How to Become a Dentist in Singapore: Your Complete Guide to Education, Licensing & Career

Wondering how to become a dentist in Singapore? You’re in the right place! This guide gives you all the steps, tips, and real-life info you need to start, from what school subjects you need, to how to get your license and land your job. Whether you’re a student or thinking of changing jobs, let’s see what it takes.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Why Think About Dentistry in Singapore?

Have you sat in a dentist chair and thought, “Hey, maybe I could do this?” You’re not alone! A lot of people dream of helping people get healthy smiles. Dentistry is respected and rewarding in Singapore. It gives you a good purpose, but you need to study hard to get here. Don’t worry—I’ll walk you through it.

The need for dentists in Singapore is growing, because more people are learning about dental health and as more people get older. Being a dentist is not just about pulling teeth! You help people feel better about themselves, solve health issues, and make a difference every day. If you like science, helping others, and working with your hands, you could find a great career here.

What Are the Academic Requirements?

Here’s the first big thing—your grades! Dentists in Singapore must study hard from early on. Here’s what you should know:

A-Level and IB Requirements

If you’re taking GCE A-Levels, you’ll need very good grades. Chemistry is a must-have, and Biology is really important too. Physics or Math helps as well. Most people who get in have at least AAA or AAB.

For International Baccalaureate (IB), aim for top scores—around 40 out of 45, with at least a 6 or 7 in both Chemistry and Biology.

Polytechnic Diplomas

If you studied things like Biomedical Science or Biotechnology at poly, you can also try applying. But you might need more requirements and face more people competing for the same spot.

What About Overseas Students?

If you studied outside Singapore or have a different diploma, don’t give up. The National University of Singapore (NUS) will still look at your marks as long as they meet international standards. If your degree isn’t on their list, you might have to do extra exams or start over.

Tip: Work hard in science—especially Chemistry and Biology! Ask for help early if you find these hard.

How Do I Apply to Dental School in Singapore?

Now for the exciting bit—actually applying! Here’s what happens:

Why Is Most Training at NUS?

National University of Singapore (NUS) runs the only local Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). This is the main way to become a dentist here.

The Application Process

You apply online through NUS. They’ll check your grades, but that’s not all. You should write a personal statement, sharing why you want to be a dentist and any work experience with dentists—like shadowing them or volunteering.

Do I Need to Sit for Any Tests or Interviews?

Yes—you might have to do an aptitude test (sometimes BMAT or similar), and there’s always an interview. But it’s a special kind called an MMI—Multiple Mini Interview. Each part tests different things like morals, talking with people, and how much you know about looking after patients.

Quick tip: Practice talking about why you want to be a dentist. Be real and show you know the hard parts and the good parts.

When Should I Apply?

Application closing dates are usually around March for the August intake. Look at the NUS website to check for changes. Get your grades, portfolio, and references ready in advance!

What Happens During Dental School?

So what will you be doing in dental school? Here’s a peek:

How Long Is Dental School?

The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) at NUS is five years. The first two years are about learning the basics, and the last three are more hands-on.

What Do You Study?

You begin with basic sciences—like anatomy, how the body works, diseases, and medicines. There’s a lot on the head and neck. After that, you’ll learn about materials, mouth cleaning, dental health in the public, and rules for dentists. Soon after, it’s all about actual skills: fillings, taking teeth out, braces, dentures, and simple mouth surgery. Students often visit places like National Dental Centre Singapore.

Do You Get Real Dental Experience?

Absolutely! By the third year, you will treat real patients (with someone watching to help). You’ll fix teeth, clean them, help with dentures, and more in clinics and hospitals. These real skills are what good dentists use every day.

If you want to see the newest tech, Singapore is also big in digital dentistry and advanced jobs. Many students visit a digital dental lab to see things like 3D models or how crowns are made.

What Is Licensing & Registration Like?

Let’s say you’ve finished NUS—what next? There’s one more step!

Registering With the Singapore Dental Council (SDC)

After you graduate, you’ll get provisional registration with the Singapore Dental Council (SDC). This lets you work as a dentist, but you’re still under some checking.

After you finish your bond (coming up next), you can get full registration. Now you’re a full dentist and can work on your own.

Why Is This Important?

SDC registration keeps people safe by making sure all dentists pass the same standards. It also means you’re part of the group of real dentists in Singapore.

Is There a Mandatory Service or Bond?

Here’s a big part most students think about. Since the government helps pay for your school, you must “pay back” by working in a public clinic or hospital for at least three years after finishing.

Where Will You Work?

You’ll likely work in a clinic, public hospital, or community dental centre. You’ll see lots of different patients—kids to elderly. This service is not just a job to finish; it really helps you grow as a dentist.

What If I Studied Abroad?

If you got your degree somewhere else, it’s more tricky. Your school must be on the SDC’s approved list. You might have to take more tests, interviews, or work under supervision before becoming a full dentist.

