Frequently Asked Questions

ABOUT THE BDS PROGRAMME

1. What is the duration of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme?
   

   The four-year full-time Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme comprises a pre-clinical phase in the first two years (BDS1 and BDS2) and a clinical phase in the next two years (BDS3 and BDS4).

   In the pre-clinical phase, students will acquire the relevant and necessary knowledge and skills to prepare them to deliver patient care. During the clinical phase, students will have the opportunity to treat and manage patients across the lifespan for a variety of oral conditions under close staff supervision.

   
   

2. What is the academic calendar for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme?
   

   In general, the academic years from the first to fourth year of the programme are as follow:

First Year

	Semester 1	Semester 2	Term IV
YEAR 1	18 Weeks (includes 1 Week - Reading Week)	17 Weeks (includes 1 Week - Reading Week)	4 Weeks
Vacation	5 Weeks	5 Weeks	4 Weeks

 

Second Year

	Term I	Term II	Term III	Term IV
YEAR 2	11 Weeks	9 Weeks	7 Weeks	13 Weeks
Vacation	1 Week	5 Weeks	1 Week	5 Weeks

 

Third to Fourth Years

	Term I	Term II	Term III	Term IV
YEAR 3 - 4	9 Weeks	10 Weeks	12 Weeks	9 Weeks
Vacation	3 Weeks	4 Weeks	2 Weeks	3 Weeks

 

3. How are classes conducted for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme?
   

   Teaching and learning are done through a variety of ways including lectures, tutorials, seminars and laboratory-based training in the pre-clinical years. In the third and fourth years of the programme, clinical training constitutes a major part of the curriculum.  Where necessary and appropriate, a hybrid of face-to-face and online teaching will be used to deliver the curriculum.

   Typically, classes (including didactic teaching (lectures, tutorials, seminars), laboratory sessions, clinics) will run from 8am – 5:30pm on weekdays with the exception of Fridays when classes may end at 1pm. The Friday afternoons may be used for self-study, co-curricular activities or classes which may be conducted at times. 

   Given its small student enrolment, teaching and learning takes place in small groups. This offers close academic interactions between students and their peers as well as between students and staff. 

    

ELIGIBILITY

4. What are the general admission requirements?
   Admission to different degree programmes offered at the National University of Singapore (NUS) must satisfy certain minimum requirements.  Please click here for details of the admission requirements for Dentistry.

   Applicants who wish to make an application for admission to Dentistry should meet the following requirements:

   Qualifications Presented	Subject Prerequisites
   Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘A’ Level H1/H2/H3 Curriculum	Good H2 pass in Chemistry and Biology or Physics
   International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma	Good Higher Level (HL) pass in Chemistry and Biology or Physics
   International or any other relevant qualifications	Good Year 12 or equivalent level pass in Chemistry and Biology or Physics
   NUS High School Diploma	Good major CAP in Chemistry and Biology or Physics
   Polytechnic Diploma in Singapore	Good GPA of an accredited Polytechnic Diploma for Dentistry

   
   

   In addition, admission to Dentistry is also dependent on the performance at the Manual Dexterity Test and Admissions Interviews.

    

5. I am an international student who did not sit for a pre-University examination locally. How do I find the Cambridge A-level equivalent qualification of the examination I had sat for?
   

   Please visit the Office of Admissions (OAM) website at https://www.nus.edu.sg/oam/admissions/international-qualifications for information regarding this.

 

ADMISSION TO THE PROGRAMME

6. How do I apply for Dentistry?
   

   There are 2 steps to the application process.

   • Step 1: All applicants must complete Step 1 to apply to NUS Dentistry.
     
     
   • Step 2: Only applicants who had previously attended the MDT and/or MMI and wish to re-apply to the programme.
     
     
   Please click Here for more details on the application process.
   
   

7. When can I apply for Dentistry?
   

   Different qualifications have different application windows. Please refer to NUS Office of Admissions for your respective qualification application window.

   Generally, here’s the application windows for various qualifications:

   Applicant Group	General Application Period
   Singapore-Cambridge GCE ‘A’ Level	February to March
   Polytechnic Diplomas from Singapore	December to February
   NUS High School Diploma	December
   International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma	December to February
   International Qualifications	Please refer to your respective qualification application window on the NUS Office of Admissions website

    

8. Can I apply before my final examination results are released?

   All applicants must apply with their final results to be considered for the admissions exercise. However, applicants with IB forecast results and graduates from local polytechnics can apply before obtaining their final results.

