302930 v.2 Associate Degree in School Dental Therapy

Introduction

The school dental therapist is an educator and motivator who has an important role in educating the community in the principles of preventive dentistry and in motivating individuals into taking responsibility for their own oral health. This role is usually undertaken on a personal basis within a school dental clinic or alternatively through dealing with small community groups. The school dental therapist is a member of the dental team and works under the direction of a dentist to provide appropriate dental care for patients. School dental therapists perform a range of clinical duties, including fillings in children's teeth, scaling and cleaning of teeth, the application of fluoride and other solutions to teeth and gums, local analgesia, dental radiography, impression taking and simple extractions for children.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

None. Human Biology or Biology desirable.

Specific Requirements

Based on academic performance, candidates are required to attend an interview and, as it is necessary to perform exceptionally fine work with the hands, applicants are also required to perform a simple carving exercise to assess their manual dexterity. Interviews and dexterity tests are normally held early in January. STAT elements considered are E and either V or Q. Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening/Clearance Section of this publication. Prospective students should consult the Head of the Department of Dental Hygiene and Therapy for specific information regarding this course. A certificate showing successful completion of a Senior First Aid Certificate is required before students proceed to first year, second semester studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

This course is two years full-time study. Additional clinical hours are required during inter semester breaks.

Course Organisation

The course commences with a study of relevant biomedical sciences together with preventive dentistry and pre-clinical techniques. These subjects are further developed with behavioural units in second year and cover a broad field relating to practical and clinical aspects of school dental therapy and to community dentistry.

Professional Recognition

Graduates are required to register with the Dental Board of Western Australia. Registration permits the school dental therapist to work within the School Dental Service.

Additional Course Expenses

Students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials. In addition, students may also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables, which varies depending on the area of study.

Availability

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.