150221 v.3 Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene

Introduction

Dental hygienists are educated to perform a range of clinical duties, including scaling and cleaning of teeth and the management of gum problems, the application of fluoride and other solutions to teeth and gums, local analgesia, dental radiography, taking impressions and a range of orthodontic duties. The dental hygienist 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. The dental hygienist is a member of the dental team and works under the direction of a dentist who is responsible for the diagnosis and treatment planning for every patient and who delegates, by prescription, the work to be carried out by the dental hygienist.

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. Interview and dexterity tests are normally held in the first two weeks of 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 beforestudents 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 dental hygiene techniques. These subjects, further developed with behavioural units in second year, cover a broad field relating to community dentistry and to practical and clinical aspects of dental hygiene.

Professional Recognition

Graduates are required to register with the Dental Board of Western Australia. Registration permits the hygienist to work in private practice and for various government services.

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.