- Overview
- Entry Requirements
- Partner Universities
- Partner Dental Schools (PDS) Enrolment
- Fee Structure
- FAQ
- Stories from the Blog
- Enquiries? Contact Us
- Apply Now
ABOUT THE DENTISTRY DEGREE
Dentistry is a professional career dedicated to the evaluation, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral cavity, maxillofacial area (upper and lower jaws), associated structures next to these areas and their impact on the human body. Oral health is widely considered necessary for complete general health. As a dentist, you are a member of the healthcare team providing advice to the public about oral healthcare. Your job will also include restoring function to badly decayed, broken or infected teeth, replacing missing teeth with dentures, bridges or implant-supported prostheses, treatment of oral diseases such as inflammatory diseases of gum and supporting tissues, destructive diseases such as cancer of the oral tissues, the aligning and straightening of teeth.
Dentists’ work is not confined to filling and pulling out teeth. The care that dentists are trained to provide greatly improves the quality of their patients’ lives. Oral diseases like tooth decay, gum diseases and oral cancer, malocclusion (when teeth in the upper and lower jaws do not fit properly), genetic deformities and anomalies affecting the oro-facial complex, and other oral problems can cause a great deal of discomfort, pain and adversely affect oral functions such as chewing food, talking or playing of musical instruments. A patient’s appearance, self-esteem and confidence can also be greatly enhanced through various types of dental procedures.
Dentists are usually not required to be on call at night nor to make house calls. Thus it is easier for dentists to achieve a perfect balance between their professional and personal lives.
CAREER PATHWAYS
To know about the career pathways for dentists, see this infographic.
KEY FACTS
Degree
Dentistry Degree from Partner Dental Schools
Commencement
Total Duration
Download Brochure
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
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EXAMINATIONS
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REQUIREMENTS
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| A-Levels | BBB or ABC in 3 subjects Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics |
| STPM | BBB or ABC in 3 subjects Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics |
| Australian Matriculation | 80% aggregate or ATAR 85 in 3 subjects Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics |
| NCEA Level 3 | Average of 80% in 3 subjects Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics |
| Canadian Grade 12/13 | 85% aggregate in 6 subjects (with an average of 80% in 3 subjects Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics) |
| Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) | B4 in 5 subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics and Additional Mathematics) |
| Australian University Foundation Programmes | 80% aggregate or ATAR 85 in 3 subjects Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics |
| Indian Pre-University | Average of 75% in all subjects (with an average of 70% in 3 subjects Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics) |
| Ministry of Education Matriculation# | cGPA 3.50 in 3 subjects Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics and attained 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics / Additional Mathematics and another subject at SPM/O-level |
| International Baccalaureate (IB) | 33 points with a minimum of 2 science subjects or Mathematics at Higher Level (HL) and 1 science subject at Standard Level (SL); and attained a minimum score of 4 each in Biology and Chemistry and Physics or Mathematics |
| American High School Diploma with Advanced Placement (AP) | Not applicable |
| Foundation * # | cGPA 3.50 in 3 subjects Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Mathematics and attained 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics / Additional Mathematics and another subject at SPM/O-level and Minimum Credit in BM and English at SPM/O-level |
| Degree | BSc: cGPA 3.30 |
| Diploma | Diploma in Health Sciences – cGPA 3.50 and provided duration is not less than 5 semesters or 2.5 years in the same accredited institution and attained 5Bs each in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics / Additional Mathematics and another subject at SPM level/O-level |
English Language Requirement
| IELTS | Overall band score of 6.5 (Not less than 6.0 for individual bands) Those who opt for overseas option must achieve an overall band score of 7.0 (Not less than 6.0 for individual bands) |
| Cambridge English : Advanced (CAE) | Overall score of 180* (for International students only) |
| Cambridge English : Proficiency (CPE) | Overall score of 200* (for International students only) |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) | Overall score of 58* (for International students only) |
PARTNER UNIVERSITIES
As an assurance of a total commitment towards quality education in dentistry, the IMU maintains its relationship with many partner universities in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and United Kingdom.
