To become a dental hygienist you usually have to complete a diploma, associate degree or degree in dental hygiene. The degree courses are usually combined with dental therapy training. To get into these courses you usually need to pass your TCE. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, biological science, biology, chemistry, physical education and physics are normally required. Entry is highly competitive, and there are strict quotas. You may need to sit selection tests and attend an interview. The various institutions have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

There are no suitable courses available in Tasmania. The following courses are offered interstate.

Diploma Courses:

Curtin University of Technology (WA) - Bentley Campus:

• Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene, 2 years full time

TAFE SA - Gilles Plains Campus:

• Advanced Diploma of Oral Health (Dental Hygiene), 2 years full time or equivalent

Degree Courses:

Griffith University (QLD) - Gold Coast Campus:

• Bachelor of Oral Health in Oral Health Therapy, 3 years full time

University of Adelaide - North Terrace and Somerton Park Campuses:

• Bachelor of Oral Health, 3 years full time

La Trobe University (VIC) - Bendigo Campus:

• Bachelor of Oral Health Science, 2.5 years full time

University of Melbourne - Parkville Campus:

• Bachelor of Oral Health, 3 years full time

University of Newcastle (NSW) - Ourimbah Campus:

• Bachelor of Oral Health, 3 years full time

University of Queensland - St Lucia Campus:

• Bachelor of Applied Health Science (Oral Health), 3 years full time

University of Sydney - Cumberland, Sydney Dental Hospital and Westmead Campuses:

• Bachelor of Oral Health, 3 years full time

Additional Information:

To practise as a dental hygienist, graduates must be registered with the Dental Board of the state or territory in which they intend to work.