This degree gives you an overview of rural health sciences before focusing on oral health and promotion. You'll learn how to assist in the prevention and treatment of tooth decay and gum disease and promote oral health to rural Victorians.

In the first and second years of your degree, you'll focus on applied science subjects such as human biosciences, principles of public health and determinants of health. You'll have access to our new on-campus clinical facility to practise your skills in dentistry, oral health practice, special needs dentistry and pharmacology before entering into external clinical placements.

Before starting your last semester, you must complete a summer semester that includes a two-week placement at either a rural Victorian dentistry practice or overseas, before returning to our Bendigo Campus to finish your studies.

Before starting this degree you'll need to complete your Level 1 First Aid/CPR certification, get your required vaccinations, and provide a current police check and Working With Children check

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The skills you gain in this degree are in high demand in rural and remote settings around Victoria and the rest of Australia - in community centres, Indigenous health collectives and dental clinics. Oral health therapists can provide a range of oral health care for children and adults in a variety of settings. This includes diagnosing tooth decay, gum disease or other oral diseases, and providing routine dental treatments. You can work as a dental hygienist, dental therapist or oral health therapist. The majority of the opportunities are in the clinical setting. However, oral health therapists can also work in health promotion, education, research, management and policy development roles.

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION

The Bachelor of Oral Health Science is accredited by the Australian Dental Council. Graduates of the Bachelor of Oral Health Science may be eligible to apply for registration with the Dental Board of Australia.