Program Overview

Oral health therapists are experts in the prevention of oral diseases and have an important role in oral health education. Within their clinical responsibilities, they examine and treat patients, professionally cleaning teeth and removing stains and calculus. They are specifically trained to work with children, but can treat tooth decay and perform certain fillings in patients of all ages.

In this course, you’ll learn how to communicate with a diverse group of patients, develop public health initiatives, change behaviours and manage oral and dental diseases.

Throughout your studies, you’ll complete various placements, collaborating with dentists and other healthcare professionals to address the oral health needs of individual patients.

Upon graduating, you’ll have the knowledge, practical skills and confidence required to commence your career as an oral health therapist.

What you'll learn

• Identify oral disease and synthesise information to develop appropriate preventive and treatment plans to support the oral health needs of individuals, including special care
• Apply problem-solving, critical thinking and decision-making skills in the management of oral disease in individuals and the community, utilising contemporary technologies relevant to dental practice in a responsible and effective manner
• Identify oral disease and synthesise information to develop appropriate preventive and treatment plans to support the oral health needs of individuals, including special care
• Provide appropriate patient care and oral health education by applying evidence-based clinical principles and behaviour management techniques, and apply contemporary technologies relevant to dental practice in a responsible and effective manner
• Communicate effectively with patients, key stake holders and other health professionals
• Utilise lifelong learning skills promoting ongoing personal and professional development to offer the best possible care to individuals and the community
• Promote oral health and general health of individuals and the community by working collaboratively and considering cultural differences
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and promote equal access to preventive oral health care for the community
• Practice in a professional and ethical manner as part of the dental team and critically reflect on care provided