Can Dentists Specialise or Find Other Jobs?

You might be thinking: “Do I have to be a general dentist forever?” Nope!

Dental Specialisation

After you get some work experience, you can study more, like a Master of Dental Surgery (MDS). You could become an orthodontist, oral surgeon, prosthodontist, endodontist, periodontist, or kids’ dentist. Each takes more study and passing tough exams.

Other Career Paths

Dentists don’t just work in clinics. Some go into research, teaching, or looking after public dental health. Some join companies to help create dental products, work in hospitals, or even run their own crown and bridge lab.

Some dentists work with a dental ceramics lab, learning new tech and new materials.

Fun fact: You don’t have to be a dentist all your life. Many use what they learn in different jobs like research or running businesses!

What’s the Salary and Job Market for Dentists?

Let’s talk money: “Will it be worth it?”

Starting Salaries

If you’re starting and working off your bond, you’ll likely earn S$4,000 to S$6,000 a month. After you finish the bond and maybe join private practice or become a specialist, you can earn a lot more. Clinic owners and those with special skills can do very well.

Are Jobs Easy to Find?

Dentistry in Singapore is pretty stable. The government plans dental jobs carefully so there are always some jobs, but not a huge boom. The best jobs go to those who keep learning and stand out.

What Are the Main Challenges?

Now let’s talk about what’s hard.

High Competition

Getting into dental school is tough. NUS only takes about 80–85 students each year, from hundreds or even thousands—in other words, you need top marks, volunteering, and a real love for helping others.

Financial Commitment

Dental school costs a lot—up to S$30,000 per year if you’re a Singapore citizen, and more if not. Most people need loans, and you must think about living expenses too.

Hard Work and Stress

Dentistry is not for everyone. There’s lots of studying, long hours, and tough hand skills. Some students feel a lot of pressure when treating patients. Good dentists are good listeners and keep calm, even on busy days.

How Can I Improve My Chances?

I remember being in your shoes! Here are tips from me and Dr. Joe Dental, one of Singapore’s top dentists:

• Get good grades in Biology and Chemistry.
• Shadow a dentist. Spend time watching how dentists work. You might even make friends at a dental practical guide or school event.
• Help out at clinics or hospitals. This shows you really care.
• Practice using your hands. Try drawing, making models, playing music, or anything with small details!
• Work on your talking skills. Dentists need to speak clearly and help nervous people. Practice with friends or family.
• Write a great personal statement when applying. Be honest and share your own reasons for helping people.

Remember, don’t give up. Try again if you need!

Common Questions About Becoming a Dentist in Singapore

Can I study dentistry with a polytechnic diploma?

Yes, if you studied something related and your marks are good, you can try. But it’s still hard. Check NUS’s official list and get ready for interviews.

Is private dental practice better than public?

Both have upsides. In public clinics, you see lots of patients and learn quickly. In private, you might earn more and make more choices, but also have to run the business side.

How long does it take to become a specialist?

After five years in dental school and three years for the bond, you’ll need three or more years and more exams for special jobs like braces or oral surgery.

Are foreign dental degrees accepted?

Only if your degree is from a school on the SDC’s approved list. If not, you’ll need to pass more tests, work under someone, and maybe do more school.

Key Points to Remember

• Becoming a dentist in Singapore needs hard work, caring about people, and good science grades.
• NUS is the main path for dental training. They want the best marks, special experience, and real passion.
• After getting your BDS, you must work for three years in public clinics or hospitals.
• There are many jobs in dental specialisation, research, teaching, or working with new tech like in a digital dental lab.
• Starting pay is good, and you can earn more with experience and more skills.
• The road is tough, but you’ll help people—one smile at a time.

Final Tips Before You Begin

• Focus on your science, but also work on people skills.
• Try shadowing and volunteering early on.
• Plan your finances—look into scholarships and ways to save.
• The best dentists never stop learning. If you want to help people and don’t mind hard work, this could be the job for you!

> This article was made with help from experienced dentists, including Dr. Joe Dental. For your own questions, ask your school or reach out to groups like the Singapore Dental Council or NUS Faculty of Dentistry.

References:

• NUS Faculty of Dentistry Admissions
• Singapore Dental Council Registration Guidelines
• Ministry of Health Singapore
• Reports from NDCS, MOH Holdings, SDC
• Review and advice by Dr. Joe Dental, BDS, MDS (Oral Surgery, Singapore Dental Council)

Most Important Points to Remember:

• Do well in Science: Focus on Chemistry and Biology.
• Join In: Volunteer, shadow, and show you care about people.
• Go to NUS: This is the main way to be a dentist here.
• Work off Your Bond: Learn lots during those three years.
• Think About Specialisation: There are great options out there.
• Keep Growing: Good dentists are always learning.

Ready to start? Singapore needs your skills and your smile!