    

9. Can I re-apply if I have previously attended the MDT and/or MMI for Dentistry?
   

   Yes, starting in 2025, applicants who had previously attended the MDT and/or MMI can re-apply for the program through the Dentistry Reapplication Opportunity Scheme (DROS).

   In addition to your online application through the NUS Office of Admissions, you should submit your portfolio to Dentistry through the DROS route. Your application will then be considered with other applicants for the current year of admission.

   If you were enrolled in a local autonomous university previously, you can consider applying under Transfer Category. Your application will be considered on the basis of your university results in addition to your high school results.  For more details on the application process and deadlines, please visit the NUS Office of Admissions website

   
   

10. Do I have to complete both the NUS online application form and Dentistry portfolio submission in one sitting?

    The online application consists of two steps :
    
    Step 1 – Apply through the NUS Office of Admissions portal
    
    Step 2 – Submit a portfolio to the Dentistry Reapplication Opportunity Scheme (DROS) Portal

    • First-time applicants need to complete only Step 1.
      
      
    • Applicants who had previously attended the MDT and/or MMI must complete both Steps 1 and 2 to apply for Dentistry. Step 1 must be completed before proceeding with step 2. 
      
      

    All application submissions must be completed within the application period to be considered for shortlisting. Please Click Here for more details on the Dentistry the application process.

     

11. What is the Dentistry Re-application Opportunity Scheme (DROS)?

    DROS allow applicants who had previously attended the MDT and/or MMI to be re-considered for the programme. Applications submitted through this route will be evaluated by the Selection Committee on the basis of exceptional talent and achievement in addition to academic results. More information can be found Here.

     

12. Given my pre-University qualifications (ie. ‘A’ level, IB, NUS High School Diploma, Polytechnic Diploma or any other relevant qualification) results, what are my chances of being shortlisted for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme?
    

    You may refer to NUS Indicative Grade Profile (IGP) for the indicative grade profile of students admitted into Dentistry.

     

13. If I do not meet the IGP for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme, will applying via DROS increase my chances of being shortlisted?
    

    No.  For first-time applicants, submitting a portfolio via DROS will not be taken into account for shortlisting.

    
    

DENTISTRY PORTFOLIO

14. What should I include in my Dentistry Portfolio.

You can find detailed information Here.

 

15. Can I make changes to my portfolio after I have submitted in the portal?

No, changes cannot be made and your submission would be taken as the final.

 

SELECTION PROCESS

16. What is the shortlisting criteria for Dentistry in NUS?

There are 2 methods for shortlisting:

1. Applications via Standard Scheme – shortlisted purely based on academic grades.
   
   
2. Applicants who have previously attended the admissions assessment must apply via Dentistry Reapplication Opportunity Scheme (DROS) and are REQUIRED to submit a portfolio. The Admissions Committee will take account achievements and activities you did in school, as well as in the period between your last interview and application.

    

17. How is one selected for admission to Dentistry in NUS?

Prospective applicants must specify Dentistry as their first or second choice during the application stage. Those who meet the selection criteria will be shortlisted for the Manual Dexterity Test (MDT). Those who are successful in the Manual Dexterity Test will receive invitations to attend the Admissions Interviews.

More details about the Manual Dexterity Test and Interviews will be provided to shortlisted applicants.

 

18. What can I expect during the Manual Dexterity Test and the Multiple Mini Interviews?

    The Manual Dexterity Test (MDT) is a 60-minute test that assesses the dexterity of the prospective applicants and their spatial awareness as well as their ability to handle simple instruments. Tentatively, the MDT will be scheduled from mid-March 2025.

    The Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) consist of a circuit of stations that may require prospective applicants to engage in interviews, discussions or specific activities. These stations are designed to assess applicants' interest in Dentistry as well as their demonstration of attributes essential for oral health care professionals. The MMIs are expected to last approximately 80 minutes. These interviews will be scheduled in March - April 2025.

 

19. What is Aptitude-Based Admissions?

    NUS is adopting a holistic approach to assess applicants for ‘admissions into their chosen degree programmes. This means that besides academic grades, other factors, such as the applicant’s interest, aptitude, and prior preparation, will also be used to admit the applicant.

    Applicants for all degree programmes will now be required to list up to three of their achievements, or co-curricular activities, or non-academic activities (e.g. volunteering work, competitive sports) and to answer short response questions, besides providing their grades.

    Applicants admitted under the Aptitude Based Admissions will be expected to show evidence of special interests, abilities, talents or achievements which may be relevant to Dentistry. While these applicants may be considered for admission besides academic achievements, they must display the minimum academic competency to pursue and complete the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme. Please click here for more information.

