Is dental therapy for you?

This program provides graduates with a clinical qualification which will enable registration and employment as a dental therapist in Australia. Read more ...

What you will study

You will have the chance to relate oral health sciences and skills within a population health based approach to oral health. Read more ...

Careers

There is a strong demand for dental therapists in both the private and public sectors in regional and rural locations in most states of Australia. Read more ...

Is dental therapy for you?

This program provides graduates with a clinical qualification which will enable registration and employment as a dental therapist in Australia.

Dental therapists play an important role in the oral health education of children, adolescents and the greater community in the principles of preventive dentistry and motivating individuals to take responsibility for their own oral health. They are responsible for the holistic oral care of pediatric patients including prevention, restoration and extraction of teeth.

Essential Criteria:

• Completed the requirements of admission to a degree of the University of Newcastle
• Hold a qualification in dental therapy or hygiene that allows registration with the NSW Dental Board
• A national criminal record clearance
• Working With Children Check
• Current immunisation in accordance with NSW Health Policy

What you will study

Integrated learning is a significant attribute of this program. You will have the chance to relate oral health sciences and skills within a population health based approach to oral health. The courses contributing to the dental therapy program feature a dynamic combination of teaching and learning experiences, as well as clinical care experiences in dental practice settings.

You will study areas such as:

• behavioural science
• biomedical sciences
• dental materials
• critical appraisal
• dental public health

In conjunction with the more specialised areas of oral health practice, such as:

• oral pathology
• paediatric dentistry
• exodontia and minor oral surgery
• comprehensive oral health care

Careers

There is a strong demand for dental therapists in both the private and public sectors in regional and rural locations in most states of Australia. As a graduate, you will have the knowledge and the skills you need to provide clinical treatment to children of all ages.

You may choose to work as a clinician in your own dental practice (under the practice oversight of a dentist), or work for an Area Health Service or a private dentist. The Graduate Diploma in Dental Therapy will provide you with the skills to follow careers within a number of fields including academia, research and industry.