The Master of Community Dentistry (MComDent) degree is designed to be an appropriate programme of study for a person who wishes to pursue a specialist career in dental public health. It may be undertaken full-time over two academic years, or part-time over three years. The programme fosters the development of critical analysis and research competence, along with the advanced set of knowledge and skills in dental public health which is required by the specialist in that field.

Subject areas

Community Dentistry

Dentistry

Dentistry is a challenging profession that combines a high degree of manual dexterity and precision with a thorough understanding of craniofacial biology and pathology, and excellent communication skills.

The dentist is the leader of the oral health team and can diagnose and carry out treatment planned to each patient’s oral needs.

If you’re considering a career as a dentist, you should be prepared for lifelong learning to maintain your practising standards.

As a graduate, there are opportunities for full- or part-time work in New Zealand or overseas; and opportunities include private general or specialist practice, academic careers, or hospital- or defence-based practice.

Dentistry teaches you:

The scientific foundations in anatomy, physiology, and oral biology

About public health dentistry and how to develop your communication skills

Clinical skills, first in simulation classes in the Faculty of Dentistry’s cutting-edge simulation laboratory, and then in patient sessions

About a wide range of clinical dental disciplines including prosthodontics and clinical cariology, endodontics, periodontics, paediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral medicine, oral surgery, oral pathology, and special needs dentistry