 

20. What is the enrolment for each cohort of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme?

    Each year, 80 students are admitted to the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme.

     

21. How many applicants are there each year and how many of them get shortlisted?

    The number of applicants and those shortlisted for the Dentistry programme vary from year to year.  However, Dentistry remains one of the most competitive programmes at NUS.

 

22. What is the ratio of female to male intake? Is there a quota?

    The proportion of female to male students varies from year to year, and there are no set quotas for admitting either gender.

 

23. When and how will I be informed that I have been shortlisted for the Manual Dexterity Test and Admissions Interviews?

    Applicants are required to check their shortlist status via the Online Application Status Facility. You will not receive any hardcopy notification. Applicants who provide a valid mobile number on the online Admissions Application Form will receive an SMS notification.

 

24. What if I can’t appear for the Manual Dexterity Test or Multiple Mini Interviews?

    Prospective applicants must sit for BOTH the Manual Dexterity Test (MDT) and the Admissions Interviews in order to be considered for Dentistry. If one has valid reasons (e.g. unwell; conflicts in the dates/times for the interviews) for not being able to attend the MDT or interviews on the appointed date and/or time, please contact the Dean’s Office at denbox8@nus.edu.sg at least 3 working days before your scheduled MDT/interview date. We will attempt to re-schedule the MDT and/or interviews. For those currently serving National Service, please contact your Units to obtain more details regarding the process for being released to attend the MDT and interviews.

 

25. Is there a reserve list for Dentistry?

    Yes. In the event of any withdrawals from the programme, applicants on this reserve list will be informed. If you have received an offer for another programme at NUS or from another university, or are in receipt of a scholarship offer, we encourage you to consider these opportunities if they align with your educational aspirations.

 

STUDY DURATION AND BOND PERIOD

26. Is there a bond after graduation?

    The programme spans four years.  Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the Faculty of Dentistry, all students, regardless of nationality, must fulfill a service bond administered by MOH Holdings (MOHH). The table below provides details about the bond period.

    Singaporeans	Singapore PRs  and Non-Singaporeans
    4 years	5 years

 

FEES AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

27. How much are the tuition fees

    Tuition fees are highly subsidised by the Singapore Government, which covers the bulk of the operating and infrastructural costs. The fees are periodically reviewed and adjusted to reflect the cost of providing education to students.

    The annual tuition fees for new students admitted in AY2024/2025 are as follows:

    Singapore Citizens (SC)	Singapore Permanent Residents (SPR)	International Students (IS)		Full Fees#
    		ASEAN	All Other IS
    S$31,200	S$46,400	S$71,250	S$74,900	S$ 175,500

    # Fees payable by students NOT in receipt of MOE Tuition Grant (inclusive of GST)

    Apart from the tuition fees, dental undergraduates may be required to bear the cost of incidental materials which they will need throughout the duration of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme. Such costs will be in addition to the prevailing tuition fees. The incidental materials include, but may not be limited to, plastic teeth, metal alloy, consumables etc which will be required during the pre-clinical and clinical phases of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme. The estimated incidental cost over the period of the 4-year programme is S$1,000.

    For more information on fees and the MOE Tuition Grant, please refer to NUS Registrar’s Office .

 

28. What is the MOE Tuition Grant Subsidy?

    The tuition fees listed above are subsidised by the Ministry of Education, Singapore (MOE). The subsidy, also known as the MOE Tuition Grant, is offered to all students to help manage the costs of full-time tertiary education in Singapore.

     

29. When do I pay the tuition fees?

The Office of Finance publishes information on deadlines for fee payments and modes of fee payment. The Office will send an email notification to students, at students' NUS email accounts, to view their Student Bill online at least 2 weeks before the scheduled deadline for fee payment. You have up to the third week of the Semester to settle the fees. Tuition fees aree paid on a semestral basis i.e. twice a year.

 

30. Can I apply for Financial Aid to support my education?

    Prospective students may also use the Financial Needs Calculator to help them estimate their study and living expenses in NUS and the amount of aid they may receive if they require such assistance. Please click here for more information.

     

HEALTH REQUIREMENTS

After being offered a place in Dentistry, candidates should complete their screenings and immunisations at:

The Occupational Health Clinic
Address: Basement of University Health Centre, 20 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Singapore 119080
Email: ohclinic@nus.edu.sg
Tel: (65) 6516 7333/ (65) 6601 1781

For further enquiries on the health requirements, please contact denbox8@nus.edu.sg.

