University of Otago

What you'll study

The programme combines advanced theoretical teaching with supervised clinical practice to develop competence in assessment, treatment planning and delivery of removable prostheses. It is typically delivered as a focused, intensive programme that can be taken full-time or part-time to accommodate clinical placement requirements.

• Clinical Removable Prosthodontics – examination and diagnosis, formulation of treatment plans for complete and partial dentures, overdentures and immediate prostheses.
• Oral Anatomy and Occlusion – craniofacial anatomy, jaw function, occlusal concepts relevant to prosthetic rehabilitation.
• Dental Materials and Laboratory Techniques – properties and selection of materials used in removable prostheses and liaison between clinic and laboratory workflows.
• Clinical Assessment and Treatment Planning – patient assessment, risk management, case selection and sequencing of care for complex prosthetic cases.
• Radiography and Imaging – interpretation of dental radiographs and use of imaging in prosthetic planning where applicable.
• Infection Prevention, Ethics and Legislation – infection control procedures, professional ethics, regulatory responsibilities and scope of practice.
• Supervised Clinical Practice – multiple supervised patient sessions in the university dental clinic and affiliated clinical sites to build hands-on competency.
• Research Methods / Quality Improvement – introduction to evidence-based practice, audit and quality improvement relevant to clinical dental technology.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a relevant undergraduate qualification such as a Bachelor of Dental Technology or equivalent, or be an experienced dental technician with demonstrable laboratory training. Where required by national regulation, applicants will usually be expected to hold current registration or be eligible for registration with their national dental/clinical technology authority.

• Evidence of relevant undergraduate qualification or recognised professional diploma in dental technology.
• Practical experience in a dental laboratory or related clinical setting is normally expected.
• Applicants must meet health and safety prerequisites for clinical practice, which typically include vaccination/immunisation requirements and a clear police/background check.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency to the level required by the University of Otago.
• Meeting professional registration requirements in New Zealand or a plan to obtain appropriate registration where applicable may be necessary for clinical components.

Career prospects

Graduates gain the clinical competencies to work directly with patients in the assessment and provision of removable prostheses. Career pathways include:

• Clinical Dental Technologist – providing patient-focused removable prosthodontic care in community clinics, private practice or hospital settings where regulations permit.
• Dental Laboratory Clinical Liaison – combining laboratory expertise with clinical responsibilities to improve workflow and patient outcomes.
• Public and Community Oral Health – roles in community dental services, aged-care facilities and public health programmes providing prosthetic care for underserved populations.
• Practice Management and Technical Leadership – senior technical or managerial roles within dental laboratories and prosthetics services.
• Further study and academic roles – progression to master’s programmes, clinical educator positions or involvement in research and quality improvement projects.

Why study at University of Otago

The University of Otago houses New Zealand’s long-established dental school with integrated clinical facilities, providing a strong environment for clinically focused dental training. Students benefit from supervised patient care in a dedicated dental teaching clinic and access to experienced academic staff who combine clinical practice, research and teaching.

• Strong clinical training in a university dental hospital setting with structured supervised placements.
• Close alignment between clinical teaching and laboratory practice, reflecting the dual technical and clinical nature of the discipline.
• Support for evidence-based practice, interprofessional learning and links with regional dental services for real-world clinical experience.
• Opportunities to continue into further postgraduate study or to engage in research and quality-improvement initiatives within oral health services.