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ABOUT

Oral health is a window into your health. In fact, researchers have discovered that an unhealthy mouth (especially the gums) may increase the risk of serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, diabetic complications and preterm labour. Hence, the care that dentists provide greatly improves the quality of patients’ lives.

Dentistry Degree

Besides filling and pulling out teeth, the dentists’ tasks 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, and the aligning and straightening of teeth.

As our smiles are a reflection of our emotional wellbeing, dentists also serve to enhance patients’ confidence and self-esteem.

Dentistry is a challenging career choice. However, as dentists are generally not required to be on call or make house calls, dentists have an easier task of juggling career, family and personal priorities.

The IMU Dentistry programme offers a choice of 2 tracks. Students can opt to undertake the entire 5-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degree in IMU or spend the initial years in IMU and then transfer to reputable universities abroad. For the latter option, students will receive the degree from the respective partner university.

Key Facts

DEGREE

  • Bachelor of Dental Surgery (IMU)
  • Dentistry Degree from Partner Dental Schools

Commencement

  • February

total duration

  • 5 years (Degree from IMU)
  • 5 – 5½ years (Degree from Partner Universities)

Why Study Dentistry at IMU?

An Established Private Healthcare University

IMU is Malaysia’s first and most established private medical and healthcare university with over 30 years of dedicated focus in healthcare education. IMU achieved the SETARA-2018/2019 Tier 6 status (Outstanding) under the Mature University category.

Build Your Future Healthcare Professional Network

As IMU offers the widest range of healthcare programmes, our students are fully immersed in a vibrant community of students and practitioners from all healthcare fields. This allows for the development of strong friendship amongst peers that will be the foundation of an extensive healthcare professional network upon graduation.

Curriculum Benchmarked to International Standards

IMU’s Dental curriculum has been developed to meet high international standards and is accepted by international partner universities for credit transfer of the Phase 1 of their Dentistry programme.

Better Preparation for a Career as a Dentist

With early exposure to the clinical environment in Semester 1 and treatment of patients from Year 2, students are better prepared through student-centred learning activities and competency tests for patient care and compulsory service.

Taught by Well-Qualified Staff at World-Class Facilities

Students are taught by qualified, competent professionals with over 10 years of academic experience. Learning environments include the IMU Dental Skills Centre and Oral Health Centre, both of which are equipped with new technologies for interactive learning, skills development and patient education, promoting pleasant and safe patient care.

Programme Structure

Semester Contents

Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3
  • Biomedicine in Relation to Dentistry 1
  • Socio-behavioural Science 1
  • Dental Science and Practice 1
  • Clinical Humanities and Wellbeing
  • Biomedicine in Relation to Dentistry 1
  • Socio-behavioural Science 2
  • Dental Science and Practice 1
  • Clinical Humanities and Wellbeing
  • Biomedicine in Relation to Dentistry 2
  • Dental Science and Practice 2
  • Clinical Humanities and Wellbeing
  • Elective
Semester 4 Semester 5 Semester 6
  • Biomedicine in Relation to Dentistry 2
  • Dental Science and Practice 2
  • Community Oral Health 1
  • Clinical Humanities and Wellbeing
  • Selective
  • Dental Science and Practice 3
  • Community Oral Health 1
  • Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics
  • Special Study Module
  • Clinical Humanities and Wellbeing
  • Data Science and Analytics
  • General Dental Practice
  • Community Oral Health 2
  • Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics
  • Oral Diagnostic Science 1
  • Special Study Module
  • Human Disease
  • Clinical Humanities and Wellbeing
Semester 7 Semester 8 Semester 9
  • General Dental Practice
  • Community Oral Health 2
  • Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics
  • Oral Diagnostic Science 1
  • Special Study Module
  • Human Disease
  • Clinical Humanities and Wellbeing
  • General Dental Practice
  • Community Oral Health 2
  • Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics
  • Oral Diagnostic Science 2
  • Special Study Module
  • Oral Maxillo-facial Surgery
  • Clinical Humanities and Wellbeing
  • Elective
  • Outreach
  • General Dental Practice
  • Community Oral Health 2
  • Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics
  • Oral Diagnostic Science 2
  • Special Study Module
  • Oral Maxillo-facial Surgery
  • Clinical Humanities and Wellbeing
  • Outreach
Semester 10
  • General Dental Practice
  • Community Oral Health 2
  • Children’s Dentistry and Orthodontics
  • Oral Diagnostic Science 2
  • Special Study Module
  • Oral Maxillo-facial Surgery
  • Clinical Humanities and Wellbeing
  • BDS Plus
  • Outreach

