Bachelor of Science (Oral Health Therapy)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Curtin University Perth

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Science (Oral Health Therapy) at Curtin University is a professionally accredited health degree that prepares you to work as a dual-qualified oral health therapist, combining dental hygiene and dental therapy skills. It is designed for students who want a clinical, patient-focused career in preventive dentistry, restorative care, and community oral health services.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Health Science Foundations and Oral Health Basics

In the first year, you build strong foundations in human biosciences and introductory oral health practice. You typically study units such as Human Anatomy and Physiology, Foundations of Oral Health Therapy, and Infection Prevention and Control, which help you understand the body, disease processes, and basic clinical principles. Alongside theory, you begin developing early clinical skills through simulation-based training.

Year 2 – Developing Clinical and Diagnostic Skills

In Year 2, learning becomes more clinically focused as you start working on patient assessment and treatment skills. You study units such as Dental Radiography, Preventive Oral Health Practice, and Restorative Oral Health Therapy, while gaining supervised experience in Curtin’s clinical training environments. This year strengthens your ability to diagnose, plan, and deliver basic dental treatments.

Year 3 – Advanced Clinical Practice and Professional Placement

The final year focuses on advanced clinical competence and professional readiness. You complete units such as Advanced Oral Health Therapy Practice, Community Dental Health, and Evidence-Based Clinical Practice, alongside extensive clinical placements. This year prepares you for full professional practice in real healthcare settings, including hospitals and community clinics.

Focus Areas

Preventive dentistry, dental hygiene, restorative oral health therapy, radiography, clinical patient care, community oral health, infection control, and evidence-based dental practice.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates are able to assess oral health conditions, provide preventive and restorative dental care, perform radiographic procedures, and deliver patient-centred treatment across diverse populations. You also develop strong clinical reasoning, communication skills, and readiness for professional registration as an oral health practitioner.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This program is accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC) and aligns with requirements for registration as an Oral Health Therapist under Australian health professional standards.

Reputation (Employability & Recognition)

Curtin University is globally recognised (QS World University Rankings) for its strong health sciences programs and industry-integrated teaching approach. The Oral Health Therapy program is well-regarded for its extensive clinical training and strong graduate employability in Australia’s healthcare sector.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Curtin University, the Bachelor of Science (Oral Health Therapy) is built around intensive clinical training, meaning you develop your skills through real patient care rather than just classroom learning. You start with simulation-based practice to build confidence, then progressively move into supervised treatment of patients in professional dental settings, including Curtin’s specialist oral health facilities. This structured approach ensures you graduate with strong clinical competence and real-world readiness:

Oral Health Centre of Western Australia (OHCWA): Clinical training in a fully operational teaching dental hospital where students provide supervised treatment to real patients
Simulation Clinics: Early-stage hands-on training using advanced dental mannequins, instruments, and clinical setups to develop safe practice skills
Supervised Patient Care: Progressive clinical experience treating patients under the guidance of qualified dental and oral health professionals
Dental Radiography Training: Practical use of diagnostic imaging equipment used in modern dental assessment and treatment planning
Interprofessional Learning: Collaborative training with other health science students to simulate real healthcare teamwork environments
Clinical Placements: External placement opportunities in community dental services and healthcare settings across Western Australia
Infection Control and Sterilisation Training: Hands-on experience with professional dental clinic protocols and equipment
Learning Management System (LMS): Use of Curtin’s digital platforms for course materials, assessments, and clinical learning support
Health Sciences Facilities: Access to Curtin’s dedicated health and biomedical learning spaces supporting integrated clinical education

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Science (Oral Health Therapy) at Curtin University are well prepared for professional practice in both public and private dental healthcare settings. You graduate with strong clinical, diagnostic, and patient-care skills that allow you to work confidently in preventive and restorative oral health roles. Common career paths include Oral Health Therapist, Dental Hygienist, Dental Therapist, and Community Oral Health Practitioner:

Curtin Careers and Employability Services: Access to career counselling, resume support, interview preparation, and employer networking events through Curtin’s dedicated career platform
Clinical Training Advantage: Extensive supervised clinical experience at the Oral Health Centre of Western Australia (OHCWA) strengthens employability in hospital and community dental services
Industry Partnerships: Strong connections with WA Health and public dental services support clinical placements and real-world healthcare exposure
Graduate Employment Outcomes: Oral health graduates are in steady demand across Australia, particularly in public dental health systems and regional healthcare services
Salary Outlook (Australia): Oral health professionals typically enter the workforce with competitive healthcare salaries, with higher earning potential in private practice and specialised clinical roles
Professional Accreditation Value: The degree is accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC), supporting eligibility for registration as an Oral Health Therapist in Australia
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates complete the program with advanced clinical competence, patient management experience, and readiness for supervised or independent oral health practice

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, graduates can pursue postgraduate study in oral health science, public health, health promotion, or clinical education. Some also advance into specialised healthcare leadership or research roles, expanding career opportunities within the dental and broader health sector.