Bachelor of Oral Health Science

The Bachelor of Oral Health Sciences is a three years degree that you can complete in 2.5 years because the course is fast tracked with a Summer Semester.

The course focuses on oral health promotion and the prevention and treatment of oral diseases.

You learn how to independently treat patients from all ages.

Together with other (dental) health professionals you will contribute to better oral health and general health for all communities.

You'll have access to our new on-campus simulation facilities to practise your skills in contemporary minimally invasive dentistry, oral health practice, special needs dentistry, physiology, pharmacology and communication, before being introduced to your clinical placement at the start of the second year.

You will treat patients under supervision of enthusiastic and experienced clinicians.

Your Summer Semester is an exciting period in your study, in which you participate in enriching workshops, interdisciplinary (oral) health projects, clinical discussions with dentists and other health professionals, aged care and other elective international, regional or rural placement opportunities.

It is important to develop excellent verbal and written communication skills to allow you to build long-lasting relationships with patients and/or communities.

You will track your personal and professional growth in a digital portfolio, which you can maintain after graduation, to record your continuing professional development.

Before starting this degree you'll need to complete your Level 1 First Aid/CPR certification, get your required vaccinations, and provide a current police check and Working With Children check.

The qualification awarded on graduation is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) as Level 7.

First year

Second year

Third year

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the last two years)

Prerequisite

VCE: Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in one of Biology, Chemistry or Physical Education.

Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.

Admission criteria

ATAR (Compulsory)

This course uses the ATAR as part of its selection considerations.

*N/A: Students not accepted in this category, NC: New course, N/P: Not published (includes categories with less than five students). Learn more about our processes View the 2020 ATAR distribution report for the Bachelor of Oral Health Science [196.0 KB].

Bridging and enabling courses

Some prerequisites for this course can be satisfied by successfully completing specific subjects offered through Unilearn and achieving the minimum overall grade.

Further details and minimum overall grade information is available from the Prerequisites webpage.

Applicants who complete Unilearn studies must also submit a copy of their 'Statement of Achievement' and transcript with their application.

Personal Statement

Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement and provide evidence of residence in a regional or rural area if applicable and if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reason for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application. Applicants with relevant work experience may be eligible for extra consideration during the selection process.

Selection rank adjustments

Subject adjustments

VCE: A study score of 30 in Physical Education or any Science equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 25 in Health And Human Development or any Mathematics equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in any LOTE equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.

Special Access Schemes

For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special access schemes

Applicants with higher education study

Prerequisite

Subject proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to stated Year 12 prerequisites.

Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.

Admission criteria

Personal Statement

Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement and provide evidence of residence in a regional or rural area if applicable and if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reason for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application. Applicants with relevant work experience may be eligible for extra consideration during the selection process.

Entire Academic Record (Compulsory)

This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

Interview

Applicants may be required to attend an interview. Details will be provided by telephone or mail to applicants required to attend.

Bridging and enabling courses

Some prerequisites for this course can be satisfied by successfully completing specific subjects offered through Unilearn and achieving the minimum overall grade.

Further details and minimum overall grade information is available from the Prerequisites webpage.

Applicants who complete Unilearn studies must also submit a copy of their 'Statement of Achievement' and transcript with their application.

English Language Test Selection

Applicants who have undertaken studies in a language other than English must demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic) or equivalent. Refer to Language requirements for further information.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

It is recommended that the STAT Multiple Choice test be completed by applicants who have either:

1. not completed Year 12 (or equivalent), VET or University studies, or work experience that can be considered for entry; or do not meet the minimum entry requirements for the program.

Refer to the STAT webpage for further information.

Selection rank adjustments

Special Access Schemes

For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special access schemes

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Prerequisite

Subject proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to stated Year 12 prerequisites.

Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.

Admission criteria

Personal Statement

Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement and provide evidence of residence in a regional or rural area if applicable and if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reason for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application. Applicants with relevant work experience may be eligible for extra consideration during the selection process.

Entire Academic Record (Compulsory)

This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

Interview

Applicants may be required to attend an interview. Details will be provided by telephone or mail to applicants required to attend.

Bridging and enabling courses

Some prerequisites for this course can be satisfied by successfully completing specific subjects offered through Unilearn and achieving the minimum overall grade.

Further details and minimum overall grade information is available from the Prerequisites webpage.

Applicants who complete Unilearn studies must also submit a copy of their 'Statement of Achievement' and transcript with their application.

English Language Test Selection

Applicants who have undertaken studies in a language other than English must demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic) or equivalent. Refer to Language requirements for further information.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

It is recommended that the STAT Multiple Choice test be completed by applicants who have either:

1. not completed Year 12 (or equivalent), VET or University studies, or work experience that can be considered for entry; or do not meet the minimum entry requirements for the program.

Refer to the STAT webpage for further information.

Selection rank adjustments

Special Access Schemes

For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special access schemes

Applicants with work and life experience

Prerequisite

Subject proficiency: Demonstrated proficiency equivalent to stated Year 12 prerequisites.

Meeting minimum prerequisites does not guarantee an offer of a place. Entry into all La Trobe courses is based on competitive selection and there may be limited places available.

Admission criteria

Personal Statement

Applicants can complete and submit a Personal Statement and provide evidence of residence in a regional or rural area if applicable and if they wish other information to be considered during the selection process. This may include information such as work experience or reason for applying. Applicants may wish to provide other documentation in support of their application. Applicants with relevant work experience may be eligible for extra consideration during the selection process.

Entire Academic Record (Compulsory)

This course uses the entire academic record as part of its selection considerations.

Interview

Applicants may be required to attend an interview. Details will be provided by telephone or mail to applicants required to attend.

Bridging and enabling courses

Some prerequisites for this course can be satisfied by successfully completing specific subjects offered through Unilearn and achieving the minimum overall grade.

Further details and minimum overall grade information is available from the Prerequisites webpage.

Applicants who complete Unilearn studies must also submit a copy of their 'Statement of Achievement' and transcript with their application.

English Language Test Selection

Applicants who have undertaken studies in a language other than English must demonstrate that they have achieved the required minimum scores in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) (Academic) or equivalent. Refer to Language requirements for further information.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

It is recommended that the STAT Multiple Choice test be completed by applicants who have either:

1. not completed Year 12 (or equivalent), VET or University studies, or work experience that can be considered for entry; or do not meet the minimum entry requirements for the program.

Refer to the STAT webpage for further information.

Selection rank adjustments

Subject adjustments

VCE: A study score of 30 in Physical Education or any Science equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 25 in Health And Human Development or any Mathematics equals 4 aggregate points per study. A study score of 20 in any LOTE equals 4 aggregate points per study. Overall maximum of 12 points.

Special Access Schemes

For information on adjustment factors that may be applicable, such as those through Special Entry and Access Schemes (SEAS) and other La Trobe special access schemes see: Special access schemes