Doctor of Dental Science

Overview

The Doctor of Dental Science (DDSc) is a higher doctorate, awarded by published work which, in the opinion of examiners and the Sydney Dental School, has been generally recognised by scholars in the particular field of expertise as a distinguished contribution to knowledge.

The DDSc, unlike the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), is not a research training degree. It may be described as an award that one would receive at the end of one's career, rather than the beginning, for an outstanding contribution to knowledge.

Eligibility

To be eligible for admission, the applicant must:

• hold a degree from the University that was conferred five or more years prior to the application date; or
• hold a degree from another university or institution that was conferred five or more years prior to the application date; or
• have qualifications that were conferred five or more years prior to the application date and standing that are determined by the faculty and by the Graduate Studies Committee to be equivalent to holding a degree from the University; and
• hold or have completed all the academic requirements for the award of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery.

To be eligible for admission to candidature, an applicant who does not meet the requirements above must:

• have been a full-time member of the academic staff of the University for at least three years (or pro-rata part-time); or
• be recognised by the Academic Board, on the recommendation of the Dean, to have been involved in the teaching and research of the University to an equivalent level; or
• be recognised by the faculty and the Graduate Studies Committee to have equivalent academic standing.

Published works

Published work submitted for examination may be regarded as a distinguished contribution to knowledge if:

• it represents a significant advance in knowledge in its chosen field, or
• it has given rise to or is a major part of a significant debate in scholarly books and journals among recognised scholars in its chosen field, or
• it has directly given rise to significant changes in the direction of research or of practice of a newer generation of recognised scholars in its chosen field.

There is no set number of publications an applicant must have to be awarded the degree. The Assessment Committee and the Examiners will be asked to judge the work on its quality and based on the criteria stated above, rather than on the quantity of the papers.

Further information

Prospective applicants should contact the Faculty of Medicine and Health Research Education Team
E fmh.reteam-sydney@sydney.edu.au

The Rules governing Higher Doctorates, University of Sydney (Higher Degree by Research) Rule 2026) (HDR), are found in Policy Online under - Studying at Sydney.