霍姆格兰专科学院

The Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy and Hygiene) is a Charles Sturt University (CSU) degree offered at Holmesglen's Chadstone. Students will undertake lectures and pre-clinical training in Years 1 and 2 at Holmesglen, with some clinical training at CSU's campus in Wagga Wagga, NSW. The third year of the course is completed while enrolled at the Wagga Wagga campus of CSU.

The course has a strong focus on health science and its application in the development of clinical skills, with an evidence-based approach to learning.

You will undertake community placements and receive comprehensive clinic and simulation exposure.

In addition, the degree has a strong focus on the unique challenges of rural and remote oral health, in particular with vulnerable and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities.

This degree will give you the skills to work as an oral health therapist, diagnosing dental decay and gum diseases and working alongside dentists to provide oral health care and preventative dental practices among school children and the broader community.

Students will complete clinical placements in year 1 and 2 at the CSU Dental and Oral Health Clinics in Wagga Wagga. During year 3, students complete placement at various sites including CSU clinical sites in Albury and Wagga Wagga as well as other regional NSW Health oral health clinics.

Students studying at Holmesglen and Wagga Wagga will learn in state-of-the-art simulation clinics. Our staff include dual-qualified oral health therapists currently practising in both the public and private health sector, to make sure you are receiving current, industry relevant education.

As a graduate of the course, you will contribute to combating the chronic shortage and increasing demand for oral health professionals Australia-wide, while also significantly impacting the health of our local communities.

Course structure

During year one, you will focus on core biomedical and oral sciences.

In years two and three, the focus is on understanding the medical, dental, social and community context of dental hygiene or dental therapy clinical practice.

Assessment

Students will be assessed by a range of methods including written and oral exams, assignments, presentations and clinical competencies.

Career opportunities

• oral health therapist (dental hygienist and dental therapist) with employment in public, private or hospital settings
• health promotion officer
• health researcher
• clinical tutor, academic in health discipline courses

Pathways to further study:

• Further post graduate study in oral and public health.