Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this course, students should;

• Have in-depth knowledge and skills in primary, secondary and tertiary oral health care (including oral examination, diagnosis and treatment planning, and clinical therapeutic skills) in order to practise those aspects of dental therapy permitted by the legislation governing dentistry in Australia, for people of all ages
• Be able to recognise the limits of their scope of practice and be able to consult with and refer to other practitioners in their referral network as appropriate
• Be able to provide oral health care that protects and respects people’s dignity, autonomy, cultural and social values
• Be able to critically examine, synthesise and evaluate knowledge of their practice and apply it to a broader patient group

This course will give you:

The qualifications to practise with patients of all ages

Dental therapists and oral health therapists will be able to provide dental therapy treatments for patients of all ages with a recognised qualification.

A range of specialised skills

Advanced discipline knowledge in the use of dental materials and knowledge of prosthodontics, oral medicine and pharmacology (as they relate to adult restorative practice). Become equipped in local anaesthesia for older patients, revise your dental materials knowledge, cariology, periodontology and dental emergency management and develop your ability to conduct adult oral health examinations, diagnosis and treatment planning.

A range of other skills

Develop your evidence based practice skills, library search and retrieval, collaborative team practice, communication and critical thinking and problem solving. Refine your ethical and professional practice and become leadership ready.

the ability to manage complex care

Learn how to manage care for older adults, particularly in the preventive management of root caries and oral pathology.  Develop the skills to provide dental therapy services for medically compromised patients and for those with disabilities.

Further study

Dental Therapy and Bachelor of Oral Health graduates currently have the option of Honours and Research Higher Degrees as a pathway within the Melbourne Dental School and a range of alternatives such as the Master of Public Health and Master of Clinical Education offered by the Faculty of Medicine Dentistry and Health Sciences at the University at Melbourne and other Universities.

This course is the first postgraduate clinical offering available to oral health practitioners and over time, it is projected to articulate into other postgraduate clinical oral health programs.