Overview
The University of Otago's Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) is an exciting three-year degree at the Faculty of Dentistry—New Zealand's only dental school. The programme delivers excellent and innovative education in oral health.
Oral health students work in a team with undergraduate and postgraduate dental and dental technology students. This is made possible because the programme is delivered from within the Faculty of Dentistry.
From the beginning of your study, you'll work as part of an oral health team. You'll also have constant access to highly qualified specialist staff.
Our graduates are leaders in the field, because the BOH programme ensures its teaching and research are continually refined and improved to keep in step with oral health best-practice. The programme also focuses on enabling students to be well prepared for lifelong, self-directed learning.
First year
In the first year of the BOH degree, you'll learn how the body works; particularly how oral tissues interact with their environment. You will learn the most effective use of computers in the study and practice of oral health, and will complete a paper in Māori Society.
Clinical practice begins in the first year as well. Initially you'll develop clinical skills on models and 'phantom heads'.
Second year
The second year introduces pathology, pharmacology, and medicine relevant to oral health. You'll also study a papers in Sociology and Health Promotion.
A large part of the year is spent developing clinical skills in dental hygiene and dental therapy, by treating real patients under supervision.
Third year
The third (final) year concentrates on further clinical training, community oral health, and oral health promotion.
You'll also undertake a research project, before graduating and commencing work as an oral health professional!
“From simulation clinics to patient clinics, there was never a dull moment. Each patient is different and unique … our challenge was to create a treatment plan that met not only their dental needs but also their needs as a person—this was the thing I enjoyed the most.”
BOH Graduate