Bachelor of Oral Health in Dental Science - Griffith University

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Program overview

Why choose this program?

The School of Dentistry and Oral Health is the first new dental school established in Australia in almost 60 years. You will experience a new innovative curriculum, studying and working alongside students of Dental Technology, Dental Therapy and Dental Hygiene. You will also:

• receive clinical exposure from the first year of your studies
• experience real-world clinical work in a wide range of settings including state schools, rural and remote areas, indigenous communities and aged care facilities
• work alongside registered dentists and dental specialists in the University's modern dental clinic and specialised laboratories
• gain knowledge and skills in research and community health
• study and learn in a stimulating and enjoyable environment at the Southport health precinct on the Gold Coast.

Attendance

The Bachelor of Oral Health in Dental Science is offered full-time on campus at the Gold Coast campus and the Centre for Medicine and Oral Health.

Classes may be scheduled during the day and evening throughout the week. Students may take a reduced study load in year 1 only. You will be classed as a part-time student if you enrol in less than 30 credit points per semester. International students must maintain a full-time study load.

Due to the need for students to develop complex clinical and technical skills throughout this program, extensive hands-on exposure to clinical/laboratory environments is required. As a result, some courses commencing from Year 1/Semester 2 of this program will extend beyond the standard 13-week teaching semester (i.e. commencing earlier and extending later than the standard 13-week semester). Students are advised that the timetables for these courses will not exceed 21 teaching weeks per semester (i.e. the academic year will not exceed 42 teaching weeks in duration). Exact dates over which these extended courses will run will be published on a semester-by-semester basis at www.griffith.edu.au/school/doh.

Work-Integrated Learning

Work-integrated learning activities integrate theoretical learning with its application in the workplace. The inclusion of work-integrated learning activities in the degree program demonstrates Griffith's commitment to preparing its graduates for success in their working life. In this program you will spend time in the work/professional environment at Griffith's Dental Clinic and Clinical and Community Placements. Placements may be outside of the Brisbane metropolitan area/Gold Coast area interstate or overseas.

Professional recognition

The completion of this degree and Griffith University's two-year Graduate Diploma of Dentistry program provide the education and skills you need to apply for registration as a dentist in Australia and New Zealand.

Career opportunities

Employment prospects are excellent. As a dentist you will be in demand in private practice, the public sector including public hospitals, school dental clinics and the armed services. Salaries for a new graduate working in Queensland Health range upwards from $60 000. Higher salaries can be obtained in the private sector, especially if you are an associate, partner or owner of a dental surgery. You may also pursue academic teaching, research or postgraduate study leading to specialty practice.

Professional practice requirements

Working with children suitability check

All students in this program are required to undergo the Working with Children Suitability Check and be issued with a Blue Card (Suitability card) before they undertake practice in professional settings. Further information may be obtained from the Practice Coordinator and from your local Student Centre.

Your Blue Card application can be obtained from the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian website. Completed forms can be lodged at your local Student Centre.