Bachelor of Dental Technology (BDentTech)

Dental Technology is the technical side of dentistry where a dental technician, on the prescription of a dentist, makes any prosthesis or appliance for the head and neck. This could consist of:

• Artificial teeth such as complete dentures, partial dentures, crowns and bridges, and implant-supported dentures in various materials such as acrylics, alloys, and ceramics;
• Removable orthodontic appliances consisting of springs and retainers in acrylic bases for the movement of teeth. Mouthguards to protect against sports injuries;
• Maxillofacial appliances such as artificial eyes, ears, and facial prostheses may be required after surgical treatment.

Dental technicians do not have direct contact with patients. Instead, they work in a dental laboratory where various prosthetic appliances are custom made. Dental technicians can be thought of as artists who, with a thorough understanding of dental materials science, use their artistic skills to fabricate the form, color, and function of individual teeth or maxillofacial prostheses for a patient. The fact that the product can affect the health and appearance of a person demands of the technician a high level of responsibility and accuracy. For this reason, the profession of dental technology is registered under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2004. Graduates with the Bachelor of Dental Technology (BDentTech) degree are automatically entitled to register with the New Zealand Dental Technicians Board.

1. Admission to the program shall be determined by the Dental Technology Admissions Committee.
2. Admission to the program is limited to the number of applicants determined annually,(but see regulation 1(j) regarding International student admissions).
3. Applications for admission may be made under the following categories:
   1. Secondary School (see 1(e))
   2. One Year of University Study (see 1(f))
   3. Two or More Years of University Study (see 1(g))
   4. Graduate (see 1(h))
   5. Alternative (see 1(i)).
4. The University of Otago is committed to promote and facilitate academic equity for Māori students, and for students from other underrepresented groups, who have the potential to succeed academically.
   Applicants in any category (see regulations 1(c)) who have fulfilled the criteria as described in the Mirror on Society Policy and associated admissions entry requirements, may be considered in one or more of the Mirror on Society Category Groups.
5. To be considered for admission under the Secondary School category, an applicant should normally:
   1. have attained a minimum of 14 credits in each of two National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3 approved subjects (or equivalent) from Science, Mathematics, or Technology.
   2. have provided a statement of interest and a current curriculum vitae.

   The selection of applicants who have met these criteria will be based on academic merit. Final admission is subject to the fulfillment of the University’s entrance requirements and confirmation of satisfactory NCEA Level 3 results (or equivalent).

You need to complete credit hours to successfully obtain this degree. Please check detail of study units at https://www.otago.ac.nz/courses/qualifications/bdenttech.html

You can join one of the following careers:

• Dental hygienist
• Dental Surgeon