31. Are there specific health requirements for students pursuing the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme?

    
    Blood Borne Diseases (BBD)
    In accordance with Ministry of Health, Singapore’s requirements, all prospective students seeking admission to Dentistry must undergo screening for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV viruses. Prospective students tested positive for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C or HIV carriers will be counselled to understand that their areas of practice may be restricted in future.

    In addition, prospective dental students are required to demonstrate immunity against Hepatitis B. In the event that they remain non-immune despite repeat vaccinations (with the primary course series i.e. 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine), they will be counselled to understand their potential risk and susceptibility to Hepatitis B during the course of study and when they graduate.

    Mumps, Measles and Rubella (MMR)
    All prospective dental students should be immune (from documented infection) or fully vaccinated. Students should provide official records of two previous vaccinations (2-dose series at least 4 weeks apart) or serological/laboratory screening results or diagnosed by a physician of previous infection as proof of immunity against all three diseases. Self-declaration of previous infection or vaccination is not considered as evidence of immunity.

    Students may begin classes without documentary evidence of immunisation for MMR if he/she has a letter from a physician stating that there is a reason why he/she cannot receive the vaccine.

    Varicella (Chickenpox)
    All prospective dental students should be immune or vaccinated. Students should provide documentation of immunity (positive serology) or official records of having received two previous vaccinations. Self-declaration is only acceptable if the history of varicella was diagnosed by a physician and documented as such. Where history of varicella is uncertain, immunity against varicella would need to be confirmed by serological testing.

    Students may begin classes without documentary evidence of immunisation against Chickenpox if:

    1. He/she has a letter from a physician stating that there is a reason why he/she cannot receive the vaccine;
    2. He/she has documented evidence of two administrations of the varicella vaccine (i.e. a non-responder).

    
    Tetanus, Diphtheria And Pertussis
    All prospective Dentistry students should receive tetanus toxoid, reduced diphtheria toxoid and acellular pertussis (Tdap) vaccination, if they have not previously received the Tdap vaccination. These students should be vaccinated with a single dose of Tdap regardless of the interval since the last dose of tetanus or diphtheria-containing vaccine.

    Students who have previously received Tdap vaccination should receive a booster dose of tetanus and diphtheria toxoids (Td) every 10 years. If Td is unavailable, it may be replaced with Tdap. Documented proof of vaccination with Tdap or Td in the last 10 years would be acceptable as evidence of immunity. Self-declaration is not considered proof of immunity.

    COVID-19
    Students who are eligible should receive their vaccinations or boosters, where possible. Healthcare students are encouraged to achieve at least minimum protection against COVID-19, if medically eligible, in accordance with the requirements set by the Singapore Ministry of Health, Singapore.

    Occupational Health Risk Assessment
    

    Since 2013, in compliance with both NUS and the Ministry of Manpower, Singapore’s statutory medical surveillance requirements, all dental students must complete the NUS occupational health risk assessment and indemnity forms, and undergo audiometric testing before the commencement of the programme and just before graduation.

     

OTHER QUESTIONS

32. 33. I am colour-deficient. Does the Faculty of Dentistry have a restriction to certain colour deficiencies? If so what are they?

    No, but applicants are encouraged to indicate your condition under Section 5.1 “Other Information (Health and Support)” of the online Admissions Application Form.

33. Is my nationality a factor in admissions?
    

    Admissions are based on merit, and open to applicants of all nationalities.

34. Will work experience and referrals from experts in the relevant fields help?
    

    While this is not a necessary pre-requisite, it could be useful, if possible, so that prospective applicants have an idea about the scope of Dentistry as well as an insight into Dentistry as a career.

35. Can I defer from NS should I be accepted?
    

    In general, deferment is not permitted for Dentistry. Successful applicants will matriculate into the Bachelor of Dental Surgery programme after they have completed their National Service obligations. In such situations, a place will be reserved for them until their completion of National Service.

 

USEFUL LINKS

Where can I get more information?

• The Faculty of Dentistry: http://www.dentistry.nus.edu.sg/   

• MOH Service Obligation: https://www.hpp.moh.gov.sg/doctors/career-practices/CareerNPracticesDetails/medical-dental-undergraduate-agreement

• MOE Tuition Grant: https://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/administrative-policies-procedures/undergraduate/undergraduate-fees

•  NUS Office of Admissions: https://www.nus.edu.sg/admissions    

• Office of the University Registrar: http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar