The Bachelor of Dental Surgery with Honours (BDS(Hons)) is an advanced undergraduate degree offered by the University of Otago's Faculty of Dentistry. Admission requires approval on the advice of the Faculty and is only open to candidates in the fourth year of the BDS program with a minimum grade average of A-. The programme includes completion of first to fourth year BDS courses plus full-time study of the prescribed fifth year papers, including clinical and written assessments. The final year is taught at the Dunedin and Auckland Dental schools, with students allocated based on preference and availability. Students undertake a research project as part of the honours year. The degree is awarded with honours classifications based on performance in the fifth year papers DENT 570 and DENT 572. Students are subject to regulations including withdrawal conditions and possible exceptions by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences).

Course Content

• Admission requires being a fourth year BDS candidate with at least A- average

• Programme consists of first to fourth year BDS courses plus prescribed fifth year papers

• Fifth year is full-time study including clinical and written examination components

• Clinical papers require passing both theoretical and clinical components

• Final year students are allocated to Dunedin or Auckland Dental Schools

• Research project required as part of the honours programme

• Degree awarded with honours classification: First Class, Second Class Division I & II, or Third Class

• Assessment methods include oral, clinical, and written examinations