Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy

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 primary extractions. The Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy program at the University of Newcastle is the only one 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 degree 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 1, 2 and 3 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, Indigenous Australians, the elderly, and special needs groups, dental therapy, human bioscience and anatomy, oral pathology, periodontology.

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

Professional recognition: Accredited by the Australian Dental Council. Once you graduate, you will be eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency.

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 eqv) to students based on merit.

Fees and charges: Refer to University of Newcastle current fee information.