Overview

Key facts

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) offered by University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is a five-year, full-time course. Years 1 to 3 focus on bioethics, health law, and dental sciences. Years 4 and 5 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 Bachelor of Dental Science at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg for the first time, you must register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HCPSA).

Career Opportunities

Dentist in different locations, including in community, industrial, private practice and public service clinics.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Anatomy for Dental Students
Physiology and Medical Biochemistry
Bioethics and Health Law
Community Dentistry

Dental Materials for Dental Students
Pathology (Anatomical and Haematological)

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 60 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-02-10 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-30 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

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Credits

432 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Johannesburg, South Africa

Disciplines

Public Health Dentistry Health Sciences View 9 other Bachelors in Dentistry in South Africa

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

100

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

English Home Language OR First Additional Language Level 5

Life Sciences Level 5

Mathematics Level 5

Physical Science Level 5

The Faculty of Health Sciences uses a composite index score to guide applicant selection. This includes:

Your matric academic results for five subjects: English, Mathematics, best of Physical Sciences/Life Sciences and the best two other subjects. We consider the percentage achieved, not the symbol. The average of the five subjects carries a 60% weighting.
National Benchmark Test (NBT) scores. The average of the NBT scores carries a 40% weighting. All applicants must write the NBT.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

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Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg and/or in South Africa, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

77750 ZAR / year

≈ 77750 ZAR / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

77750 ZAR / year

≈ 77750 ZAR / year

Additional Details

International students pay double tuition.

Living costs

Johannesburg

South Africa

8434 - 12036 ZAR / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Dental Science.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Key facts

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Additional Details

Living costs

Johannesburg

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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