Program Plan

There are four highly integrated streams in each year of the Bachelor of Oral Health that continue through the three years of the program. The Dental and Health Science stream includes topics on prevention, dental public health, developmental psychology, diagnosis and the treatment of disease, health promotion, nutrition and tooth anatomy . Human Biology involves body chemistry, cell structure and function, anatomy and oral anatomy. The principles of clinical examinations, x-rays, orthodontics, periodontal disease and restorative dentistry are introduced in Clinical Practice. Professional Studies includes communication, basic science, evidenced based dentistry, social context of health and health education. In third year, students have the opportunity to undertake an Oral Health Elective to broaden their experience in preferred areas. Some classes are delivered in a team context with Bachelor of Dental Surgery students.

Aspects of the program use a case-based learning (PBL) approach. PBL is a learning approach, which develops problem solving strategies, disciplinary knowledge base and skills. PBL places students in the active role of problem solvers confronted with an issue/patient scenario, which mirrors a real-world situation. In many examples, the students study real-life cases.

Dental & Health Science IOH - Dental & Health Science IIOH - Dental & Health Science IIIOH

Dental and Health Science 1 aims to introduce you to the oral cavity and to the areas which support the practice of an oral health therapist, such as prevention and management of the oral environment, periodontology, cariology and minimal intervention. You will be introduced to the behavioural sciences and psychology relevant to the practice of dental hygiene and dental therapy. The Dental and Health Science 2 stream will build on to this knowledge and introduce the role of the oral health practitioner in specialised dental practice. It covers community dental health issues and develops the role of the operative and preventive oral health therapist. The Dental and Health Science 3 stream aims to further develop and consolidate the paedodontic clinical role of the dental therapist and the more specialised aspects of the dental hygienist. In addition to this you will be given the opportunity to study areas such as geriatric dentistry and dental public health.

Human Biology IOH - Human Biology IIOH

This stream aims to provide you with the biological grounding for the practice of oral health. It is an introduction to the anatomy and physiology of the human body and in particular to the oro-facial regions. This leads to the study of Human Biology 2 stream, which prepares you to understand the medical aspects of clinical oral health practise to include pharmacology, the use of local anaesthetics and the management of dental and medical emergencies in dental practice.

Clinical Practice IOH - Clinical Practice IIOH - Clinical Practice IIIOH

Clinical Practice will provide you with the opportunity to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application in a clinical setting. This stream will build on your skills as a clinician in oral health therapy practice. Each successive year will assist you to consolidate your skills in Preventive (Minimal Intervention), Periodontal and Restorative clinical practice.

Professional Studies IOH - Professional Studies IIOH

This stream will assist you in developing a broad range of generic skills to support your role as an oral health care worker. Areas such as information technology and the use of electronic communication will provide you with a basic understanding of computers and computing. Communication skills will be developed that will assist you in your role as an oral health educator. Team building communication will introduce you to the concept of teamwork, which underpins your professional role as a member of the dental team. It will enable you to communicate effectively and facilitate the establishment of professional working relationships with patients and other members of the dental team. You will be introduced to evidence based dentistry to enable you to apply evidence-based decision making to the clinical issues you will be faced with.

Oral Health Elective

This stream made available to you in third year, aims to provide you with the opportunity to focus on a major area of interest that will enhance your role as an oral health professional. Study will be in the form of a research-based project that will allow you to explore your focus area in greater depth.