Bachelor of Dental Hygiene

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Griffith University Gold Coast Campus

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Dental Hygiene at Griffith University is a professionally focused degree designed to prepare you for a career in preventive oral healthcare, patient education, and clinical dental hygiene practice. It is ideal for students who are passionate about healthcare, enjoy working closely with people, and want a hands-on career improving oral health outcomes in the community.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 – Foundations of Health Sciences & Oral Health

In the first year, you build a strong base in human biology and health sciences through studies such as Anatomy and Physiology, Foundations of Oral Health, and Health Science Practice Skills. You are introduced to basic dental hygiene principles and begin developing essential clinical observation and communication skills. Learning is supported through laboratory sessions and early exposure to simulated clinical environments.

Year 2 – Clinical Skills Development & Dental Hygiene Practice

The second year focuses on developing hands-on clinical competence through subjects such as Preventive Dental Hygiene Practice, Oral Disease Prevention, and Dental Radiography Fundamentals. You begin supervised clinical training, working on patient assessment, oral health planning, and preventive procedures. This stage helps you transition from theory to real-world dental hygiene practice in controlled clinical settings.

Year 3 – Advanced Clinical Practice & Professional Placement

In your final year, you advance into complex clinical care with subjects like Advanced Dental Hygiene Practice, Community Oral Health, and Clinical Placement in Oral Health Care. You complete extensive supervised placements in real healthcare settings, refining your diagnostic, treatment, and patient management skills. This year is designed to prepare you for full professional readiness as a dental hygiene practitioner.

Focus Areas

Preventive oral healthcare, clinical dental hygiene practice, patient education, oral disease prevention, community oral health, and evidence-based clinical decision-making.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates develop strong clinical competence in dental hygiene procedures, the ability to assess and manage oral health conditions, and skills in educating patients to improve long-term oral health outcomes. You also gain professional communication skills and readiness for real-world healthcare environments.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The program is aligned with Australian dental and oral health professional standards, preparing graduates for registration and practice within recognised oral health and dental hygiene roles in Australia’s healthcare system.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings)

Griffith University is widely recognised for its strong health sciences programs and practical, industry-connected training approach. Its health disciplines consistently perform well in global university rankings, particularly in areas related to dentistry, nursing, and allied health, reflecting strong graduate employability outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Griffith University’s Gold Coast campus, the Bachelor of Dental Hygiene is built around intensive hands-on learning from the very beginning, so you don’t just study oral health — you actively practice it in real clinical environments. You’ll train in modern dental simulation labs and progress into supervised patient care through Griffith’s health clinics and community placements, gaining confidence with real procedures, equipment, and patient interaction under professional supervision. The focus is on developing clinical precision, communication skills, and real-world readiness through continuous practice and feedback:

Griffith Health Clinics (Gold Coast) : Real patient treatment environments where students provide supervised oral health care to members of the public.
Dental Simulation Laboratories : High-fidelity training labs designed to help you practise dental hygiene procedures before working on real patients.
Clinical Placement Programs : Structured placements in community and public oral health settings across Queensland, giving exposure to diverse patient needs.
Oral Health Equipment Training : Hands-on use of dental hygiene tools such as scaling instruments, radiography equipment, and preventive care systems under supervision.
Interprofessional Learning Activities : Collaborative training with other health students (such as nursing and medicine) to reflect real healthcare team environments.
Community Oral Health Outreach : Experience delivering preventive care and oral health education in community-based settings.
Griffith Library & Digital Learning Resources : Access to advanced health science databases, clinical journals, and digital learning platforms supporting evidence-based practice.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Dental Hygiene at Griffith University are prepared to step directly into the healthcare workforce as skilled oral health professionals. You’ll graduate with strong clinical capability in preventive dentistry, patient care, and oral health education, making you highly suited for roles in both public and private healthcare systems. Common career pathways include: Dental Hygienist, Oral Health Practitioner, Community Oral Health Worker, and Preventive Dental Care Specialist.

These outcomes are supported through strong university and industry connections that help you transition into employment:

Griffith Careers and Employability Service : Dedicated support for resume building, interview preparation, and connecting students with healthcare employers.
Clinical Placement Pathways : Direct exposure to professional practice environments through Griffith Health Clinics and partner health services, helping students build job-ready experience before graduation.
Industry Partnerships (Queensland Health & Community Clinics) : Clinical training and placement opportunities linked with major public health services and community oral health programs across Queensland.
Strong Healthcare Employment Demand : Oral health professionals are consistently in demand across Australia, particularly in preventive and community-based dental care services.
Professional Recognition & Registration Pathway : The degree aligns with national oral health standards, supporting eligibility for professional practice in Australia after graduation.
Work-Integrated Learning Outcomes : Graduates leave with extensive supervised clinical experience, improving employability in both metropolitan and regional healthcare settings.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this degree, you may choose to advance your expertise through postgraduate study such as Graduate Certificates in Oral Health Practice, Master of Public Health, or specialised clinical training in dentistry and allied health fields. Some graduates also progress into education, research, or expanded oral health practitioner roles depending on career goals and additional qualifications.