University of Otago

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Oral Health is a clinically oriented programme combining foundational biomedical science with practical training in oral health assessment, prevention and treatment. Study begins with anatomy, physiology, microbiology and pathology to underpin understanding of oral disease, and progresses to modules in dental materials, radiography, pharmacology and pain management.

• Core clinical subjects: oral diagnosis, periodontal therapy, restorative care within the scope of dental therapy, paediatric oral health and special needs care.
• Preventive and community health: oral health promotion, epidemiology, school and community dental services, Māori and Pacific oral health perspectives.
• Professional practice: ethics and law, communication skills, practice management, cross-cultural competence and multidisciplinary team working.
• Practical training: simulated clinical skills labs followed by progressive supervised patient care in Otago’s dental teaching clinics and supervised off-campus placements in community settings.
• Research and evidence-based practice: research methods, statistics, and a final-year project or clinically focused scholarly activity to develop critical appraisal skills.

The programme emphasises hands-on clinical experience from early years, with increasing responsibility under supervision. Students learn to provide preventive and restorative care suitable for children and adolescents (dental therapy scope) as well as comprehensive hygiene services for all ages (dental hygiene scope).

Entry requirements

Entry is competitive and applicants must meet the University’s general undergraduate entrance requirements. Typical academic preparation includes strong passes in secondary-school-level science and English subjects; biology and/or chemistry are particularly recommended. International qualifications are considered against Otago’s entrance criteria.

• Academic: university entrance or equivalent with emphasis on science subjects and good literacy skills.
• Non-academic: applicants should expect health and character checks as part of professional training, including immunisation requirements, police vetting and fitness-to-practise screening.
• Admissions process: selection may include assessment of academic record and other application information; some intakes may use interviews or additional selection measures where demand exceeds places.
• Practical requirements: students must be able to meet physical and communication demands of clinical practice and are required to maintain appropriate professional conduct throughout training.

Career prospects

Graduates are eligible to practise as oral health professionals within the scopes of dental hygiene and dental therapy and may register with the relevant regulatory authority. Typical roles include:

• Dental hygienist and dental therapist in private dental practices, community and school dental services, and public health clinics.
• Oral-health promotion and community outreach roles with iwi, Pacific health providers and government health services.
• Clinical leadership, practice management or roles in infection control and quality assurance within oral-health services.
• Further study and careers in research, teaching, postgraduate clinical specialties or allied health fields with appropriate additional qualifications.

Many graduates work in mixed-team primary care environments, while others find opportunities in rural and community settings where demand for oral-health professionals is strong.

Why study at University of Otago

Otago’s programme is delivered by the University’s dental school and combines robust biomedical teaching with extensive supervised clinical experience in purpose-built facilities. Students benefit from small-group clinical teaching, simulation laboratories, and placements that connect them with communities across the region and country.

• Clinical emphasis: early and sustained patient contact under experienced clinical supervisors prepares students for immediate entry to practice.
• Community focus: structured placements and outreach give exposure to public health models and diverse patient populations, including Māori and Pacific communities.
• Professional integration: close links with the Faculty of Dentistry, local practitioners and health services facilitate real-world learning and transition to employment.
• Research and teaching opportunities: access to academic staff and research projects supports evidence-based practice and options for further study.

Overall, Otago’s Bachelor of Oral Health is suited to applicants seeking a clinically driven undergraduate course that leads directly to a career providing patient-centred oral-health care.