Bachelor of Health Science (Oral Health)

Allied Health

A course by

AUT

A three-year degree preparing students for a professional career as an oral health therapist, equipping graduates to register with the Dental Council of New Zealand and provide preventive and restorative oral healthcare.

NZ$15,090

inc GST

Enquire about international pricing


This course starts anytime

NZQA Level 7 Certification (360 Credits)

Study Level

Advanced

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10

In-person study

Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting

North Campus, Auckland

It will take a total of 3 years

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Professional Oral Health Practice

Demonstrate entry-level clinical competencies in oral health assessment, diagnosis, and management, including preventive and restorative care.

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Health Promotion

Assess community oral health needs and deliver tailored oral health education and promotion activities.

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Communication and Cultural Competency

Effectively communicate with patients, families, and teams across cultures, with knowledge of Māori and diverse communities.

What You're Signing Up For

The Bachelor of Health Science (Oral Health) at AUT trains students for careers as oral health therapists, providing comprehensive knowledge in oral health assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment and preventive care. Students gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art simulation labs, AUT’s oral health clinic, and through community placements. The programme emphasizes clinical excellence, community health promotion, and deep understanding of factors affecting oral health across populations.

Course Content

  • Lifespan Development and Communication
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology I & II
  • Knowledge, Enquiry and Communication
  • Health and Environment or Hauora Māori
  • Introduction to Oral Health Practice
  • Oral Health Promotion
  • Oral Health I, II, III
  • Oral Biology and Pathology
  • Oral Health Assessment
  • Pharmacology for Professional Practice
  • Methods of Research and Enquiry
  • Professional Practice and Ethics
  • Health Law and Policy
  • Clinical training (over 1,000 hours)
  • Community oral health promotion projects
  • Elective papers in Māori health, social psychology, or health promotion

What you need to know first

University Entrance or equivalent

Able to satisfy Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCA Act) and Children's Act 2014 (police clearance)

IELTS (Academic) 7.0 overall with all bands 6.5 or higher if English is not first language or if secondary schooling not completed in NZ

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What sort of industry will this job lead to

  • Allied Health

  • Oral Health

  • Dental Services

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Future employment opportunities might be

  • Oral Health Therapist in public or private practice

  • Oral Health Promoter

  • Health Educator

  • Roles in District Health Boards (DHBs)

  • Community health programmes