Bachelor of Oral Health

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Campus North Terrace Campus

Degree Type Bachelor

Duration 3 years full-time

SATAC Code 314701

2012
ATAR 70

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Program Outline

Please note that this page contains 2014 Program Information. Find 2013 Program Information on the Faculty website.
The University of Adelaide’s Bachelor of Oral Health is the only professional oral health degree program available in South Australia. Students work and study as part of a small oral health community in a supportive and collegial manner. Graduates gain the knowledge, skills and attributes to enable them to practice oral health therapy at the highest level. Key features of the program include early clinical experience, a significant amount and variety of clinical practice, health promotion and development of research skills.
The program focuses on the development of competence in clinical examination and diagnosis of dental disease, the formulation of individual treatment plans for clients, control and prevention of dental diseases by clinical treatment and preventive procedures, and health promotion of clients and the community to establish patterns of behaviour conducive to good oral health. There are substantial opportunities to learn and practice in a variety of hospital and community settings, both in public and private, in metropolitan, rural and interstate locations.
Graduates of the program strive through their advocacy and clinical practice to empower individuals and communities to maintain optimum oral health throughout their lives.
Program Structure
Please note that this page contains 2014 Program Information. Find 2013 Program Information on the Faculty website.

The dynamic curriculum of the Bachelor of Oral Health is delivered within a problem-based learning (PBL) approach. The emphasis of contextual learning of relevant scientific information throughout the program occurs concurrently with the development of clinical skills. PBL is a learning approach that develops problem solving strategies, a disciplinary knowledge base and professional skills. PBL places students in the active role of a problem solver confronted with an issue/patient scenario, which mirrors a real-world situation. In many examples, the students study real-life cases.

There are four highly integrated streams in each year of the Bachelor of Oral Health that continue through the three years of the program:
- Dental and Health Science
- Human Biology
- Clinical Practice
- Professional Studies
- Oral Health elective
This stream is made available to students in third year and provides the opportunity to focus on a major area of interest that will enhance a student’s role as an oral health professional. Study will be in the form of a research-based project that will allow exploration of a focus area in greater depth.
Related Programs

Please note that this page contains 2014 Program Information. Find 2013 Program Information on the Faculty website.
Applicants to the Oral Health program are also encouraged to consider listing the Bachelor of Health Sciences program as one of their other SATAC preferences. If an applicant is unsuccessful in gaining entry to Oral Health, consideration may be given to completing the Health Sciences degree and competing for entry at a later date using your tertiary academic record.

Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
I am a:

domestic applicant
international applicant
international applicant applying with Australian year 12 results

Domestic applicants

Not a domestic applicant?

SATAC Code	314701
2012 CSP ATAR	70
Annual tuition fees	Commonwealth-supported place: $9,792
Mid-year entry?	No
Deferment?	Yes - 2 year
Enquiries	University Contact Centre

Selection Criteria

Year 12 applicants

Please note that this page contains 2014 Program Information.

Additional information regarding the program, application and admissions requirements can be found on the Faculty website. Find 2013 Program Information on the Faculty website.

To meet the minimum academic threshold for entry into the Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) program at the University of Adelaide, year 12 applicants (school leaver applicants) must achieve an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of 70 or above (or the International Baccalaureate or the interstate/overseas equivalent).

You must not have completed more than 2 years full time equivalent university study (48 units).

For full details of Tertiary Entrance Rules under the SACE/NTCE refer to the "Tertiary entrance 2014, 2015, 2016" booklet published by SATAC.

Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. Refer to Wilto Yerlo for further information.

Please refer to the Additional Entry Requirements section for details of other entry requirements to the BOH program.

Prerequisites

SACE: One 20-credit SACE Stage 2 Tertiary Admission Subject from the Mathematics or Science Learning Areas;

OR equivalent (i.e. 1st year Human Biology as part of the Bachelor of Health Sciences program).

International applicants applying with Australian year 12 results

International applicants applying with Australian year 12 results must also refer to the Additional Entry Requirements and Application information as detailed for international applicants in the Admission and Fee information section.

Additional Entry Requirements

Please note that this page contains 2014 Program Information. Additional information regarding the program, application and admissions requirements can be found on the Faculty website.

