generate new knowledge through research; render comprehensive oral health care on an individual basis; provide a primary oral health care outreach programme; and render a consultancy service to the health professions. 

Prospective students who wish to pursue their studies in dentistry are encouraged to take a look at the available academic programmes or contact us for more information. 

The School of Dentistry at the University of Pretoria is widely recognised—both nationally and internationally for the quality of its training, research and patient care, as well as for its involvement in community-based projects. Our graduates make decisive contributions to the practice of dentistry, health management, statutory councils and academic training.

The typical work-day of a dentist is spent diagnosing and treating diseases of the mouth and teeth. This includes the removal or repair of carious teeth, the replacement of absent teeth by means of crown and bridge therapy, and the treatment of diseases of the gums. Dentists are also responsible for surgical intervention in  the mouth, the alignment of irregular teeth, alleviation of pain, root canal treatment and the planning of dental treatment in consultation with their patients.

Dentistry offers many challenges and stimulating opportunities. With the exclusive aim of rendering high-quality oral healthcare to the patient, the dentist cooperates with all the other role players in the oral health team. The total health of the individual forms the basis of the training of each dentist. Dentists should be academically gifted and dexterous.

Description of the programme

In order to keep pace with the requirements of modern tertiary education, the School of Dentistry follows a curriculum that is problem-based, student-oriented and directed at the community, with vertical and horizontal integration of subjects. The degree in dentistry requires five years of full-time study, followed by one year of compulsory community service. Students get first-hand exposure to clinical dentistry from the second semester of the first year of study.

For more information, please consult the Faculty webpage.

• Disclaimer: This publication contains information about regulations and programmes of the University of Pretoria. Amendments to or updating of the information may be effected from time to time without prior notification. The accuracy, correctness or validity of the information contained here is therefore not guaranteed by the University at any given time and is always subject to verification. The user is kindly requested to verify the correctness of the information with the University at all times. Failure to do so will not give rise to any claim or action of any nature against the University by any party whatsoever.

Admission Requirements

• The following persons will be considered for admission: a candidate who is in possession of a certificate that is deemed by the University to be equivalent to the required National Senior Certificate (NSC) with university endorsement; a candidate who is a graduate from another tertiary institution or has been granted the status of a graduate of such an institution; a candidate who is a graduate of another Faculty at the University of Pretoria; and a candidate who is currently studying at a university.
• Admission to Health Sciences programmes is subject to a selection process.
• Grade 11 final examination results will be used for the conditional selection of prospective students.
• For selection purposes, the sum of the results in six subjects, including English, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, is calculated.
• Life Orientation is excluded in the calculation of the Admission Point Score (APS).
• Candidates should note that their conditional admission will be revoked if their APS drops by more than two points in their final school examination results.
• PLEASE NOTE that compliance with the minimum admission requirements does not guarantee admission to any programme in this Faculty.
• Selection queries may be directed to click here
• A student who is made an offer but does not accept it cannot defer the offer and must reapply to be considered in the following year.

Transferring students (university experience)

• The applications of students who are studying towards a tertiary qualification or have obtained a tertiary qualification must meet the following requirements regarding school subjects and performance levels: They must be in possession of an NSC for degree studies/full exemption certificate and must have attained a performance level of 5 (or 50% HG if completed prior to 2009) for Mathematics and Physical Sciences (or Life Sciences, if required).
• If the subjects were not passed in Grade 12, the equivalent subjects (Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics) must be completed at the tertiary level. University students do not have to submit any non-academic performance record or CV. In their case selection is based on the results attained in the qualification(s) previously completed, ie they will be considered on the basis of their results achieved in higher education.
• The completion of only a three-year diploma or certificate is not considered as university experience, but will be considered in the school-leaver category and admission will be based on the applicant’s Grade 12 results.

Qualifications from countries other than South Africa

• A limited number of places are made available to citizens from countries other than South Africa, with those from SADC countries being given preference. Permanent residents of RSA are not categorised as foreign students. Applications from citizens from countries other than South Africa may also be considered if they are:

• citizens or permanent residents of countries which have relevant government to government agreements with South Africa
• asylum seekers or refugees

Minimum requirements
Achievement level
English Home Language or English First Additional Language	Mathematics	Physical Sciences	APS
NSC/IEB	AS Level	NSC/IEB	AS Level	NSC/IEB	AS Level
5	C	6	B	5	C	35

*  Cambridge A level candidates who obtained at least a D in the required subjects, will be considered for admission. Students in the Cambridge system must offer both Physics AND Chemistry with performance at the level specified for NSC Physical Sciences in the table above.

*  International Baccalaureate (IB) HL candidates who obtained at least a 4 in the required subjects, will be considered for admission. Students in the IB system must offer both Physics AND Chemistry with performance at the level specified for NSC Physical Sciences in the table above.

Note: If you accepted admission to BSc (Biological Sciences) with the intention to apply for MBChB or BChD in the second semester, when places become available in these programmes, you may register for BSc (Biological Sciences) modules in the first semester, replacing Mathematics (WTW 134) with Science and World Views (FIL 155), People and their Environment (MGW 112) and Medical Terminology (MTL 180) – provided that you have an APS of at least 35 and a minimum of 70% for Mathematics in the final NSC or equivalent qualification.

Contact Details For University of Pretoria Dentistry School

Student Enquiries

Tel: +27 12 356 3064 / 3042

Physical Address:

Faculty of Health Sciences

School of Dentistry

Oral and Dental Hospital
C/o Steve Biko and Dr Savage Roads
GEZINA
0002

Postal Address:

Faculty of Health Sciences

Oral and Dental Hospital
School of Dentistry
Private Bag X20
Hatfield
Pretoria
0028