Entry Requirement

Examinations Requirements
A- Levels BBB or ABC in
~Biology; and
~Chemistry; and
~Physics or Mathematics
STPM BBB or ABC in
~Biology; and
~Chemistry; and
~Physics or Mathematics
Australian Matriculation ATAR 80 including
~Biology; and
~Chemistry; and
~Physics or Mathematics

AND attained 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics / Additional Mathematics and another subject at SPM / O-Level or its equivalent

NCEA Level 3 Average of 80% in
~Biology; and
~Chemistry; and
~Physics or Mathematics

AND attained 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics / Additional Mathematics and another subject at SPM / O-level or its equivalent

Canadian Grade 12/13 80% aggregate in 6 subjects
(with an average of 80% in
~Biology; and
~Chemistry; and
~Physics or Mathematics)

AND attained 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics / Additional Mathematics and another subject at SPM / O-level or its equivalent

Unified Examination Certificate (UEC) B4 in 5 subjects Biology; and Chemistry; and Physics; and Mathematics; and Additional Mathematics

AND
attained 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics / Additional Mathematics and Malay/English at SPM / O-level or its equivalent

Australian University Foundation Programmes 80% aggregate or ATAR 80
(with an average of 80% in 3 subjects
~Biology; and
~Chemistry;and
~Physics or Mathematics)

AND attained 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics / Additional Mathematics and another subject at SPM / O-level or its equivalent

Indian Pre-University Average of 70% in all subjects (with an average of 70% in
~Biology; and
~Chemistry; and
~Physics or Mathematics)

AND attained 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics / Additional Mathematics and another subject at SPM / O-level or its equivalent

Ministry of Education Matriculation # Overall cGPA 3.00 (with cGPA 3.00 in Biology and Chemistry and Mathematics/Physics)

AND attained 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics / Additional Mathematics and Malay / English at SPM / O-Level or its equivalent.

International Baccalaureate (IB) 30 points with a minimum score of 5 each in 3 of the following subjects
~Biology; and
~Chemistry; and
~Physics/Mathematics
with a minimum of 2 subjects at Higher Level (HL) and one subject at Standard Level (SL)

AND attained 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics/Additional Mathematics and Malay/English at SPM / O-Level or its equivalent

American High School Diploma with Advanced Placement (AP)
Foundation Studies # IMU Foundation in Science
Overall cGPA 3.00 (with a cGPA of 3.00 in Biology and Chemistry and Mathematics)

AND attained 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics / Additional Mathematics and Malay / English at SPM / O-level or its equivalent
*Foundation in Science or equivalent from other institutions will be subjected to the Dean’s approval on a case by case basis.*

Degree BSc in related field: 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 2Bs each in Biology, Chemistry or Physics, and 3Cs in English, Mathematics or Additional Mathematics and another subject at SPM / O-level

# The duration of this programme must be a minimum of 1 year in the same accredited institution and foundation in other disciplines are accepted.

Foundation in Science
  • Foundation in Science qualifications from other higher education institutions will be considered on a case by case basis for admission into the local IMU programmes.
  • Students with IMU Foundation in Science can apply into IMU programmes and programmes with selected credit transfer options, upon meeting the entry requirement eligibility. ** (Please refer to IMU Foundation in Science brochure for more details)
For admissions into the IMU Foundation in Science programme, students will need:
  • Pass SPM / O-Levels with minimum 5 credits in Mathematics, 2 Science subjects and 2 other subjects. Note: Specific SPM / O-Levels requirements may be needed for admissions into IMU programmes.