Find 2013 Program Information on the Faculty website.

Assumed Knowledge

A necessary precursor for success in the BOH program is a high proficiency in the written and oral use of the English language.

Alternative entry pathways

Higher Education applicants
Please note that this page contains 2014 Program Information.
Additional information regarding the program, application and admissions requirements can be found on the Faculty website. Find 2013 Program Information on the Faculty website.

To meet the minimum academic threshold as a Higher Education applicant, you must have completed at least half a year full time equivalent higher education study, achieving at least a passaverage (a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 4.0 or more). Higher Education applicants must also meet the subject prerequisite requirements listed above.
Please click here for information about calculating your GPA.
Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. Refer to Wilto Yerlo for further information.
Please refer to the Additional Entry Requirements section for details of other entry requirements to the BOH program.
VET applicants
Please note that this page contains 2014 Program Information.
Additional information regarding the program, application and admissions requirements can be found on the Faculty website. Find 2013 Program Information on the Faculty website.

To meet the minimum academic threshold as a VET/TAFE applicant, you must have completed an AQF Diploma or above from a Registered Training Organisation.
VET/TAFE applicants must also meet the prerequisite subject requirements (refer above).
Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. Refer to Wilto Yerlo for further information.
Please refer to the Additional Entry Requirements section for details of other entry requirements to the BOH program.
Special Entry applicants
Please note that this page contains 2014 Program Information.
Additional information regarding the program, application and admissions requirements can be found on the Faculty website. Find 2013 Program Information on the Faculty website.

If you wish to be considered as a Special Entry applicant, you must be 18 years or over before February 1st of the year that you will be studying. If you have studied a higher education program within the last two years, you must not have studied more than 2 years full-time equivalent in that program. If you meet these criteria, you will be eligible to compete using your result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).
Your STAT result is not weighted between verbal and quantitative components. Personal Competencies (PC) and Employment Experience (EE) statements are not considered.
Special Entry applicants must also meet the prerequisite subject requirements (refer above).
Indigenous applicants may be eligible for entry through the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access Scheme. Refer to Wilto Yerlo for further information.
Please refer to the Additional Entry Requirements section for details of other entry requirements to the BOH program.
Without formal qualifications?
You may be eligible for our special access schemes.
Other Entry Pathways

Additional Entry Requirements

Please note that this page contains 2014 Program Information.

Additional information regarding the program, application and admissions requirements can be found on the Faculty website. Find 2013 Program Information on the Faculty website.

Application Process:

There are two distinct parts to the application process:

SATAC application: A formal application to the BOH program must be lodged with SATAC by the September application closing deadline. Late applications to the BOH program will not be considered.
Attend a structured Oral Assessment: All applicants to the BOH program must attend an oral assessment (interview).

All applicants must track the progress of their application through the Faculty of Health Sciences application tracking website.

Important information, such as self-booking of oral assessments times will only be available on this website. All contact between the Faculty and candidates is made via the announcement boards on this website. Failure to monitor the progress of an application via this website regularly will not be grounds for special consideration.

Selection Process:

Selection will be based on two components:

Performance in a structured oral assessment. For further information regarding the structured oral assessment refer to the Faculty website.
Meeting the minimum academic threshold (including successful completion of pre-requisite subjects) Refer to the "Selection Criteria" section details.

Candidates will be ranked in consideration for an offer based on a combination of scores from these two components weighted as follows:

Academic Results: Threshold and Final Ranking Level, if required
Oral Assessment Results: First Ranking Level

Testimonials, Character/School references, Awards, Certificate and predicted results do not make up any of the selection components and will not be considered.

Extra Requirements:

BOH students must provide proof of clearance in the following areas:

Prescribed Communicable Infection Clearance
TB Screening
First Aid requirements
Criminal History Checks
Student and Professional Registration

Without these clearances, you will not be allowed to attend clinical placements and will be at risk of not being able to complete your program as clinical placements are compulsory. Learn more

Additional Costs: There will be additional costs, over and above tuition fees for all BOH students, this includes (but is not limited to) textbooks, equipment, medical testing, first aid certificates, student amenities fees etc. Learn more

How to Apply

SATAC Code: 314701

Apply through SATAC

SATAC application dates

Application and Admission

Please note: Late applications to the BOH program will not be considered.

