Bachelor of Oral Health

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Adelaide

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Oral Health is a 3-year full-time professional degree designed to prepare students for careers in preventive oral healthcare, dental hygiene, and oral health therapy. The program combines biomedical sciences, oral health theory, simulation-based training, and extensive supervised clinical placements, allowing students to progress from foundational health sciences to treating patients in real clinical environments with a strong focus on preventive and patient-centred care.

Year 1 – Foundations of Oral Health & Health Sciences

Human Biology & Oral Anatomy → Understanding the structure and function of the human body and oral tissues
Introduction to Oral Health → Foundations of preventive dentistry and oral healthcare practice
Health Communication → Patient interaction and professional communication skills
Population Health → Public health concepts and oral health promotion strategies
Clinical Simulation Skills → Introduction to infection control and foundational clinical procedures

Year 2 – Pre-Clinical & Applied Oral Health Practice

Oral Pathology → Identification and understanding of oral diseases
Periodontology → Prevention and management of periodontal disease
Dental Radiography → Imaging techniques and diagnostic interpretation
Preventive & Restorative Dentistry → Oral health treatments and patient-care procedures
Preclinical Simulation & Clinical Skills → Practical training in oral health simulation clinics and supervised clinical environments

Year 3 – Advanced Clinical Practice & Community Care

Advanced Oral Health Clinical Practice → Comprehensive preventive and restorative patient care
Community Oral Health Placement → Experience within public and rural healthcare services
Dental Hygiene & Therapy Practice → Treatment planning and patient management
Professional Practice & Ethics → Clinical professionalism and evidence-based healthcare
Supervised Clinical Placements → Extensive patient-care experience in hospitals, dental clinics, and community oral health settings

Learning Outcomes

Develop competency in preventive oral healthcare, patient assessment, oral disease management, and restorative procedures. Deliver safe, ethical, and patient-centred oral health services across diverse healthcare environments. Apply evidence-based practice, communication skills, and clinical reasoning to support long-term oral health outcomes within the community.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

Accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC). Graduates are eligible to apply for registration with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) as Oral Health Therapists in Australia. Professionally recognised across Australia and New Zealand.

Reputation (Employability & Ranking)

The University of Adelaide is internationally recognised for excellence in health sciences, clinical education, and research-led teaching. The program provides extensive clinical training and strong industry integration, supporting excellent graduate employability outcomes within Australia’s growing oral healthcare sector. Graduates are highly employable across hospitals, public health services, community clinics, and private dental practices throughout Australia.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Bachelor of Oral Health at the University of Adelaide is built around intensive hands-on learning, where students develop clinical confidence from the early stages of the degree through simulation training and real patient care. You’ll train in purpose-built dental facilities and work in supervised clinical environments that mirror real professional practice, supported by experienced clinicians and access to modern dental technologies. This strong practical focus ensures you graduate ready for safe, independent, and patient-centred oral healthcare practice:

• Clinical Simulation & Dental Skills Laboratories
Students begin in advanced simulation labs within the Adelaide Dental School, using phantom head units and clinical equipment to practise examinations, restorative techniques, infection control, and preventive procedures before treating real patients.

• Adelaide Dental School Clinical Facilities
Hands-on learning takes place in university clinical settings where students progressively treat patients under supervision, gaining experience in oral health therapy, dental hygiene, and preventive care.

• Adelaide Dental Hospital & SA Dental Service Placements
Students complete supervised clinical placements in public dental clinics, including the Adelaide Dental Hospital and SA Dental Service sites, working with diverse patient groups across metropolitan and community settings.

• Digital Dental Technologies
Training includes the use of digital radiography systems, diagnostic imaging tools, and electronic clinical record systems to support modern evidence-based dental practice.

• Community & Rural Clinical Placements
Students gain real-world experience through outreach placements in regional and community health services, supporting oral health promotion and preventive care programs.

• Collaborative Case-Based Learning
Group-based clinical discussions and patient case studies help students develop teamwork, communication, and clinical decision-making skills in realistic healthcare scenarios.

• University Health & Medical Sciences Facilities
Access to the University of Adelaide’s health sciences learning spaces and libraries supports evidence-based learning, research projects, and academic development throughout the degree.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Bachelor of Oral Health at the University of Adelaide are trained for clinical careers in preventive and restorative oral healthcare, working closely with patients in both public and private health systems. The program develops strong clinical skills, patient communication, and evidence-based practice, ensuring graduates are job-ready from day one.

Typical roles include Oral Health Therapist, Dental Hygienist, Dental Therapist, and Community Oral Health Practitioner, with employment across hospitals, private clinics, school dental services, and community health centres.

Progression & Career Support

The University of Adelaide supports students through dedicated careers services, clinical mentoring, and employability workshops that help prepare for healthcare careers. Strong clinical placements and industry connections ensure students gain real-world experience before graduation.

Employment Stats & Salary (AUD)

Oral health graduates in Australia experience strong employment demand due to growing focus on preventive dental care. Starting salaries are commonly around AUD 70,000–90,000+, with higher earnings available in experienced and private practice roles.

Industry Partnerships

The University of Adelaide works closely with Adelaide Dental Hospital, SA Dental Service, and community health providers, giving students extensive clinical placement experience in real healthcare environments across South Australia.

Long-Term Professional Value

The degree is accredited by the Australian Dental Council (ADC), allowing graduates to register with AHPRA and practise as Oral Health Therapists in Australia. This ensures long-term professional recognition and strong career stability.

Graduation Pathways

Graduates can begin immediate clinical practice across public and private dental sectors in Australia and may also explore international opportunities depending on licensing requirements.

Further Academic Progression

Graduates may pursue postgraduate study in oral health, public health, health sciences, or clinical research. Advanced study options such as Master’s and PhD programs support careers in research, leadership, and specialised healthcare practice.