Australia
Canada
New Zealand
United Kingdom
COURSE DURATION
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DURATION OF DENTISTRY PROGRAMME
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Full duration of study: 5 to 5½ years (depending on the University)
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| Phase 1 (IMU) | Phase 2 | Total | |
| MALAYSIA International Medical University |
2½ years | 2½ years | 5 years |
| AUSTRALIA University of Adelaide |
2½ years | 3 years | 5½ years |
| CANADA University of Dalhousie |
2½ years | 3 years | 5½ years |
| NEW ZEALAND University of Otago |
2½ years | 2½ years | 5 years |
| UNITED KINGDOM University of Dundee University of Glasgow |
2½ years 2½ years |
3 years 3 years |
5½ years 5½ years |
Matching Process for Students Going to Partner Dental Schools (PDS) Abroad
The matching process is carried out early in the fifth semester. It is computerised and completely impartial. The students state their choice of PDS in strict order of preference. The PDS also rank the students based on their academic performance, student attributes and involvement in co-curricular activities. The computerised programme gives 5 times greater weighting to the students’ choice over the PDS ranking of students. Applicants who are citizens from countries where the IMU’s Partner Dental Schools (PDS) are located will not be eligible to apply for admission into the IMU-PDS option. These countries are Australia, Canada, New Zealand and United Kingdom. However, applicants may apply to the IMU option in Malaysia.
Applicants with a PR status in any of the countries mentioned above may apply for the IMU-PDS option, but the choice of PDS will be restricted as follows:
PR holders of Australia or New Zealand will not be matched to any of the PDS in Australia or New Zealand.
PR holders of Canada will not be matched to any of the PDS in Canada.
PR holders of United Kingdom will not be matched to any of the PDS in United Kingdom.
Students with citizenship and permanent resident status in Australia are advised to check with the Department of Admission & Student Affairs on their eligibility to apply. Students with Permanent Residence Status in the following countries cannot be matched for admission into the following Partner Dental Schools:
PR status cannot be matched to Australia
- University of Adelaide, Australia
- University of Otago, New Zealand
* The list of Partner Dental Schools is subject to change from time to time.
APPLICATION & REGISTRATION FEES
| Malaysian Student (RM) | International Student (RM) | |
| Application Fees | 300 | 950 |
| Registration Fee | 1,300 | 3,400 |
| Refundable Caution Deposit | 3,000 | 3,000 |
| Tuition Fees | 598,000 | 654,000 |
- Application fee is payable upon submission of application.
- Registration fee and refundable caution deposit is payable upon acceptance of the offer letter issued by the IMU Admissions Office.
- As stipulated by Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, international students will have to pay Student Visa Application fee of RM1,000 and Medical Health Check fee of RM250 and Visa endorsement fee (depending on nationality) upon registration.
- International students will also be required to pay Student Visa Renewal Administrative fee of RM140/year and Medical Health. Check fee of RM250/year.
- Students must adhere to the “Policy on Payment of Fees”.
- All students are required to pay Student Association Fees of RM40 per semester.