NB: International students who obtain Australian Permanent Residency (or some other immigration status that entitles you to the educational benefits of Permanent Residency) during the program will not automatically be transferred into a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and must pay tuition fees for the remainder of their studies in the BOH program. If you wish to be considered for a CSP you will need to compete for entry as a commencing first year student under the same conditions as all new domestic applicants to the program in the next available cycle.

International applicants

Not an international applicant?

International ATAR	70
IB	25
IELTS Overall	6.5 [more info]
Annual tuition fees	International student place: $46,500
Mid-year entry?	No
CRICOS	036335B
Enquiries	University Contact Centre

Selection Criteria

Prerequisites

One from the Math or Science learning areas

Equivalent Scores

International ATAR	70
IB	25
IELTS Overall Reading Listening Speaking Writing	6.5 6 6 6 6
A-Level	6
UEC [Malaysia]	25
SAT [US]	1540
OSSD OAC [Canadian Pre-U]	65
Eynesbury Foundation Program	339
Bradford Foundation Program	70

Additional Entry Requirements

Please note that this page contains 2014 Program Information.

Additional 2014 information regarding program, application and admissions requirements can be found on the Faculty website .

2013 Program Information can be found on the Faculty website.

Selection will be based on three components:

Performance in the PQA
Performance in a structured Oral Assessment
Meeting the minimum academic threshold (including successful completion of pre-requisite subjects and English Language Requirements) Refer to the "Selection Criteria" section details.

For further information regarding the use of PQA in our selection process and the structured Oral Assessment please refer to the Faculty website.

Candidates will be ranked in consideration for an offer based on their performance in these three components of the admissions process:

Academic Results: Threshold and Final Ranking Level if required
Oral Assessment Results: First Ranking Level
PQA Results: Second Ranking Level

Testimonials, Character/School references, Awards, Certificate and predicted results do not make up any of the selection components and will not be considered.

Extra Requirements:

BOH students must provide proof of clearance in the following areas:

Prescribed Communicable Infection Clearance
TB Screening
First Aid requirements
Criminal History Checks
Student and Professional Registration

Without these clearances, you will not be allowed to attend clinical placements and will be at risk of not being able to complete your program as clinical placements are compulsory. Learn more

Additional Costs: There will be additional costs, over and above tuition fees for all BOH students, this includes (but is not limited to) textbooks, equipment, medical testing, first aid certificates, student amenities fees etc. Learn more

How to Apply

Application Process:

All international applicants must submit a formal Application online via the University's International website. The online application will also serve as the registration to sit the PQA, and students will be prompted to select the relevant PQA test venue on the application system.

Applications must submit their application and payments prior to the 30 June each year. Late applications will not be accepted

Students who have not yet completed their current qualification will still be required to apply by this date. Closing dates are strictly adhered to and late submissions will not be accepted.

All applicants must track the progress of their application through the Faculty of Health Sciences application tracking website. This website will contain important information including confirmation of PQA testing and venue details, whether the student is successful in receiving an oral assessment invitation following the PQA test and further steps in the application process.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to monitor this site regularly. Failure to monitor this website regularly will not be grounds for special consideration.

Due to the highly integrated, curriculum in the BOH program at the University of Adelaide applicants are not eligible to apply for entry into the later years of the program or apply for advanced standing. Applicants will not receive any recognition for prior learning.

All international applicants must submit a formal Application online via the University's International website.

The online application will also serve as the registration to sit the PQA, and students will be prompted to select the relevant PQA test venue on the application system.

In addition to this application, please note than any student studying for an Australian Year 12 qualifications or for the IB in Australia must also apply directly to SATAC before SATAC’s September closing date.

International applicants applying with Australian year 12 results

Not an international applicant applying with Australian year 12 results?

International ATAR	70
Annual tuition fees	International student place: $46,500
Mid-year entry?	No
Enquiries	University Contact Centre

Selection Criteria

Prerequisites

SACE: One 20-credit SACE Stage 2 Tertiary Admission Subject from the Mathematics or Science Learning Areas;

OR equivalent (i.e. 1st year Human Biology as part of the Bachelor of Health Sciences program).

