We’ll guide you through the steps to becoming an oral health therapist by studying the Bachelor of Oral Health at the University of Sydney.
Upon successful completion of the degree, graduates can apply for registration with the Dental Board of Australia.
To enter the Bachelor of Oral Health program, you can qualify through finishing high school, with the NSW Higher School Certificate or equivalent national and international qualifications. It’s recommended that you would have studied subjects like biology and chemistry at high school for preparation.
Other prior higher education study or preparation courses may also be recognised. If you’re an international student, we will assess the equivalency of your previous study based on the country, institution, and qualification.
Alternatively, a direct entry pathway exists for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants who have completed a relevant dental course through TAFE NSW.
Alternatively, for those interested in working in advanced treatments and surgeries, in specialist areas such as surgery, prosthodontics or orthodontics, you may want to consider the Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Medicine. This seven-year pathway includes a three-year Bachelor of Science degree, followed by a four-year Doctor of Dental Medicine program.
Applicants must provide a current First Aid Certificate during orientation week. The University's preferred provider is Surf Life Saving NSW. This certificate must be maintained throughout the degree.
Throughout the three-year program, you'll gain the skills needed to prevent diseases and tackle oral health conditions, focusing on adult care. Graduates receive a bachelors qualification accredited by the Australian Dental Council, becoming eligible for registration with the Dental Board of Australia as an oral health therapist and licensed to use diagnostic radiation.
In the first year, you'll delve into the fascinating world of biomedical sciences, exploring the anatomy of the head and neck, while also building a strong foundation in professional practice. As you move into the second and third years, the focus shifts to mastering advanced treatment planning, honing your clinical reasoning, and refining your skills through clinical appraisal and practice.
You’ll gain a minimum of 1,500 hours of practical experience at institutions like the Westmead Centre for Oral Health, Sydney Dental Hospital, Nepean Dental Health Clinic and other Local Health District dental hospitals. Experience includes simulation practice, patient treatment in clinics, and rural placements.
You'll have the opportunity to address oral health needs by participating in rural placements, providing valuable services to those in less accessible areas. In your third year, you can expand your skills by conducting dental care in community clinics through extramural placements.
You'll also have the chance to engage in meaningful research at aged care facilities, contributing to important projects. Additionally, you'll gain diverse experience by working in a variety of settings, including specialist clinics, maternity wards, aged care facilities, and teledentistry clinics.
As a graduate, you'll have the opportunity to register with the Dental Board of Australia and embark on a dynamic career as an oral health therapist.
You’ll be able to make a real difference in diverse environments, from vibrant community healthcare centres to bustling public hospitals, vital Aboriginal medical services, aged care facilities or private dental clinics. You may explore other career pathways in mobile dentistry, education, research, academia or private practice ownership.
