Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy and Hygiene) Charles Sturt University

The fully accredited Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy and Hygiene) from Charles Sturt University qualifies you to work as an oral health therapist in Australia. As a graduate, you'll help combat the national chronic shortage of oral health professionals, while also making a valuable contribution to the health of your community.

Oral health practitioners are skilled clinicians who examine and treat diseases of periodontal tissues and teeth. They perform routine restorative and periodontal care with a primary focus on early diagnosis and treatment. Their role includes the promotion of positive oral health and preventive dental practices in the community.

Course highlights

Charles Sturt University developed the Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy and Hygiene) in cooperation with the Australian Dental Council, the Australian Dental Association, local dentists, oral health practitioners and senior consultants to ensure you graduate with the skills and knowledge for successful practice.

Exceptional employment outcomes

Our oral health and dental science graduates have excellent employment rates. More than 93 per cent of our graduates find jobs within four months of graduating (QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey 2018).

Outstanding facilities

Develop your practical skills in CSU's state-of-the-art simulation clinic, dental technology/clinical support laboratory, bio-dental science learning suite and anatomy teaching facilities. If you are studying at the Holmesglen Institute's Chadstone Campus, you'll have access to a world-class oral health simulation facility.

Authentic experience

CSU has five Dental and Oral Health Clinics across its Albury-Wodonga, Bathurst, Dubbo, Orange and Wagga Wagga campuses. These clinics are open to patients from the wider community and will provide some of your first professional training. You could undertake placements at any CSU clinic during your course, working under the supervision of qualified practitioners.

Leading academics

The School of Dentistry and Health Sciences is committed to providing high-quality teaching and service to students and to rural and regional communities. You'll benefit from small class sizes and learn from dedicated and experienced academics and guest lecturers.

Study options

CSU offers this degree full-time over three years at CSU's Wagga Wagga Campus, or you can study the first two years of your course at the Holmesglen Institute's Chadstone campus in Melbourne. If you are enrolled at the Holmesglen Institute, you will undertake lectures and pre-clinical training in Years 1 and 2 at Holmesglen, with some clinical training at Wagga Wagga.

Towards the end of your degree, you may be able to apply to embark on a short study tour to Cambodia.

Career opportunities

Oral health therapy is a rapidly developing profession providing rewarding and diverse career paths. Most students know if they have a graduate position by December of their final year of study.

Gain professional registration

As soon as you graduate from the Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy and Hygiene), you can register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

Explore diverse opportunities

Pursue a career in general or specialist dental practice, public sector dental health, Australian defence forces (Army, Navy or Air Force), hospital dental clinics, education or research.

Work at any destination

Demand for oral health practitioners is particularly high in rural and regional areas; however, you could also work in any metropolitan area or internationally.