International applicants applying with Australian year 12 results

Additional Entry Requirements

Please note that this page contains 2014 Program Information. Additional information regarding the program, application and admissions requirements can be found on the Faculty website.

Find 2013 Program Information on the Faculty website.

Assumed Knowledge

A necessary precursor for success in the BOH program is a high proficiency in the written and oral use of the English language.

Areas of Specialisation
Study Plans

The study plans given are examples of pathways through this degree for students that commenced their program in 2013 (refer to the program rules). Students that commenced in previous years should refer to the tabs above(referring to years) or consult their Faculty for advice.

Please note that this page contains 2014 Program Information. Find 2013 Program Information on the Faculty website.
Dental and Health Science
Dental and Health Science 1 aims to introduce students to the oral cavity and to the areas that support the practice of an oral health therapist. This includes management of the oral environment, periodontology, cariology, minimal intervention and prevention. Students are introduced to the behavioural sciences and psychology relevant to the practice of oral health therapy.
The Dental and Health Science 2 stream will build on the knowledge developed in Dental and Health Science 1 and introduce the role of the oral health therapist in specialised dental practice. It covers community dental health issues and develops the role of the operative and preventive oral health therapist.
Dental and Health Science 3 aims to further develop and consolidate the paedodontic clinical role and the more specialised aspects of the oral health therapist including, areas such as early childhood, special needs, geriatric dentistry, and dental public health.
Human Biology
This stream aims to equip students 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 the Human Biology 2 stream, which prepares students to understand the medical aspects of clinical oral health practice including pharmacology, the use of local anaesthetics and the management of dental and medical emergencies in dental practice.
Clinical Practice
Clinical Practice provides students with the opportunity to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application in a clinical setting. This stream will build on students’ skills as clinicians in oral health therapy practice. Each successive year assists in the consolidation of skills in preventive (minimal intervention), periodontal and restorative clinical practice.
Professional Studies
This stream will assist students in developing a broad range of generic skills to support their role as oral health care workers. Communication skills will be developed to assist students in their role as oral health educators. Team building communication introduces the concept of teamwork, which underpins the professional role of member of the dental team. It will enable students to communicate effectively and facilitate the establishment of professional working relationships with patients and other members of the dental team.
Students are also introduced to evidence based dentistry to enable them to apply evidence-based decision making to the clinical issues they may be faced with.
Oral Health Elective
This stream is made available to students in third year and provides the opportunity to focus on a major area of interest that will enhance a student’s role as an oral health professional. Study will be in the form of a research-based project that will allow exploration of a focus area in greater depth.
Career Opportunities

Please note that this page contains 2014 Program Information. Find 2013 Program Information on the Faculty website.
There are a variety of career paths available to Bachelor of Oral Health graduates, including dental education, dental therapy, dental hygiene, health promotion, gerodontology, health administration, indigenous studies, special needs, research and postgraduate studies.
It is envisaged that most graduates of the program will work as an oral health therapist, providing periodontal maintenance, basic dentistry and prevention. Graduates form an integral part of the dental team and provide preventive and general dental care for the population in both public and private sectors.
In order to be able to register as an oral health therapist with the Dental Board of Australia, all applicants must be able to demonstrate English language skills at IELTS academic level 7 or the equivalent. Learn more

Potential careers

Dental Therapist, Oral Health Therapist, Health Promotion Professional, Dental Hygienist
Graduate Attributes

Bachelor of Oral Health Graduate Attributes
Professional Accreditation

Students undertaking a clinical placement at a hospital or other health facility require student registration with the relevant National Board. This process is undertaken by the Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA). It is completed on the enrolment of the student in their program and does not require action by the student. The student will be advised when they have been registered. There is no fee for student registration.
AHPRA is the organisation responsible for the implementation of the National Registration and Accreditation Scheme across Australia. Working with the University, AHPRA ensures that all student registrations are completed with the relevant National Board before clinical placements are undertaken by the student.
Program Rules

Faculty of Health Sciences
Further Information

Please direct enquiries to the University Contact Centre
Phone: +61 8 8313 7335 (toll free 1800 061 459)

The annual Open Day and Information Night events provide an excellent opportunity to see our campus, meet with academics, and discuss your study options.
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The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Tuesday, 30 Apr 2013

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