UCAT · Melbourne
One of the most competitive courses in Australia, dentistry entry entails several stages. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare for it will help keep the entire process calm, allowing you to stand out among other entrants.
Every student deserves to feel capable.
One of the most competitive courses in Australia, dentistry entry entails several stages. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare for it will help keep the entire process calm, allowing you to stand out among other entrants.
Program entry details
Talk to our team about the right level of support for your goals. Campuses: Box Hill, Glen Waverley, South Yarra. Study mode: face-to-face or online — contact us to confirm current arrangements. Contact our team to confirm campus availability, the current timetable and enrolment details.
Enrol nowSelected results from across BT programs. These results are not specific to this course.
More than 90 students have achieved a perfect 99.95 ATAR, including four in 2025.
More than 1,100 students have gained direct entry into medicine, dentistry or received a Chancellor’s Scholarship at the University of Melbourne.
58% of students gain entry to selective schools, SEAL programs or academic scholarships.
Sixteen students ranked in the 99th percentile. Top score: 2630 — Ryan Sha, Caulfield Grammar School.
Students share their experiences across BT programs, including VCE. These stories are not specific to this course.
Studying at Breakthrough helped Erin gain confidence, discipline, and a clear sense of direction. She enjoys the freedom to learn at her own pace, the supportive environment, and the unique opportunities like internships and leadership programs. Erin feels empowered to chase her goals, shape her own VCE journey, and grow not just academically but in every area of her life.
Breakthrough pushed Crystal beyond her comfort zone, strengthened her confidence, and improved her Methods performance. Kevin’s challenging teaching, constant guidance, and belief in her abilities helped her grow academically and socially, build new friendships, think creatively, and discover new motivation through volunteering and supportive learning environments.
Studying at Breakthrough helped Alex improve in Methods, enjoy flexible classes, access exam-focused teaching, gain opportunities like volunteering and internships, and stay motivated through supportive environments and rewatchable daily modules.
Studying at Breakthrough helped Gurleen build confidence in her subjects, improve exam speed, and take on advanced VCE content early. With Kevin’s guidance, she stayed motivated, strengthened her Maths skills, and achieved more 100% scores — helping her stay on track toward her goal of studying Medicine
Isabella entered VCE with greater confidence thanks to Breakthrough. Kevin’s expert strategies and supportive classes helped her improve her results, manage stress and study more effectively. She now feels prepared for the challenges ahead and inspired to pursue Medicine.
Breakthrough helped Bree improve her Methods results, reduce stress, and gain confidence transitioning into VCE. Kevin’s advanced tips and supportive environment helped her get ahead at school, learn more efficiently, and enjoy studying – motivating her to explore Cam or Specialist Maths next year, and pursue Biomedical Engineering in the future.
Breakthrough helped Laksh get ahead in Methods and Chemistry, boosting his confidence and understanding before topics appear at school. With clear expectations, expert tips, and strong resources, he improved speed and accuracy while feeling more prepared for competitive VCE studies — and more motivated to help others along the way
Breakthrough helped Justin gain deeper understanding in Methods, Specialist Maths, and Chemistry, improving both performance and confidence. With structured lessons and unlimited resources, he feels fully prepared for VCE exams – knowing he’s practiced every question type. He aims to study Dentistry and support others just as he was helped.
Reviews from the wider BT community, including students and families discussing VCE study.
Google reviews
“Best teaching experience I've ever had with amazing resources and support! I feel like I'm actually learning something here compared to other tuitions I have been to previously, I feel more confident for VCE now!”
“So glad I started tuitions here! Kevin's classes are very thorough and provide a great insight to key concepts that are crucial for vce. Only started a few weeks ago and it's already helped me get my grades up. Would definitely recommend going here.”
“I was recommended Kevin by a friend and decided to engage his services for my daughter with her studies. He is extremely knowledgeable and provides practical tips and valuable resources. I would highly recommend him to any parent who wants to give their child an advantage in VCE”
“My daughter likes the tutoring at BT very much, she is inspired from Kevin a lot. She can lock in for a long time and super focus. Great place to start!”
“The head tutor, Kevin, is a very knowledgeable individual who teaches many pedantic skills for VCE and provides many resources. He cares a lot for his students and helps his students whenever and wherever possible. Would highly recommend if you're looking to extend yourself in VCE with an amazing tutor!”
“IS GOOD but all seriousness, all the tutor are very passionate when coming to teaching and very encouraging. One of the tutors, mason was very understanding and patient with me when i didn't understand quadratics, oh and the drinks are good too.”
Entry into dentistry in Australia differs from medicine in its pathway structure, competitiveness, and overall training length. Though a high ATAR score is one of the most essential factors in getting into dentistry in Australia, it is slightly easier due to its VCE score requirements.
Medicine also offers slightly more flexible entry pathways, with the option of a postgraduate degree, whilst dentistry doesn’t offer as many options. The pathway to medicine is also significantly longer, whilst the pathway to dentistry is more direct and time-efficient.
The ATAR and UCAT scores required for dental school entry in Australia are highly competitive. The ATAR score typically ranges from 96 to 99+, with competitive pathways requiring higher scores.
When the UCAT for dentistry is required for admission, students should be in the 85th to 95th percentiles. Some universities place greater importance on the ATAR, while others do not even require a UCAT score for entry.
Breakthrough Education guides students specifically for dentistry entry through several targeted ways, including:
Though dentistry is often thought of as less competitive, it's more accurate to say that it’s a different type of competitive. The higher ATAR cut-offs and the popularity of courses make it harder to pursue medicine, whilst the smaller number of places and fewer pathways can increase the difficulty of becoming a dentist.
Medicine is broader and more competitive in its initial phases, and dentistry is a narrower course with fewer, more limited spots. This means that top-tier performance is still required.
Several skills and qualities are valued in dentistry applicants. These can help students stand out from other applicants, including:
Students can switch from another degree to dentistry later, but the pathway is significantly more limited than for medicine. Though some universities may offer the option to transfer into a postgraduate dentistry program, there are significantly fewer options available.
Switching into dentistry later in an undergraduate program is possible, but it’s incredibly competitive and requires an excellent academic transcript. Students are therefore advised to aim for direct entry wherever possible.
The long-term career prospects for dentistry in Australia are incredibly strong, offering job stability and high earning potential. The need for preventative and restorative care in dentistry is extensive, particularly in regional areas.
Dentists can begin practising immediately after graduation, which creates high earning potential early in their careers. The ability for flexibility, into cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, or oral surgery, helps to create choices as well. It’s an incredibly safe, financially rewarding career option with pathways for growth into owning their own practice or moving into research.
Demand for dentistry places is increasing, but it’s not necessarily due to healthcare workforce shortages. Although there’s a need for dentists in both rural and regional areas, cities aren’t facing this same issue. This is creating competitiveness in the industry, meaning it’s becoming increasingly difficult to gain a place on a course.
Standing out is therefore essential, through both results and study capability. Enrol in a course with Breakthrough Education, and ensure you’re completely prepared to face a highly competitive entry field.
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