313251 v.1 Bachelor of Science (Oral Health Therapy)

This course is not available to International Onshore Students on Student Visas

Introduction

The oral health therapist is an educator and motivator with an important role in the promotion of oral health for patients and the broader community. As a member of the dental team, the oral health therapist works under the direction of a dentist to provide appropriate dental care for patients. Clinical procedures performed by oral health therapists include scaling and cleaning of teeth and the management of gum problems, fillings and simple extractions for children, the application of fluoride and othersolutions to teeth and gums, local analgesia, dental radiography, taking impressions and a range of orthodontic duties. The curriculum integrates theory and practical studies from a number of areas within health sciences including dental, biomedical, psychological and social sciences.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

General University entry requirements apply. Human Biological Sciences 3A/3B or Biological Sciences 3A/3B desirable.

Specific Requirements

Based on academic performance, applicants are required to attend an interview. Interviews are normally held in December and early January as results become available and can be arranged by distance. STAT elements considered are E and either V or Q. Applicants for this course should refer to the Communicable Diseases and Criminal Record Screening and Clearance Section of this publication. Students are required to practice techniques on one another before being permitted to move into patient care. Prospective students will need to be able to work as part of a team and should enjoy communicating and establishing rapport with persons of all cultural backgrounds and ages. 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 three years' full-time study. Additional clinical hours are required during inter-semester breaks. The course is conducted at the Oral Health Centre of Western Australia (OHCWA), on the Bentley Campus and in Dental Health Services' Clinic at Mt Henry. Practical sessions are undertaken in a variety of settings including the Department's clinic, OHCWA, community clinics and private dental practices.

Course Organisation

The course commences with a study of relevant health sciences, communication and research methods, together with preventive dentistry and oral health therapy techniques. These subjects, further developed in years two and three, cover a broad field relating to community dentistry and to practical and clinical aspects of oral health therapy. Practical sessions run throughout the three years. Clinical experience commences in the second year and continues throughout the course.

Professional Recognition

All practising oral health therapists must be registered with the appropriate Dental Board. Registration permits the oral health therapist to work in private practice and the School Dental Service.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are expected to enjoy good rates of employment, mainly in general and specialist private dental practices and in government school dental clinics.

Additional Course Expenses

Students are expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other essential study materials. Protective clinical uniform and shoes are purchased during first semester. Instruments are purchased during second and third semester. Students may alsoincur some expenses to ensure that they have completed all necessary immunizations.

Further Informaiton

For information please contact Curtin Future Students on (08) 9266 1000 or email futurestudents@curtin.edu.au or visit our websites: http://healthsciences.curtin.edu.au and http://dht.biomed.curtin.edu.au Course structure information is available by searching for the course in the University’s online handbook at http://www.handbook.com.au

Course Structure Disclaimer

Curtin University reserves the right to alter the internal composition of any course to ensure learning outcomes retain maximum relevance. Any changes to the internal composition of a course will protect the right of students to complete the course within the normal timeframe and will not result in additional cost to students through a requirement to undertake additional units.

Course Structure			Hrs/Wk	Credit
Year 1 Semester 1
1643	v.7	Human Biology 133	4.0	25.0
302467	v.2	Introduction to Microbiology 132	3.0	12.5
313257	v.1	Oral Health Therapy 131	8.5	25.0
313258	v.1	Preventive Dentistry 131	4.0	25.0
7713	v.9	Health Science Communication 180	2.0	12.5
				100.0
Year 1 Semester 2
13019	v.2	Psychology 123	3.0	25.0
303168	v.3	Epidemiology and Biostatistics 180	2.0	12.5
312649	v.1	Indigenous Health and Culture 130	2.0	12.5
313259	v.1	Oral Bioscience 132	4.0	25.0
313260	v.1	Oral Health Therapy 132	9.0	25.0
				100.0
Year 2 Semester 1
313261	v.1	Preventive Dentistry 231	2.0	12.5
313262	v.1	Oral Bioscience 231	4.0	25.0
313263	v.1	Oral Health Therapy 231	4.0	25.0
313264	v.1	Oral Health Therapy 233	21.0	37.5
				100.0
Year 2 Semester 2
313265	v.1	Preventive Dentistry 232	2.0	12.5
313266	v.1	Oral Pathology and Medicine 232	4.0	25.0
313267	v.1	Oral Health Therapy 234	4.0	25.0
313268	v.1	Oral Health Therapy 236	15.5	37.5
				100.0
Year 3 Semester 1
313269	v.1	Preventive Dentistry 331	4.0	25.0
313270	v.1	Oral Health Therapy 331	4.0	25.0
313271	v.1	Oral Health Therapy 333	22.5	50.0
				100.0
Year 3 Semester 2
313272	v.1	Oral Health Therapy 336	21.0	50.0
313273	v.1	Preventive Dentistry 332	4.0	25.0
313274	v.1	Oral Health Therapy 334	4.0	25.0
				100.0