Oral Health Science
This course information is for local students only
Year
2012
Award
Bachelor of Oral Health Science
Length
2.5 years full-time, including a summer semester (not available part-time)
Campuses
Bendigo
Course description
This course aims to qualify students to register as dental hygienists and dental therapists. It has a strong focus on public oral health in rural and regional Victoria. Dental therapists and hygienists work alongside dentists, dental assistants and specialists to provide care to children and adolescents and adults.
Prospective students are advised to read the Guidelines on Infection Control which have been developed and are endorsed by the Dental Board of Australia.
Course structure
Students undertake a number of subjects in common with nursing, public health, social work and pharmacy students. They take specific oral health and health science subjects in the first two years as an underpinning for the theoretical and clinical practice of oral health, and complete various pre-clinical and clinical oral health subjects over the six semesters of the course. They gain clinical experience working with a variety of patients, primarily in public health settings in rural areas.
Subject details
Major areas of study
Dental therapy, oral health, dental hygiene, dentistry
Overseas study opportunities
Overseas study opportunities are available.
Please see
www.latrobe.edu.au/international/exchange
for more information
Application
VTAC
Fee type
Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)
Scholarships
Applicants who are Australian citizens or who hold permanent humanitarian visas are eligible for a range of University-wide scholarships, including Commonwealth Scholarships. For details please see http://www.latrobe.edu.au/scholarships/future-undergraduatesAdditional costs (AUD)
All costs are approximate. Students can purchase required items from any supplier; they remain students' personal property.
Students are encouraged to complete a First Aid Level II course, which is not conducted by La Trobe University, variable cost approximately A$160 (is recommended students complete a Level II/Senior First Aid Certificate but it is not a course requirement), Police Check A$15.50, A$2066 for first year books (approximately). Please visit our Additional Costs page for more information.
Middle Band
Consideration is given to Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) criteria; and a regional bonus may apply.
Selection
ATAR 70.50 (2011)
Non-Year 12 selection may be based on ATAR, Pi form, GPA, STAT Multiple Choice, UMAT.
Extra requirements
Non-Year 12 applicants must complete and submit a VTAC Pi form if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reasons for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application.
Non-Year 12 applicants must also complete the UMAT.
Applicants may be required to attend an interview.
Prerequisites
VCE Units 3 & 4: study score of at least 25 in English (any) or 30 in English (ESL), and 25 in Biology, Chemistry, or Physical Education.
Semester starts
Semester 1 (March)
Additional information
Students should obtain a Level 2 First Aid Certificate at a cost of approximately A$160, police check at a cost of approximately A$15, and a Working With Children Check at a cost of approximatelyA$77. Students must also undergo a review of immunisation statuss before commencing clinical placements, as this is a prerequisite for placements at some venues. Please note that students may be required to relocate to various clinical facilities as part of their clinical placement.
Career opportunities
Graduates are likely to work as practitioners in private clinics, the Royal Dental Hospital, Community Health Centres, in school dental clinics across Victoria, and in research, education, management, community health and policy development roles. There is an increasing demand skilled oral health professionals, and many job opportunities in both metropolitan and rural Victoria.
Professional recognition
The course is accredited by the Australian Dental Council and is registrable with the Australian Dental Board.