Oral Health Therapist (SA)

Education and Training:

To become an oral health therapist you usually have to study oral health at university. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your SACE. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physical education and physics are normally required. Entry is highly competitive and there may be a strict quota. You may also need to sit selection tests and attend an interview before acceptance into the course. A number of universities in Australia offer degrees in oral health. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements. Contact the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

Additional Information:

In July 2010, a new National Registration and Accreditation Scheme came into effect for a number of health occupations, including dental. State and Regional Boards assist the Dental Board of Australia by implementing these national standards and policies. For full details, see the Dental Board of Australia's website.

It is a legal requirement for graduates to be registered with the Dental Board of Australia before practising as an oral health therapist in any state or territory in Australia.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.

There are no courses currently linked to this job for this state/territory. Please try another state/territory.

Employment Opportunities:

Oral health therapists may be employed by any clinic that provides dental services to the public, in both the private sector (general and specialist practices) and the public sector (school and community dental services, hospitals, and disability and residential care settings). Government dental services are the major employers of oral health therapists, although they may also own their own practices.

Opportunities for career progression include positions in research and teaching, and senior clinical and administrative positions coordinating health promotion activities in dental health services state- or territory-wide.