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Program handbook

Description

The Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy is aimed at developing and integrating the scientific knowledge and clinical skills required by graduates to work as oral health therapists. Students will provide preventive and simple restorative treatment to individuals, mindful of the dynamic between oral health and general health, the team approach to care and community needs.


Program learning outcomes

On successful completion of the program students will have:

  • Demonstrated current and in-depth knowledge of concepts and theories of relevant biomedical and health sciences that will support contemporary practice in Oral Health Therapy.
  • Competently applied an evidence-based body of knowledge and high level skills to provide safe, preventative and restorative oral health care practice within the scope of practice of an oral health therapist.
  • Communicated effectively with individuals, groups and larger populations in a range of contexts relating to the promotion of oral health and oral health education, including the development and administration or oral health program.
  • Demonstrated skills to be lifelong learners in personal and/or professional development.
  • Shown commitment to ethical behaviour and social responsibility as health care professionals.
  • Demonstrated the ability to source and critically evaluate scientific evidence, and develop a capacity to undertake research.

Details

Information correct as atMar 28, 2024 11:44 pm
Program code12390
AQF level

Level 7 Bachelor Degree

Locations and UAC codes
Mode of delivery
  • Face to Face
Duration
  • Australian students - 3 years full-time.
  • International students - 3 years full-time.
Selection Rank
LocationSelection Rank
Ourimbah88.00-

Find out more about Selection Ranks

Recommended studiesHSC Chemistry and Biology or equivalent.
Term typeSemesters
Fees
  • International students - AUD43,605 (indicative annual fee, 2024)
    Indicative annual fees are based on a full year full time load (80 units) Find out more about fees
Relevant University rules and policies
CRICOS Code084069F

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Admission information

Admission requirements

Eligibility for admission to this program is based on applicants meeting the minimum selection rank, or satisfying the requirements for an approved admission scheme.

The University of Newcastle accepts a range of qualifications to determine eligibility for admission. These include, but are not limited to, Australian or overseas senior secondary qualifications (such as the HSC), prior tertiary studies, prior TAFE/VET studies, and completed enabling programs.

For further information on the pathways that are available to you, please refer to:

 

English Language Requirements

All Applicants 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 here.

  • IELTS Overall Minimum: 7
  • IELTS Sub Test Minimum: 7

Credit transfer

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 the new program, visit the University's credit website for more information on applying for credit.

Graduates of the UON Bachelor of Oral Health applying for entry to the Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy program will be granted 160 units advanced standing and must complete 80 units of specified dental therapy courses within the BOHT over three years part-time study. Completion of the Dental Therapy courses on a full-time basis is not available. 

Please note that time restrictions apply to the granting of credit in this program.


Compulsory program requirements

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

Post-admission requirements

  • NSW Health Verification Requirements

    Mandatory NSW Health Verification Requirements must be met. More information is available here.

Compulsory program requirements - Review of progress

In addition to meeting the University's overall requirements for academic progression, students must satisfactorily complete the following courses to progress in their program.

ORHL2108 - Introduction to Oral Health Promotion

ORHL1101 - Oral Health Sciences I

ORHL1105 - Oral Health Therapy Clinical Skills III - Dental Hygiene

ORHL2104 - Oral Health Therapy Clinical Skills V - Dental Hygiene

ORHL1102 - Oral Health Therapy Clinical Skills I - Introduction to the Clinical Environment

ORHL2107 - Oral Health Therapy Clinical Skills VI - Clinical Practice

ORHL3104 - Oral Health Therapy Clinical Skills IX - Clinical Practice

ORHL3101 - Oral Health Therapy Clinical Skills VII - Adult Clinical Practice

ORHL1106 - Introduction to Oral Health and Therapeutics

ORHL2103 - Oral Health Therapy Clinical Skills IV - Dental Therapy

ORHL1104 - Oral Health Therapy Clinical Skills II

ORHL3102 - Oral Health Therapy Clinical Skills VIII - Clinical Practice


Professional recognition

Australian Dental Council

This program is accredited by the Australian Dental Council.

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.


Academic requirements for program completion

Total units required

240 units

Program duration

3 years full-time.

International students studying this program on campus are required to enrol full time to comply with their student visa requirements and complete their study in the standard minimum program duration. International students requiring enrolment advice should review the program plan corresponding to the semester and year of commencement and can contact their Program Advisor at ProgramAdvice@newcastle.edu.au

Program requirements

Qualification for the award Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy requires the completion of 240 units. The program consists of 230 units of core courses and 10 units of electives.

All registered health practitioners and education providers have a professional and ethical obligation to protect public health and provide safe healthcare. Students enrolled in this course should be aware that under the National Law (http://www.ahpra.gov.au/About-AHPRA/What-we-do/Legislation.aspx) there is a mandatory obligation for education providers and practitioners to report a student with an impairment that may place the public at substantial risk of harm while undertaking a professional practice placement. For more information please see the UON Student Placement Website or AHPRA Mandatory Notifications.


Program planner

Current students program planner

Current students can plan their program using Program Planner.

Program Planner

Prospective student degree planner

If you're a prospective student considering studying this degree take a look at My Degree Planner to see what your study journey will look like.

