Bachelor of Dental Health Science

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Griffith University Gold Coast Campus

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Dental Health Science at Griffith University (Gold Coast campus) is a professionally focused health degree designed to prepare you for a career in dental and oral health services. It suits students who are interested in healthcare, enjoy working with people, and want a strong clinical pathway into preventive dentistry and patient care.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Foundations in Health and Dental Sciences

In the first year, you build essential knowledge in human biology and introductory dental science to understand how oral and general health are connected. You study core areas such as Human Anatomy and Physiology, Introduction to Oral Health Science, and Foundations of Health Practice, while also beginning early clinical observation and basic skill development. This year establishes the scientific and professional base needed for clinical training.

Year 2 – Clinical Development and Applied Dental Science

In Year 2, learning becomes more applied as you develop clinical reasoning and hands-on dental health skills. You typically study areas such as Preventive Oral Health Care, Dental Radiography Principles, and Clinical Practice in Oral Health, alongside supervised practical training. This stage focuses on building confidence in patient assessment and preventive treatment techniques.

Year 3 – Advanced Clinical Practice and Professional Readiness

The final year focuses on advanced clinical training and preparing you for professional practice in real healthcare environments. You complete studies in Advanced Oral Health Practice, Community and Preventive Dentistry, and Evidence-Based Dental Care, supported by extensive clinical placements. This year ensures you are ready for safe, independent, and patient-centred practice.

Focus Areas

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

Learning Outcomes

Graduates are able to assess and manage oral health conditions, deliver preventive and therapeutic dental care, perform clinical procedures under professional standards, and educate patients on oral health maintenance. You also develop strong communication, clinical decision-making, and teamwork skills required in healthcare environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

This program is aligned with Australian dental health professional standards and prepares graduates for roles in oral health practice pathways, supporting clinical readiness within regulated healthcare environments.

Reputation (Employability & Recognition)

Griffith University is a well-recognised Australian university known for strong health sciences education and practical, industry-linked training. Its health programs are widely respected for producing job-ready graduates with strong clinical placement experience, particularly in Queensland’s healthcare sector.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Griffith University, the Bachelor of Dental Health Science is strongly practice-driven, meaning you develop your clinical confidence through real patient care experiences, not just theory. From early in the degree, you train in simulated dental environments and gradually transition into supervised clinical practice at Griffith’s dedicated oral health facilities on the Gold Coast. This ensures you gain the technical precision, communication skills, and professional judgement required in real dental healthcare settings. The program is closely connected with community oral health services, giving you exposure to diverse patient needs and real clinical workflows:

Griffith Oral Health Centre (Gold Coast): Supervised clinical training in a fully equipped teaching dental clinic treating real patients under professional guidance
Clinical Simulation Laboratories: Early hands-on training using dental mannequins, instruments, and realistic treatment setups before entering live clinical environments
Supervised Patient Treatment: Progressive clinical experience where students assess and treat patients under qualified oral health professionals
Dental Radiography Training: Practical experience using diagnostic imaging systems used in modern dental assessment and treatment planning
Community Oral Health Placements: Exposure to public dental services and outreach programs supporting preventive care in diverse communities
Interprofessional Health Learning: Collaboration with other health students to simulate real-world healthcare teamwork and patient management
Infection Control and Sterilisation Training: Practical training in professional dental safety standards and clinical hygiene procedures
Digital Learning Platforms (LMS): Use of Griffith’s online systems for course materials, assessments, and clinical preparation
University Libraries & Health Learning Resources: Access to Griffith’s academic libraries and digital health science resources supporting research and study

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Dental Health Science at Griffith University are well prepared for careers in oral healthcare, supporting both preventive and clinical dental services. You graduate with strong scientific knowledge and practical clinical experience, enabling you to work in structured healthcare environments focused on patient care and oral disease prevention. Typical roles include Dental Assistant (advanced pathways), Oral Health-related roles, Dental Clinic Support roles, and pathways into Oral Health Therapy or Dentistry (further study required):

Griffith Careers and Employability Services: Access to career counselling, job search support, interview preparation, and employer networking through Griffith’s dedicated career platform
Clinical Training Advantage: Extensive hands-on experience at the Griffith Oral Health Centre strengthens readiness for real healthcare and clinical environments
Industry Links: Strong connections with Queensland Health and community dental services support exposure to real-world dental healthcare systems
Graduate Pathway Opportunities: The degree provides a strong foundation for further study into Dentistry or accredited Oral Health Therapy programs
Employment Outlook: Dental and oral health support roles continue to be in demand across Australia, particularly in public health and community care settings
Salary Outlook (Australia): Entry-level roles in dental and oral health support services offer competitive healthcare salaries, with higher earnings possible through further study and specialization
Accreditation and Value: The program is designed in alignment with health science and dental education standards, providing strong academic grounding for regulated health career pathways
Graduation Outcomes: Graduates develop strong foundational clinical knowledge, patient communication skills, and readiness for entry-level roles or postgraduate progression in oral health fields

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, students can progress into postgraduate study in Dentistry, Oral Health Therapy, or other health science fields such as public health or biomedical sciences. Many graduates use this program as a stepping stone into professional dental programs or advanced clinical health careers.