English Language Requirement

MUET Band score of 4; or
(For Malaysian students)
IELTS Overall band score of 6.5 (Not less than 6.0 for individual bands); or
Cambridge English : Advanced (CAE)* Overall score of 176; or
Cambridge English : Proficiency (CPE)* Overall score of 176; or
Cambridge Linguaskill* Overall score of 180; or
Pearson Test of English (PTE)* Overall score of 63; or
Credit Transfer IELTS Overall band score of 7.0 (Not less than 6.0 for individual bands)

* ONLY applicable for those who are completing the entire degree at IMU, Malaysia

Note

Please note that achieving the minimum Entry and English requirements as stated does not guarantee you admission into any of IMU’s programmes.

Please refer to our Student Admissions Policy for more information.

Application and Registration Fees

Fee Malaysian Student (RM) International Student (RM)
Application Fee 300 950
Registration Fee 1300 3,400
Refundable Caution Deposit 3,000 3,000
  • 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.
  • All students who are applying for the NHEF loans are required to pay their semester fees in FULL by the due date stated in the invoice.
  • The fees quoted for partner universities are current estimates only
  • Student must adhere to the Policy on Payment of Fees
  • All tuition and ancillary fees are subject to annual increases, currency exchange rates, and exclusive of levy and bridging fees (if any).
  • All students are required to pay Student Association Fees of RM40 per semester.
  • As stipulated by Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education, international students are required to pay Student Visa Application fee of RM2,500 AND personal bond (depending on nationality) upon registration.
  • * Overseas fees are indicative and subject to annual increase and currency exchange rate. Fees are exclusive of levy and bridging fee.
  • Exchange Rate as of November 2022:
    – Australia A$1 = RM3.10
    – Canada C$1 = RM3.30
    – China RMB1 = RM0.65
    – Ireland €1 = RM4.70
    – New Zealand NZ$1 = RM2.80
    – United Kingdom £1 = RM5.50
    – United States of America US$1 = RM4.50

Fee Structure

malaysian student

Total Duration (years) Years Total Semesters Tuition Fee Per Semester (RM) Transfer Fee Per Semester (RM) Tuition Fee Per Year (RM)
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
At International Medical University
Phase 1 & Phase 2 5 5 10 59,800 119,600
Equipment Cost

Students will be required to purchase equipment in order to carry out the required training exercises of the course. The sum is estimated at approximately RM10,000.

Degree from Partner University
Phase 1 at International Medical University (IMU)
5 59,800 4,500 119,600
Phase 2 at Partner Dental School (PDS)
University Total Duration (years) Average Years Total Semesters Tuition Fee Per Year *
University of Adelaide 3 6 A$83,000
University of Dalhousie 3 6 C$85,475
University of Otago 5 5 NZ$102,087
University of Dundee 3 6 £49,200
University of Glasgow 3 6 £46,950

International student

Total Duration (years) Years Total Semesters Tuition Fee Per Semester (RM) Transfer Fee Per Semester (RM) Tuition Fee Per Year (RM)
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
At International Medical University
Phase 1 & Phase 2 5 5 10 65,400 130,800
Equipment Cost

Students will be required to purchase equipment in order to carry out the required training exercises of the course. The sum is estimated at approximately RM10,000.

Degree from Partner University
Phase 1 at International Medical University (IMU)
5 65,400 4,500 130,800
Phase 2 at Partner Dental School (PDS)
University Total Duration (years) Average Years Total Semesters Tuition Fee Per Year *
University of Adelaide 3 6 A$83,000
University of Dalhousie 3 6 C$85,475
University of Otago 5 5 NZ$102,087
University of Dundee 3 6 £49,200
University of Glasgow 3 6 £46,950

Course Duration

DURATION OF DENTISTRY PROGRAMME
Full duration of study: 5 to 5½ years (depending on the University)
Phase 1 (IMU) Phase 2 (IMU) Total
MALAYSIA
International Medical University 2½ years 2½ years 5 years
AUSTRALIA
University of Adelaide, Australia 2½ years 3 years 5½ years
CANADA
Dalhousie University, Canada 2½ years 3 years 5½ years
NEW ZEALAND
University of Otago, New Zealand 2½ years 2½ years 5 years
UNITED KINGDOM
University of Dundee, Scotland 2½ years 3 years 5½ years
University of Glasgow, Scotland 2½ years 3 years 5½ years

MATCHING PROCESS FOR STUDENTS GOING TO A PARTNER DENTAL SCHOOL (PDS)

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.