Transition arrangements

Students who have successfully completed ORHL1103 Oral Health Promotion I will not be required to complete ORHL1106 Introduction to Oral Health and Therapeutics.

Students who have successfully completed ORHL2105 Oral Health Promotion II will not be required to complete ORHL2108 Introduction to Oral Health Promotion.

Students who have successfully completed ORHL2101 Oral Health Sciences II will not be required to complete PUBH1080 Studies in Population Health and Health Promotion.

Students who have successfully completed ORHL3105 Preparation for Practice will not be required to complete PSYC2505 Foundations of Psychology and Sociology for Health Professionals.

HLSC3006 Teaching Health Practitioners was replaced by INDH2490 Foundations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health from January 2021. Students who have not completed or received credit for HLSC3006 prior to 2021 will need to complete INDH2490.

To ensure you enrol correctly, please refer to the program plan for the year you commenced your degree.


Program structure

Students can plan their program using Program Planner. It is recommended students review the program handbook in conjunction with using Program Planner.

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Core

Complete the following core courses to fulfil the requirements of this program.

CodeTitleTerm / Location Units
HLSC1000Transition to Health Sciences Education and Practice
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
HUBS1106Head and Neck Anatomy
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
HUBS1401Human Bioscience
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
ORHL1101Oral Health Sciences I
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
ORHL1102Oral Health Therapy Clinical Skills I - Introduction to the Clinical Environment
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
ORHL1104Oral Health Therapy Clinical Skills II
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
ORHL1105Oral Health Therapy Clinical Skills III - Dental Hygiene
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
ORHL1106Introduction to Oral Health and Therapeutics
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
PUBH1080Studies in Population Health and Health Promotion
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Callaghan)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
INDH2490Foundations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Online)
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
ORHL2102Oral Health Sciences III
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
ORHL2103Oral Health Therapy Clinical Skills IV - Dental Therapy
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
ORHL2104Oral Health Therapy Clinical Skills V - Dental Hygiene
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
ORHL2106Oral Health and Community
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
ORHL2107Oral Health Therapy Clinical Skills VI - Clinical Practice
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
20 units
ORHL2108Introduction to Oral Health Promotion
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
PSYC2505Foundations of Psychology and Sociology for Health Professionals
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Online)
10 units
ORHL3101Oral Health Therapy Clinical Skills VII - Adult Clinical Practice
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
ORHL3102Oral Health Therapy Clinical Skills VIII - Clinical Practice
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
ORHL3103Oral Health Promotion III
  • Semester 1 - 2024 (Central Coast)
10 units
ORHL3104Oral Health Therapy Clinical Skills IX - Clinical Practice
  • Semester 2 - 2024 (Central Coast)
20 units

Electives

Electives 10 unit requirement

Complete 10 units of electives to fulfil the requirements of the program. Electives can be used to extend and complement your core studies with more courses in the same field of study, or from areas that might be of interest to you. Electives can be chosen from all courses available at the University that do not have any other conditions (such as a course requisite) applied to them.

10 units

Honours

Admission to the Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) is available to students who achieve the required grade-point average.


Additional information

Through the Pathways and Academic Learning Support Centre, students can access a free suite of NUPrep preparation courses as well as Academic Learning Support.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students can draw on the assistance and support provided by the Indigenous Student Support and Development service through the Wollotuka Institute.

Students will be required to purchase clinical instruments and clinical coats; these items cost around $850.00.

During clinical placement students may be required to wear properly fitted respirators. Fit testing is the process to ensure the respirator fits the wearers face snugly, creating a seal to minimise airbourne particles travelling through gaps between the wearer's skin and the respirator. Students will need to arrange and pay for their own fit testing before attending their first placement and every subsequent 12 months.  


International students

All International Students enrolled in the program will be provided with an orientation to familiarise them with the rules, expectations, facilities and services offered by the University. Please visit our International Students website to find out more about the support services available to international students.


Additional support

AccessAbility provides advice and reasonable adjustments to Students with a medical or health condition or disability. If you require adjustments to undertake your program, contact the Student Support Advisors - AccessAbility before semester or early in the semester. They will work with the College or School to ensure that this happens in a timely manner.

Please note: All students must fulfil the inherent requirements of the programs and courses they are undertaking. While reasonable adjustments can be made, these adjustments cannot compromise academic integrity. It is the student's responsibility to check all the requirements of courses, and consider the effects of any medical condition or disability on their ability to complete course requirements. More information is available online.

Bachelor of Oral Health Therapy

UAC Code , Program Code 12390

Selection rank
Duration (FT)(PT)
Next start date

CRICOS Code , Program Code 12390

Indicative fee1
Duration (FT)
Next start date
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Student type
Degree duration
Study location
Admission info

Selection rank

Duration (FT)(PT)

Next start date

UAC Code

Program Code 12390

This criteria is based on a full-time domestic student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

Apply via UAC

Indicative fee1

Duration (FT)

Next start date

English proficiency requirements IELTS overall minimum -
IELTS section minimum -

CRICOS Code

Program Code 12390

This criteria is based on a full-time international student attending Callaghan campus. Please select your criteria to personalise your study options and your circumstances.

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