Bachelor of Oral Health

[DrDrLMG!]

UAC says its just MMI for Sydney's Oral Health degree - no UCAT

Still though, very suprising that UCAT and interviews are required for such courses across Australia - any idea why they are so hardcore? like you don't see a UCAT or MMI for nursing

Usually interviews and entrance exams are required for courses that are very over-subscribed as a means of reducing numbers without slamming ATAR requirements through the roof. I’m not sure if that’s the case here though. Hopefully someone else can weigh in.

 

[cherrypicking]

hey, I was wondering where I could go after I graduated from BOH? If I don't manage to transfer into dentistry or get into post grad dentistry, would I be stuck as an oral health therapist / dental hygienist? Are there any certifications etc. so I could do more as an oral health therapist (eg. after dentistry theres stuff like certificates for sleep dentistry / increased ability to do orthodontic procedures)? thanks!

 

[tksm]

hey, I was wondering where I could go after I graduated from BOH? If I don't manage to transfer into dentistry or get into post grad dentistry, would I be stuck as an oral health therapist / dental hygienist? Are there any certifications etc. so I could do more as an oral health therapist (eg. after dentistry theres stuff like certificates for sleep dentistry / increased ability to do orthodontic procedures)? thanks!

According to AHPRA, such programs have been phased out Dental Board of Australia - Phased out: Programs to extend scope but you can still "upgrade" your skills through CPD courses. Adult scope is definitely one of the 'upgrades' (I know if you go to UoN you graduate with adult scope) as well as adult fillings (I think La Trobe OHT allows you to do this).
I don't think there are courses that enable you to do dental procedures outside the scope of OHT like root canals/implants etc.

 

[Crow]

hey, I was wondering where I could go after I graduated from BOH? If I don't manage to transfer into dentistry or get into post grad dentistry, would I be stuck as an oral health therapist / dental hygienist? Are there any certifications etc. so I could do more as an oral health therapist (eg. after dentistry theres stuff like certificates for sleep dentistry / increased ability to do orthodontic procedures)? thanks!

If you don’t want to end up “stuck” doing the job your degree qualifies you to do, then it might be worth considering another career path that you’ll be satisfied in if you don’t manage to make it into dentistry.

 

[9905a]

Hey everyone, hoping to gain insights into oral health therapists. Preferably from an oral health therapist/hygienist or a student currently in that course, what are the key differences between an oral health therapist and a dentist? and what's the point of oral health therapists if dentists can do what they do?

Thanks in advance)

 

[Appleitis]

Hey everyone, hoping to gain insights into oral health therapists. Preferably from an oral health therapist/hygienist or a student currently in that course, what are the key differences between an oral health therapist and a dentist? and what's the point of oral health therapists if dentists can do what they do?

Thanks in advance)

Hey Wendy,

Oral Health Therapy has a combined scope of practice consisting of both dental therapy and hygiene. In short, dental hygiene involves periodontal diagnosis and management (think deep cleans and preventative treatment) while dental therapy mostly involves treating children and young adults in a restorative capacity (think fillings), although there is now a move towards BOH graduates performing adult restorative.

Dentists have a scope of practice limited by what they are competent and trained in, which is chiefly a broad definition. This means that legally speaking, all dentists can up skill and pretty much perform any procedure within the definition of dentistry. In practice, you would still be referring complex cases to specialists. It also goes without saying that dentists are trained for much longer. For the typical five year program, the final two years focus on areas not covered in BOH, and I would say that the foundational scientific/medical knowledge is more extensive in dental programs.

It’s a fair question to ask what the point of an OHT is at all if dentists can do everything they do. In public practice, this enables the government to deliver dental care in a cost effective manner, keeping in mind that on a population level, most require simple procedures to improve dental health. Therapists are also used extensively in school dental services as they can provide most services children require. In a private setting, OHTs and hygienists are valuable in freeing up the dentist’s time so they can focus on more complex procedures. It can be very valuable for someone to sit with a patient and go through all the ‘mundane’ (but important) oral hygiene stuff, as good periodontal health forms the foundation to build more complex treatment.

I hope this provides some clarification. Do feel free to reply or message me if you would like to talk more.