Is oral health for you?

The Bachelor of Oral Health is aimed at developing and integrating scientific knowledge and clinical skills. Students will provide preventative treatment to individuals, mindful of the dynamic between oral health and general health. Read more ...

Study

This student centred program relies on students working together in new, purpose built facilities, under the supervision of highly qualified staff on the Central Coast campus, to deliver patient care to local residents. Read more ...

Career opportunities

Graduates are eligible to register and practise as dental hygienists in private dental practice and work in oral health promotion in a range of clinical settings. Graduates have the opportunity to work as clinical teachers in the tertiary sector, in oral health research and in oral health administration. Read more ...

Achiever profiles

Why would you do this degree? Find out from graduates, students and academics. Discover how their future is taking shape, and learn first-hand what it's like to study at uni. Read profiles ...

Is oral health for you?

The Bachelor of Oral Health is aimed at developing and integrating scientific knowledge and clinical skills. Students will provide preventative treatment to individuals, mindful of the dynamic between oral health and general health. You should be committed to working with colleagues to provide a team approach to oral health care and community needs. Using an evidence-based approach, you will have the skills required to undertake oral health research and communicate the outcomes of this research to a wide range of audiences.

The University of Newcastle has a 17 chair dental clinic 'The Oral Health Centre' with digital radiography, computerised patient records and all support staff, providing you with hands-on experience throughout the degree, preparing you to enter the field of oral health job ready.

Is this course similar to dental nursing?

The Bachelor of Oral Health enables you to register as a practising oral health clinician working along side a dentist as part of the team. Many of our current students commenced their careers in oral health as dental nurses.

Study

This student centred degree relies on students working together in new, purpose built facilities, under the supervision of highly qualified staff on the Central Coast campus, to deliver patient care to local residents.

You will spend an average of 20 hours each week in formal teaching and clinical activity. Through integrated learning, you will relate oral health science and skills within a population-health based approach to oral health care. As the degree progresses, you will participate in a range of teaching and learning activities which aim to support oral health care for the individual and the community. You will provide clinical care during the degree and will attend a range of placements in clinical and non-clinical settings.

Career opportunities

Graduates are eligible to register and practise as dental hygienists in private dental practice and work in oral health promotion in a range of clinical settings. Graduates have the opportunity to work as clinical teachers in the tertiary sector, in oral health research and in oral health administration.

The demand for dental hygienists in dental practice is increasing; this degree allows you the opportunity to practice anywhere in Australia.

Practical experience

You will complete approximately 500 hours of supervised practice in a variety of settings both locally and nationally as part of your degree. Rural placements are offered. Travel, accommodation and related expenses for professional experience will be your responsibility. You will be required to purchase instrument kits and models.

Clinical placements

Clinical placement is the time scheduled into the degree for hands on experience. Over the degree you will attend around 500 hours in clinical settings. Clinical work is experienced initially in the oral health clinic on campus and then in settings off campus. These placements include residential aged care facilities, childcare facilities, specialist dental departments in Sydney Dental Hospital and Westmead Centre for Oral Health and various community dental clinics throughout NSW.

Be recognised

This degree is accredited with the Australian Dental Council. Graduates will be eligible to apply for registration with the Dental Board of Australia via the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA). Please be aware that the current standard English Language Competency for registration as a practitioner in your chosen health discipline in most states of Australia is an IELTS of 7.0.

Achiever profiles