Graduate Certificate in Oral Health Science

Our adult population’s oral health needs are many and varied.

We need trusted experts who know how to keep dental patients healthy, now and into the future.This certificate provides oral health therapists with the specialised knowledge and skills needed to contribute further.

The qualification will allow you to deliver adult therapy as part of your clinical practice, opening doors to advanced career opportunities.

The program comprises two 6-unit courses. The scientific components of this program (Dental & Health Science IVOH) will underpin and integrate with the clinical components of the program (Clinical Practice IVOH). The instructional approach is a blended learning approach and will consist of a variety of case-based integrated learning activities complemented by other learning activities including class meetings, tutorial, on-line learning modules, workshops, small group discovery, clinical and simulated clinic sessions. The academic program aims to provide an overview and development of comprehensive oral health examination, treatment planning, prevention and restorative care for adults.Dental & Health Science (Adult Therapy) IV OH (6 units) This course will involve an interdisciplinary approach to management of the ageing dentition. In addition to a cariology and root caries update, students will learn to identify and understand the nature of the forms of non-carious loss of tooth structure including erosion, attrition and abrasion. The principles of examination, diagnosis and treatment planning for periodontal disease are also covered. The course will focus on how to clinically assess patients, identify their risk factors and plan short and long-term management. Clinical Practice (Adult Therapy) IV OH (6 units) The topics in this course cover both the theory and practice of restorative dentistry.  They explore new and existing techniques, case selection and treatment planning. Dental materials important to this discipline are also covered. Topics covered include aesthetic dentistry, adhesive materials, bonding systems, mechanisms of adhesion of materials to teeth, simple direct restorations, and reasons for success and failure of adhesive and metallic restorations. A variety of current operative/restorative techniques will be explored. Clinical Placement The time commitment required in this graduate certificate approaches 40 hours per week, including contact and non-contact preparation time.During the program, students will work in a clinic area as members of a dental team. There will be 4 weeks where there is 1 session of clinical observation and reflection and  8 weeks of clinical placements for two days per week in addition to completing on-line learning and assessments. Integration of clinical experiences and academic learning is fostered through the input and interaction with academic staff and clinical mentors.Before attending clinical placement, students must have certification in the areas listed below:1.  Prescribed communicable infections (PCI) screening2.  Current immunisation history3.  Tuberculosis (TB) screening4.  Criminal history.Placements are compulsory for successful completion of the Graduate Certificate. All costs associated with clinical placement including but not limited to uniform, travel and clearances, are the responsibility of the student.In order to be accepted into the degree, applicants must have identified a clinic mentor who has agreed to provide mentorship during the clinical placement, and have organised approval from a clinic location to undertake their observation and clinical placement. The clinic mentor will be required to attend a workshop session to assist them in the clinical mentor role.Students will be required to purchase a set of replacement teeth for practical activities.  The cost will include a Bond fee (reimbursed at completion provided no loss or damage beyond normal wear and tear) and a non-refundable hire fee.

Academic Program Rules

The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

Example Study Plan

Indicative study plan Semester 1 ORALHLTH 5000 Dental & HealthScience (Adult Therapy) IV OH Semester 2 ORALHLTH 5001 Clinical Practice(Adult Therapy) IV OH

Assessment

Assessment will be based on a combination of on-line methodologies, clinical cases, clinical assessment, oral assessment and examinations. All assessment tasks are designed to enable students to develop and demonstrate their understanding of core concepts and principles related to managing the adult dental patient within the oral health therapists’ scope of practice. Student assessment, both formative and summative, will be closely matched to the integrated learning and teaching activities and to the clearly defined outcomes and objectives. An emphasis will be placed on the development of self-assessment skills. 

For those who are based in Adelaide, we will be offering a blended delivery mode that combines face-to-face with remote learning in as many courses as possible, taking into consideration social distancing and hygiene. All lectures will continue to be delivered online for the remainder of the year, with some exceptions.

For our students who are studying offshore for the remainder of the 2020 Academic Year, the University will continue to offer high-quality access to the learning resources remotely. This includes all lectures, tutorials and other support material. Students will be advised in advance if there are course components that cannot be provided in remote mode and, wherever possible, offered alternative courses.

Career Readiness

The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

Graduate Attributes

Adelaide Graduate Attributes

1. Deep discipline knowledge
2. Critical thinking and problem solving
3. Teamwork and communication skills
4. Career and leadership readiness
5. Intercultural and ethical competency
6. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

Industry Placement

Professional Accreditation

Potential careers

Dental Therapist, Oral Health Practitioner, Oral Health Therapist, Dental Practitioner