FEE STRUCTURE
MALAYSIAN STUDENT
| PROGRAMME | TOTAL DURATION (YEARS) | AT INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY (IMU) | AT PARTNER UNIVERSITY (PU) | GRAND TOTAL (RM) | ||||||
| YEARS | TOTAL SEMESTERS | TUITION FEE | ESTIMATED TUITION FEES AT PARTNER UNIVERSITY | |||||||
| PER SEMESTER | TOTAL | YEARS | SEMESTERS | TUITION FEE PER YEAR ** | TOTAL ($) | |||||
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) (IMU) | 5 | 5 | 10 | 59,800 | 598,000 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Credit Transfer to University of Adelaide * | 5½ | 2½ | 5 | 59,800 | 321,000 | 3 | 6 | A$76,500 | A$229,500 | 1,055,400 |
| Credit Transfer to University of Otago * | 5 | 2½ | 5 | NZ$89,000 | NZ$222,500 | 988,500 | ||||
| Credit Transfer to University of Glasgow * | 5½ | 3 | 6 | £39,000 | £117,000 | 917,700 | ||||
| Credit transfer to University of Dundee * | 5½ | 3 | 6 | £40,000 | £120,000 | 933,000 | ||||
| Credit transfer to Dalhousie University * | 5½ | 3 | 6 | C$75,000 | C$225,000 | 996,000 | ||||
INTERNATIONAL STUDENT
| PROGRAMME | TOTAL DURATION (YEARS) | AT INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL UNIVERSITY (IMU) | AT PARTNER UNIVERSITY (PU) | GRAND TOTAL (RM) | ||||||
| YEARS | TOTAL SEMESTERS | TUITION FEE | ESTIMATED TUITION FEES AT PARTNER UNIVERSITY | |||||||
| PER SEMESTER | TOTAL | YEARS | SEMESTERS | TUITION FEE PER YEAR ** | TOTAL ($) | |||||
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) (IMU) | 5 | 5 | 10 | 65,400 | 654,000 | - | - | - | - | - |
| Credit Transfer to University of Adelaide * | 5½ | 2½ | 5 | 65,400 | 349,000 | 3 | 6 | A$76,500 | A$229,500 | 1,083,400 |
| Credit Transfer to University of Otago * | 5 | 2½ | 5 | NZ$89,000 | NZ$222,500 | 1,016,500 | ||||
| Credit Transfer to University of Glasgow * | 5½ | 3 | 6 | £39,000 | £117,000 | 945,700 | ||||
| Credit transfer to University of Dundee * | 5½ | 3 | 6 | £40,000 | £120,000 | 961,000 | ||||
| Credit transfer to Dalhousie University * | 5½ | 3 | 6 | C$75,000 | C$225,000 | 1,024,000 ª | ||||
- * Students who are transferring to partner universities will be required to pay transfer fee of RM4,400 per semester.
- ** Current estimates only.
- Based on exchange rates: A$1 ≈ RM3.2, NZ$1 ≈ RM3, £1 ≈ RM5.1, C$ ≈RM3.2
- Tuition and ancillary fees at Partner Universities overseas are subject to annual increases.
- ª Exlucding other mandatory university fees, health insurance and the cost of dental instruments, supplies, laptop computer and electronic textbook library
Equipment Cost
Students will be required to purchase equipment to carry out the required training exercise of the programme. The estimated sum is RM10,000.
University of Adelaide
- Students made ineligible if they have failed an end-of-semester examination in any year.
- Students made ineligible if they received less than ‘good’ results for motivation, class participation, academic ability, English proficiency, clinical skills, interactive skills on the Student Attribute Form.
University of Glasgow & University of Dundee
- Students must meet English language proficiency requirements (IELTS 7 in all bands).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
The dental programme focused on excellence committed to meeting international standards. The education programme is planned to provide a choice of 2 tracks for the dental student. The first track is implemented jointly by the IMU, Malaysia, in collaboration with English speaking overseas universities (Partner Universities), with the students spending the first phase (5 semesters) in Malaysia and the later years in the partner universities. On successful completion, the students will receive the degree from the respective Partner University. The second track is the student will spend the full 5 years of the undergraduate programme in IMU and receive the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree from IMU.
A student-centred approach is adopted in which the needs of the individual students are met, and they are supported by the use of study guides. Active learning methods are used including problem-based learning, e-learning, role play, self-directed learning and community-based education.
The IMU Dental Programme is structured in two phases. In Phase I (2½ years), the programme focuses on the basic biological, behavioural, dental and medical sciences required for the practice of dentistry. There is also an introduction to the basic clinical skills required for the practice of dentistry and the skill required of the practising dentist in managing the health of the family and the community.
In Phase II (2½ years), the clinical experience will be further increased for the students to develop a patient-centred approach in the management of comprehensive primary dental care for patients of all ages. Students will not only have clinical experience of treating patients at the IMU dental facilities located in the Bukit Jalil campus but will also be exposed to the government dental clinics and centres, private dental clinics, mobile and other dental clinics for a wide experience to develop their ability in improving the oral health of the individuals, families and community.
