Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy/Hygiene)

What is this course about?

CSU's Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy / Hygiene) is a three-year program, developed in close association with industry to prepare graduates for a career as a dental hygienist or dental therapist.

As a graduate of CSU's Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy / Hygiene), you will contribute to combating the chronic shortage and increasing demand for oral health professionals Australia-wide, while also significantly impacting the health of our local communities.

Qualified dental therapists are clinicians that examine and treat diseases of the teeth in children and adolescents through primary to secondary school. 

Dental hygienists are clinicians that assist dentists in the treatment of patients. They provide skilled preventive services to all patient age groups. Although hygienists work in collaboration with a dentist to determine treatment therapies for each patient, they work independently to deliver these services.

What will I learn?

During years one and two, you will focus on core biomedical and oral sciences. Foundation theory will be presented in lecture style and small group seminars and case based interactions will feature throughout the curriculum.

In years two and three, the focus is on understanding the medical, dental, social and community context of dental hygiene or dental therapy clinical practice.

Your course is recognised by industry

This course is accredited by the Australian Dental Council and graduates are eligible for registration with the Dental Board of Australia and membership of the Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists' Association.

Graduates will be eligible for licensure in any Australian state or territory. There are no additional exams or requirements although some states have continuing professional development requirements.

You may also be eligible for registration in some countries overseas.

Scholarships

A range of scholarships is available to Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy / Hygiene) students, including the:

• Orange Aboriginal Medical Service's (OAMS) Peter Andren Memorial Scholarship
• Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship and Support Scheme   

Additional admission requirements

Refer to the workplace learning section for information on:

• Immunisation
• National Criminal Record Clearance  
• Senior First Aid Certificate

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.