$77,200 median starting salary.
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-2022
Degree overview
World-class degree, dual oral health qualifications.
Our oral health therapy students graduate with dual qualifications in dental hygiene and dental therapy. This degree has a strong focus on disease prevention, world class simulation and an advanced restorative scope.
Learn valuable skills from professional dental practitioners that will make a real difference. Help shape a healthier future for children and adults.
You will learn how to perform a range of preventive and minor restorative tasks, educate your community, and discover emerging methods for controlling and treating oral diseases.
By studying this degree, you will broaden your career options and boost your employability.
Career opportunities
As an Oral Health Therapist you will work independently within the dental team to provide preventive and restorative dental care within the scope of practice of an oral health therapist.
Dual qualification in dental hygiene and dental therapy and adult scope of practice makes our graduates very attractive to employers.
Professional career opportunities include:
- Oral Health Therapist
- Dental Hygienist
- Residential Aged Care Facility Preventive Practitioner
- Health Promotion Officer
- Public Health Practitioner
95% employed within four months of graduating.
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-2023, undergraduate Dentistry
Meet Sarah | Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy
Oral Health Therapists provide preventive and restorative dental care to help shape a healthier future for children and adults. Hear about Sarah’s experience studying the Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy at the University of Newcastle.
Course overview
The Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy degree will build your scientific knowledge and clinical skills, using a population-based approach to oral health care.
- Learn how to provide preventative and simple restorative treatments to individuals.
- Discover how oral health and general health are intertwined, developing skills to improve overall individual and community wellbeing.
- Develop critical research skills that will set you in good stead for life-long learning as an oral health professional.
- Gain hands-on experience in our on-campus oral health clinic and simulation laboratory and undertake clinical placements in rural and urban regions across NSW.
Your courses will be drawn from a variety of disciplines including:
- Clinical treatment for children, the elderly, Indigenous Australians and special needs groups
- Communication
- Dental restorations
- Health promotion
- Human bioscience and anatomy
- Oral pathology
- Periodontology
- Radiography
Student experience
Creating meaningful opportunities for students 0:44
At the University of Newcastle, we embed practical, hands-on learning in all our degrees. Check out just some of the opportunities our students have had to build their experience.
Career-ready placements
Oral health therapy students will complete 750+ hours of supervised dental practice as part of their program. You will develop your skills in our on-campus oral health clinic and simulation laboratory. Later in your degree, you will undertake clinical placements in rural and urban regions across NSW and rest of Australia.
Studying at Central Coast campus
Living on the Central Coast
The Central Coast offers a relaxed and convenient lifestyle with access to beautiful beaches and national parks. Our campuses have industry-leading facilities all within beautiful bushland.
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Campus Life
Our campuses are welcoming, inspiring, and collaborative places for students, staff, and the community. Explore our beautiful campuses and discover what it’s like to study at the University of Newcastle.
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Scholarships
Our scholarships recognise achievement and support enthusiastic and dedicated students. If you are a current student, or planning to study with us, we encourage you to apply for all scholarships you meet the criteria for.
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Accommodation
Living on campus is an experience unlike any other. Whether you're from across Australia or around the globe, your home on campus is where you'll form lifelong friendships and harness your potential in a supportive and diverse community.
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How to apply
Apply as a domestic student
You are a domestic student if you are:
- An Australian or New Zealand citizen (including dual citizens)
- A permanent resident of Australia
- A holder of a permanent Australian visa.
Apply as an international student
Entry requirements — Senior secondary school qualification
Admission to our undergraduate degree programs usually requires successful completion of a senior secondary school qualification similar to the Higher School Certificate (HSC), the highest educational award in New South Wales schools.
English proficiency requirements
Applicants who do not speak English as a first language must demonstrate that they meet the University's English proficiency requirement. Further information regarding English language proficiency requirements can be found at the English Language Proficiency for Admission Policy.
- IELTS overall minimum - 7.0
- IELTS section minimum - 7.0
- About English Language Pathways
Apply to the University via our online application portal.
In the application portal, you can enter the program you wish to study and upload relevant documents needed as part of your application. It is recommended you submit your application a minimum of 12 weeks before your intended semester of trimester start date.
If you are applying through an education agent, they can also apply through the application portal. Ensure your agent is contracted to the University to avoid delays with your application.
Once you have started your application you will be provided with a reference number. You or your education agent will be able to track your application as it progresses.
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1 Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units). Learn more.
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This program is accredited with conditions by the Australian Dental Council and approved by the Dental Board of NSW.
Graduates will be eligible to register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), Dental Board of Australia as Oral Health Therapists and to practise as dental hygienists and therapists in private and public dental practice and work in oral health promotion in a range of clinical settings.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
Disclaimer Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information on this website. However, changes to courses and programs may occur. The University accepts no responsibility for any information supplied on this web site or any actions taken on the basis of the information. Users are advised to seek confirmation of the information from the relevant area of the University.
The University of Newcastle acknowledges the traditional custodians of the lands within our footprint areas: Awabakal, Darkinjung, Biripai, Worimi, Wonnarua, and Eora Nations. We also pay respect to the wisdom of our Elders past and present.