Our Bachelor of Oral Health is a three-year program you can begin right after high school, using your NSW Higher School Certificate or equivalent qualifications which will qualify you as an oral health therapist.
This degree focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases and conditions, and enables you to perform tasks like teeth cleaning, fillings, removal of baby teeth, administering local anaesthetic, taking x-rays, applying sealants, and educating patients on oral hygiene.
There is also a direct entry pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
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 our 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.
Clinical placements provide students with invaluable opportunities to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice. By working directly with patients, students acquire practical skills and gain confidence in their clinical abilities.
These placements also foster professional development, enhancing essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and ethical decision-making.
At the University of Sydney, we are able to offer placement at a range of partner institutions like the Westmead Centre for Oral Health, Sydney Dental Hospital, Nepean Dental Health Clinic and other Local Health District dental hospitals.
The diverse range of cases encountered during placements sharpens problem-solving abilities and promotes adaptability across different clinical scenarios.
Bachelor of Oral Health students undertake a minimum of 1,500 hours of practical experience, while students in the Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Medicine program complete significant hours of clinical placement across a variety of settings.
“This includes time at simulation clinics, at public hospitals and dental centres to ensure they are well-prepared for the full scope of dental practice,” says Associate Professor Mohd Masood, from the University of Sydney School of Dentistry.
As Australia's pioneering dental school, we consistently rank among the nation's finest. Our unparalleled educational opportunities are enhanced by our strong affiliations with renowned institutions along with a network of dental hospitals across remote, regional, and rural New South Wales.
Students gain invaluable clinical experience in fully operational dental hospitals, addressing diverse real-world oral health challenges and interacting seamlessly with dental and medical professionals.
Additionally, our simulation clinics empower students to build confidence and master new procedures within a controlled, supportive setting.
“Dentistry programs are taught by a mix of academic scholars and experienced industry practitioners, including dentists, specialists, and researchers,” says Associate Professor Masood.
“This blend ensures that students receive education grounded in the latest research while gaining insights from real-world practice.
"Notable educators include internationally recognised specialists in prosthodontics, paediatrics, and oral surgery, as well as academics who contribute to major oral health policy and research initiatives.”
Our Bachelor of Oral Health is taught by a diverse team of educators that includes dental hygienists, therapists, dentists, and specialists.
“Our staff bring a wide range of expertise integral to real-life practice, with experience across rural, public, private, mobile care, aged care, and specialist settings, both domestically and internationally," says Mr Patrick Westhoff, Lecturer and Acting Program Director.
"Many are also distinguished for their contributions to research, advocacy, and service.”
Dentists and oral health therapists are highly regarded professionals. Both careers offer autonomy, with many practitioners running their own clinics or working within small, collaborative teams.
Dentistry graduates could also consider research, education, or specialised areas such as orthodontics or paediatric dentistry. There are also global opportunities, especially for those interested in humanitarian or rural health work.
"Graduating in dentistry from the University of Sydney offers a significant competitive advantage due to its strong reputation, diverse clinical placements, and robust professional networks,” says Associate Professor Masood.
"Students graduate with a globally recognised qualification, hands-on experience in leading hospitals, and access to career support and postgraduate opportunities.
Mr Westhoff highlights that Bachelor of Oral Health graduates possess robust clinical skills, thanks to diverse placements and extensive hands-on practice shaped by innovative teaching.
"Graduates are well-prepared for practice and can pursue opportunities in research, education, or transferable registration in New Zealand under the Trans-Tasman mutual recognition arrangement," says Mr Westhoff.
Dentists and oral health therapists are essential in preventing and treating conditions that impact general health.
Many are drawn to the field to make a positive difference and to engage in health promotion, education, and preventive care.
“Dentistry graduates make a tangible difference by improving quality of life and supporting overall health through the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of oral diseases," explains Associate Professor Masood.
"This reduces the burden on general healthcare systems and attracts hands-on, detail-oriented individuals passionate about healthcare."
Students interested in biology, anatomy, and health sciences, coupled with strong communication and manual dexterity, are particularly well-suited to careers in oral health and dentistry.
“Oral health graduates can profoundly impact communities by increasing access to care and focusing on prevention throughout a person’s lifespan," says Mr Westhoff.
"Those passionate about empowering health improvements through disease prevention, who also possess strong manual dexterity and empathetic, patient-centred care, are well-suited for a career in oral health."
