Graduate Diploma in Dental Therapy

This program provides an opportunity to obtain a registrable qualification in Dental Therapy thus allowing graduates to perform restorative dental care for children and young adults. The program is delivered on a trimester basis and involves blocks of clinical skill acquisition followed by consolidation of skills on placement.

The Discipline of Oral Health already provides an accredited program in Oral Health that leads to a qualification as a Dental Hygienist. Building on our success in this area, we have recruited an international expert to develop and deliver our new postgraduate program. Our teaching staff are experienced, expert and enthusiastic. Our facilities are contemporary and conform to all quality practices.

Graduates will be equipped with personal and professional knowledge, skills and attributes that will allow them to pursue higher clinical, education, research and leadership careers in oral health care. Immediately on qualifying, graduates will be eligible to register and practice as Dental Therapists and Oral Health Therapists in a range of clinical settings. Graduates will have the opportunity to work as clinical teachers in the tertiary sector, in research and in oral health administration.

Bachelor of Oral Health degree or equivalent qualification and clinical experience as prescribed by the regulatory and accrediting bodies or any qualification eligible for registration as a Dental Hygienist or Dental Therapist in any state or territory of Australia.

Please be aware that the current standard English language competency for registration as a practitioner in your discipline in most states of Australia is IELTS 7.0.

• National Police Certificate
• Working with Children Check
• Prohibited Employment Declaration

• Current First Aid Certificate;

  Immunization status as required by NSW Health policy

If you wish to apply for credit for studies completed at another institution or if you are changing programs within the University and wish to transfer your credit to new program go to http://www.newcastle.edu.au/service/credit-transfer/ and click on How to apply for credit.

Students will participate in clinical practice throughout the program. It is anticipated that students will complete approximately 328 hours of clinical practice and practice placements during the program. Clinical placements will be an integral feature of the curriculum and students will attend a variety of placements in urban and rural settings.

Subject to professional accreditation by the Australian Dental Council and the Dental Board of Australia, graduates from the Graduate Diploma in Dental Therapy Program will be eligible for registration in Australia as Dental Therapists.

Please be aware that the current standard English language competency for registration as a practitioner in your discipline in most states of Australia is IELTS 7.0.

Students who have impaired function in their hands or arms, or a visual impairment will have difficulty undertaking this program. It is highly advisable for any prospective student with such a disability to contact the Faculty to discuss the issue. The Faculty accepts responsibility, in liaison with the student Support Unit, for providing reasonable accommodations to allow students with disabilities to complete the program.

The Grad Dip Dental Therapy program aims to attract Indigenous Australian applicants and those from rural backgrounds in accordance with the attached admissions policy. Additional academic support will be provided as required and both academic and social networks will be developed. Appropriate support and advice would be sought from Student Support Services.

The Graduate Diploma in Dental Therapy program is mentally and physically demanding and applicants will be required to provide clinical care for patients throughout the course of the program. The Grad Dip is structured to promote independence in both learning and practice and there is an increasing emphasis on problem based and experiential learning as the program progresses. The 12 month program will be based at Ourimbah with one course available through distance learning (detailed later). During Trimesters 1,2 and 3, students will be required to spend up to four weeks in a clinical placement and it is likely that they will be required to meet all expenses associated with these placements.

Students will be required to purchase their own set of restorative hand instruments.

In addition, students will need to provide documentary evidence of current Criminal Records Check, First Aid Certificate and immunization status as determined by NSW Health Policy