The University of Otago's Bachelor of Dental Technology programme is the only one in New Zealand. It is a three-year degree programme taught within the Faculty of Dentistry.
This creates long-lasting relationships with other dental health professionals and establishes the right dental care perspective from day one.
During your study, you will learn about the oral environment, biomaterials, design principles and practical skills in designing and fabricating appliances for the mouth.
These appliances include:
- artificial teeth (such as complete dentures)
- partial dentures
- implants
- mouth guards
- crowns
- bridges
- removable orthodontic appliances.
Postgraduate Dental Technology
If you wish to take your knowledge beyond the Bachelor of Dental Technology, there is a range of postgraduate study options.
A fourth-year honours programme is available for students who achieve high academic grades. There are further opportunities for higher study through the Master of Dental Technology and PhD programmes.
For those interested in treating patients, there is a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology. Graduates of this programme can offer a removable denture service direct to patients.
Professional registration
The profession of dental technician is registered under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (2004). Graduates of the Bachelor of Dental Technology programme are automatically entitled to register with the New Zealand Dental Council in order to practise as a registered dental technician.
How to apply
Application information for admission into the Bachelor of Dental Technology (BDentTech) programme is available on the Division of Health Sciences website:
Dental Technology: Guidelines for Admission
Background required
To be admitted to the course directly from school, you should 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.
