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Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy

The University of Newcastle

CRICOS provider number: 00109J TEQSA provider ID: PRV12056

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About

As an oral health therapist, you will work closely with dental practitioners to provide a range of preventive and restorative procedures like cleaning, scaling, polishing and x-rays, restorations, and simple extractions. The Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy program at the University of Newcastle is the only program in NSW that provides dual qualifications in dental hygiene and dental therapy, with adult scope of practice, qualifying you to treat both children and adults. Use these unique skills to make a real difference and shape a healthier future for Australia.

This program requires students to participate in clinical placements in NSW Health facilities. During placement students will be subject to NSW Health policies and procedures. Students must also meet all NSW Health verification requirements before attending clinical placement. Clinical placement essentials.

Students should be aware that they may be required to undertake clinical placement and/or classes outside normal semester dates.

Students enrolling in this degree are required to obtain a WorkCover-approved, Provide First Aid Certificate and Infection Control Certificate in years one, two and three of the program.

The award of this degree depends on the student satisfactorily completing and passing all academic and clinical components within the maximum time allowed.

Areas of study

Clinical treatment for children; communication; dental therapy; health promotion; human bioscience and anatomy; Indigenous Australians, the elderly and special needs groups; oral pathology; periodontology and radiography.

Career opportunities

Oral health therapist, dental hygienist, health promotion officer, public health practitioner, oral health academic, industry sales representative.

Professional recognition

This program is accredited by the Australian Dental Council. Once you graduate, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency as an Oral Health Therapist.

Practical experience

Minimum 500 hours of supervised dental practice, initially in the simulation facility before progressing to our on-campus oral health clinic and later in professional clinical situations, including: childcare facilities, residential aged care facilities, community dental clinics, specialist dental departments, public hospital dental clinics, private dental practices.

Travel, accommodation, and related expenses for professional placement will be the responsibility of the student. Students will be required to purchase instrument kits and models.

Honours

Available as an additional year (or part-time equivalent) to students, based on merit.

Fees and charges

Refer to University of Newcastle current fee information.

Essential requirements for admission

This program and future professional practice is both mentally and physically demanding. Students may be required to practise hands-on examinations and simulated treatments/procedures with other students in laboratory classes. Applicants who may be unsure of their ability to complete the degree and work in the profession should contact the University prior to applying.

Check the special requirements and policies for this course.

Admission criteria

Applicants with recent secondary education

Recommended studies: Biology, Chemistry.

If you have not previously studied one or more of these subjects or your knowledge is limited, we encourage you to undertake bridging courses. NUPrep Bridging offers academic preparation and support short courses, which are free and can be completed on campus or online before you start your degree.

Explore NUPrep Bridging Courses

Applicants with higher education study

If you completed or partially completed higher education studies, your grade point average can be converted to a selection rank for admission purposes.

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

If you completed or partially completed competency-based vocational education and training (such as TAFE, a private Registered Training Provider, or vocational studies undertaken in high school), this can be used to determine your eligibility for admission.

Studies completed at an AQF Level 4 (Cert IV) or higher provide Guaranteed Entry into many of our undergraduate programs.

Applicants with work and life experience

If you do not have an ATAR (or equivalent) or formal qualification, Newcastle University offers a range of pathways toward your dream degree. No matter what your age or experience, there is a place for you.

Explore University of Newcastle entry options.

Advanced standing

If you have undertaken previous studies at another higher education institution or registered training organisation, you may be awarded credit towards your undergraduate degree. You must apply for admission before applying for credit.

Further information

View all details of this course on the University of Newcastle website.

ATAR profile

ATAR-based offers only (semester 1, 2023)

Use all ATAR profile data as a guide only; it provides a broad overview of the ATARs and selection ranks of previous Year 12 students admitted into that course. ATARs and selection ranks required for entry in 2024 may be different. If you are unsure about including a course among your preferences, contact the relevant institution.

  1. This ATAR profile table is in line with Commonwealth Government transparency requirements. It is based on offers to recent school leavers (ie completed Year 12 in the last 2 years) who were selected solely or partly on their ATAR. Note that some institutions further differentiate this information on their websites.
  2. The ATAR values exclude any adjustment factors.
  3. The selection ranks include the ATAR and any adjustment factors.

Abbreviations

– = data is not available.
<5 = less than 5 ATAR-based offers were made.
N/A = no offers were made on the basis of ATAR.
NC = new course
NP = Not provided by institution
NR = No reportable profile
NS = No Semester 1 offers
NN = Unavailable (other)
NO = Entry on other criteria

Student profile

Course updates
Courses are added and cancelled throughout the admissions year and course details are subject to change. Check the UAC course search regularly.

Review of programs
The academic content of all programs is subject to routine review. For up-to-date details, visit University of Newcastle degrees.

Honours
Applicants should note that under the revised Australian Qualifications Framework some programs are four-year programs available with direct entry. Other programs are three-year Bachelor degree programs. Meritorious students have the option to apply for an additional one-year end-on component after graduation. Check the course descriptions carefully.