Note: Students are required to indicate whether they wish to complete their Phase 2 in IMU or prefer to transfer to Partner Dental School (PDS) at the time of application. Their options would be indicated in the letters of offer.
The aim of the dental programme in the International Medical University is to produce graduates with appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes for competent dental practice. The key features are:-
- Innovative curriculum with an integrated approach
- Outcome-based education
- Technology-based learning
- Highly qualified and experienced staff
- Well-equipped dental simulation and technique laboratories
- Dental clinics equipped with digital radiography and electronic patient management systems to operate in a “paperless” environment
- Practice of close-support dentistry
- Well-equipped learning resources
- Mentoring of students by staff
Please refer to Partner Dental Schools (PDS) Enrolment.
Semester contents are available in the programme brochure [Download Brochure]
A wide variety of teaching-learning approaches are employed in the dental programme to provide a stimulating environment for learning. These include lectures, problem-based learning (PBL), practical classes, patient simulation practicals, clinical skills sessions, e-learning, independent learning, clinical dental treatment of patients and postings to various hospitals and clinics.
The students will be learning together with the medical students for common subjects such as Foundation and Medical Science courses which will promote interprofessional understanding and working relationships.
The students will have early exposure to the clinical environment right from Year 1 and will start treating patients from Year 2 after passing some defined competency tests.
At the beginning of Semester 5, students will provide their choices of dental schools in order of preference. A matching exercise will be carried out through a computer matching programme specially designed to take into primary consideration the students’ choices as well as requirements set by the PDS to provide the closest match to the students’ choice of PDS.
The medium of instruction is English. Students who come from a system of education in which the medium of instruction is not English are strongly recommended to improve their proficiency in English by making their own arrangements to attend additional English Language classes before entering the IMU.
The Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree is awarded by IMU to students who have successfully completed the full dental programme of 5 years in IMU. The Partner Dental Schools will award their respective degrees to students who transfer to their schools. Degrees from these schools are recognised internationally as well as locally by the Malaysian Dental Council for full registration.
Dentists should have good health, manual dexterity, a methodical and scientific approach, ability to establish easy relationships quickly with people of all ages, ability to infuse confidence in nervous patients, especially children, organising ability and ability to work in a team.
All students applying for the dental programme and have pre-university qualifications that meet IMU’s minimum requirements have to attend an interview. The interview is to gauge the students’ aptitude and motivation for pursuing a career in Dentistry as well as communication skills in English. Students will be informed of the date and time of interview after the application form and all other necessary documents are received by the IMU.
READ STORIES OF THE PROGRAMME
Dentistry – IMU News
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Quit Smoking 14 Mar 2017IMU launched the IMU Quit Smoking Service (IMU-QSS) on 22 Feb 2017 that is aligned with Malaysian National Tobacco Control Program based upon World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco […]
Dental Undergraduates Survival Kit for Dentistry Students 3 Mar 201725 February 2017 – The Malaysian Dental Students’ Association (MDSA), an NGO, organised Dental Undergraduates Survival Kit (DUSK) at IMU. Instead of the usual leisurely Saturday when students head out to […]
ENQUIRIES? CONTACT US
APPLY NOW
Interested in applying for one of our programmes?
You will need to prepare the following documents for your application:
- Verified copies of your academic qualifications
- Evidence of English language proficiency
- A copy of your MyKad or the identification page of your passport
These supporting documents needs to be attached electronically to your application. Please note that all of our programmes require payment of a non-refundable application fee after the application has been submitted. Application will only be processed once the payment for application fee has been made.
We wish you all the best with your application, and hope we will be welcoming you into one of our programmes soon!
“The Dental programme in IMU is innovatively designed to provide early clinical exposure and various forms of learning activities to promote critical reasoning, develop professionalism and lifelong learning skills.”
PROF ALLAN PAU KAH HENG
Dean, School of Dentistry
BDS (Lond), MSc (Lond), DDPH RCS (Eng), PhD (Lond), FDS(DPH) RCS (Edinburgh), FHEA
