- Minimum ATAR: 83 (This figure refers to the ATAR level below which an application will not be considered. This is not a guarantee of admission)
- Location: Bentley or Nedlands (This course may not be offered at all locations every year).
- Study method: Full-time
- Study mode: On-campus
- Intake: February
- Duration 3 years full-time
Promote oral health in the community and provide a range of clinical dental services, including fillings and simple extractions for children, dental radiography, and scaling and cleaning.
The course starts with a study of preventive dentistry and oral health therapy techniques, together with relevant health, research and communication units that form part of your interprofessional first year.
In your second and third years, you will further develop your knowledge and your studies will combine theory, practical sessions and clinical practice. Clinical practice starts in your second year and continues throughout your third year.
Places in this program are limited. Selection is based on a combination of academic performance and interview. Interviews can be completed by distance if required and are normally held in December and early January.
Professional recognition:
Graduates are eligible to apply for registration as an oral health therapist with the Dental Board of Australia.
Credit for previous study:
If you have previously worked or studied in this field, you are encouraged to contact the Faculty of Health Sciences to discuss eligibility for credit for recognised learning.
Career opportunities:
This course can help you become a:
- Dental Therapist
- Dental Hygienist
This course can help you become a Dental Therapist or Dental Hygienist.
Possible careers:
Oral Health Therapist.
Oral health therapists perform a range of clinical dental procedures and have an important role in the prevention of oral disease through community engagement and interaction with patients on a one-to-one basis.
Upon graduation oral health therapists may find employment in areas such as government, private and specialist dental practices. There is a strong demand for these professionals in rural and regional areas.
They use a range of specialised dental equipment to look inside the mouth, clean teeth, perform fillings and take impressions.
Ideal skills include*:
- good hand-eye coordination
- manual dexterity
- good communication skills
- the ability to work as part of a team.
Why Oral Health Therapy?
- This course is the only one of its kind in Western Australia
- You can study in dedicated facilities in the Oral Health Centre of Western Australia
- You can gain experience in a variety of settings such as the Department of Dental Hygiene and Therapy's clinic, Oral Health Centre of Western Australia, community clinics, private dental practices and the Dental Health Services' clinic.