POLICY ON RESTRICTIONS OF TRANSFER OF STUDENTS TO PARTNER DENTAL SCHOOLS

Our Partner Dental Schools (PDS) are prepared to accept non-Malaysian students. However, students with citizenship in any countries of the PDS will not be eligible to transfer to:

1) The country where they hold citizenship.
2) or hold citizenship with the bloc of countries that shares the same Dental Council, e.g. Australia and New Zealand

Thus:

  • Citizens or PR holders of Australia or New Zealand will not be matched to any of the PDS in Australia and New Zealand.
  • Citizens or PR holders of United Kingdom will not be matched to any of the PDS in the United Kingdom.
  • Citizens or PR holders of  Canada will not be matched to any of the PDS in the Canada.

Students with citizenship and permanent resident status in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and United Kingdom are advised to check with the Department of Admission & Student Affairs on their eligibility to apply.

* The list of Partner Dental Schools is subject to change from time to time.

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.

Views from Our Community

Looi Shyn Yin

Alumna, Dentistry

If I could say anything about the School of Dentistry, I must say it is a very well organised with a holistic team catering to what is necessary in the development of a student's progress in their dental career. They are constantly listening to the needs of their students through feedback improvement and engagement with us. Personally a favourite liner of mine whenever people ask about my dental journey in IMU was "11/10 of my lecturers are absolutely fantastic. Not only are they good and compassionate clinicians, a rarity nowadays; but the way they deliver knowledge and shape our understanding and experience is admirable!

Tan Jun Hong

Alumnus, Dentistry

First and foremost is that the facilities provided by School of Dentistry (SOD) are are quite complete. I have been to several overseas universities such as China and Taiwan for my elective postings. Through these exchange programmes and communication with the students over there, I found that our School does indeed have the facilities that are good enough to compete on the international stage.

Kweh Ting Jing

Alumnus, Dentistry

IMU School of Dentistry did an excellent job in providing a conducive environment for maximum learning experience. The state-of-the-art facilities such as the Oral Health Centre, Dental Skills Centre and learning resources ranging from library online databases to e-learning laboratories enhance learning opportunities; not to mention the well qualified academic staff who promote continuous learning. The School provides its alumni with the support for postgraduate programmes as well, and I am grateful to be one of the benefactors. The comprehensive training from the School produces professionals who will always strive for excellence.

Chong Jun Ai

Alumna, Dentistry

I was part of the pioneer batch in year 2008 and if one is to compare the times back then and now, many things have changed. The School of Dentistry has grown and matured into a strong team of educationists, clinicians and researchers by producing well sought after dental practitioners, treating high-volume of patients in our state of the art Oral Health Centre and publishing high impact publications annually. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to be part of the faculty under the IMU scholarship programme as the opportunities to learn and grow are limitless at IMU.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Why choose this programme?

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.

What is the structure of the programme?

Semester contents are available in the programme brochure [Download Brochure]

What are the aims and key features of the programme?

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

What is the duration of the programme?

What are the semester contents?

Semester contents are available in the programme brochure [Download Brochure]

What are the teaching-learning approaches used?

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.

When do students get clinical exposure?

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.

How do students select a Partner Dental School (PDS) and when is the selection made?

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.

What is the medium of instruction?

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.

Who will award the degree?

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.

What sort of jobs/careers can be undertaken with this degree?

What personality traits are best suited for a career in dentistry?

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.

When do I attend a student interview?

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.

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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!

A Word from the Dean

Prof-Seow-e-2022

PROF SEOW LIANG LIN

Dean, School of Dentistry
BDS (Mal), MSc (London), FDSRCS (England), PhD (Mal)

“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.”

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