Who is an oral health therapist?
An oral health therapist is a highly-skilled professional member of the dental team. Oral health therapists have skills in oral health therapy (previously dental therapy and dental hygiene) and oral health promotion. They educate patients about their oral health, and preventive care is a key aspect of their work. They are skilled at promoting healthy lifestyles and have a strong awareness of the socio-cultural influences on health. Oral health therapists diagnose and treat oral diseases (such as gum disease and dental decay), and provide quality care for patients of all ages, including restorative care for children and adolescents.
Entry requirements
The Oral Health Admissions Committee considers applications from candidates in the following categories:
- Secondary School
- One Year of University Study
- Two or More Years of University Study
- Graduate
- Alternative
Secondary School category
To be considered for admission under the Secondary School category, an applicant:
- Must have attained the National Certificate of Educational Achievement ( NCEA ) Level 3 Biology (or equivalent)*
- Must not have commenced university study
- Must have completed (or be completing) NCEA Level 3 subjects (or equivalent) within the last five years
- May be required to attend an interview
* A minimum of 14 credits in National Certificate of Educational Achievement ( NCEA ) Level 3 Biology or equivalent.
Scoring is in accordance with the University of Otago Entry Pathway calculation:
Final admission is based on NCEA Level 3 results (or equivalent) and a possible interview.
Note: Applicants are initially reviewed based on their Level 2 (or equivalent) performance and subjects taken in NCEA Level 3 (or equivalent). Admission from Secondary School will be based on a scoring process as outlined above.
One Year of University Study category
To be considered for admission under the One Year of University Study category, an applicant:
- Must have completed, within the last five years, one year of relevant university study in New Zealand to a standard determined by the Oral Health Admissions Committee
- May be required to attend an interview
- May be required to pass prescribed papers, to a standard determined by the Committee, before being admitted to the programme
Selection for applicants will be based on their weighted GPA. See scoring example:
- Weighted GPA spreadsheet (XLSX)
Two or More Years of University Study category
To be considered for admission under the Two or More Years of Tertiary Study category, an applicant:
- Must not be a finalist but must have completed within the last five years, two or more years of relevant university study in New Zealand, comprising at least three papers at 200 level, to standard determined by the Oral Health Admissions Committee
- May be required to attend an interview
- May be required to pass prescribed papers, to a standard determined by the Committee, before being admitted to the programme
Selection for applicants will be based on their weighted GPA. See scoring example:
- Weighted GPA spreadsheet (XLSX)
Graduate category
To be considered for admission under the Graduate category, an applicant must have completed as their first degree, within three years prior to the date of application, and in the minimum academic time, at least one of the following qualifications awarded by a university in New Zealand:
- A bachelor's degree,
or - A undergraduate bachelor's honours degree,
or - A bachelor's degree, followed without break in study by a postgraduate diploma or postgraduate honours year
and - May be required to attend an interview
- May be required to pass prescribed papers, to a standard determined by the Committee, before being admitted to the programme
Selection for applicants will be based on their weighted GPA. See scoring example:
- Weighted GPA spreadsheet (XLSX)
Alternative category
To be considered for admission under the Alternative category an applicant:
- Must not be eligible for any other admission category
and - Hold a degree from a New Zealand university
or - Have completed a degree at an overseas university at a standard of at least NZQF Level 7
or - Hold a relevant master's or doctoral degree
or - Have completed relevant study acceptable to the Oral Health Admissions Committee
or - Demonstrate health-related professional experience in a relevant field to a standard acceptable to the Oral Health Admissions Committee
and - May be required to attend an interview
- May be required to pass prescribed papers, to a standard determined by the Committee, before being admitted to the programme
Final admission is based on results obtained and a possible interview. Applicants may be required to pass prescribed papers, to a standard determined by the Committee, before being admitted to the programme.
International admissions
The Oral Health Admissions Committee may offer a limited number of places in the programme to international students who meet all the requirements determined by the Committee.
Exceptional circumstances
Notwithstanding any of the above provisions, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Health Sciences) shall have discretion to approve a recommendation from the Committee concerning any applicant who, not having satisfied these regulations in a particular aspect, in the Committee’s view warrants admission to the programme for exceptional reasons.
Equity groups
Te Kauae Parāoa is the policy on admissions for domestic students to the health professional programmes offered by the Division of Health Sciences. This policy supersedes the Mirror on Society Selection Policy.
Te Kauae Parāoa promotes and facilitates equity for students from underrepresented priority groups with the aim to produce a workforce that represents the communities it serves to improve health outcomes for all.
Applicants may also be considered in one or more of the following sub-categories:
- Māori
- Indigenous Pacific (see note)
- Socioeconomic Equity
- Refugee Background
- Rural
An applicant in either the Māori, or Indigenous Pacific or both of these sub-categories requires verification of ancestry by the University. You can apply for verification of ancestry from the 'My details' section of your eVision portal, and we would encourage you to request this as soon as possible if you are intending to apply for the health sciences professional programmes, to minimise delays in processing your application.
Māori equity group
Applicants wishing to be considered under the Māori equity group must indicate this at the time of application by ticking the Māori equity group box in the online application. Using the form below, applicants will also be required to complete and upload a written personal supporting statement.
Māori – Supporting Statement form (PDF)
In order to be eligible for the Māori equity group your ancestry needs to be verified by the University. You can apply for verification of ancestry from the 'My details' section of your eVision portal.
Note: Successful applicants from the Māori equity group are required to attend a mihi whakatau (greeting) at the commencement of classes in Dunedin and maintain engagement with Raukaha/Māori Health Workforce Development Unit throughout their studies.
It is recommended that students wishing to apply under the Māori equity group attend a relevant information session held by the Division of Health Science Māori Health Workforce Development Unit ( MHWDU ) and/or contact the MHWDU to arrange a meeting with staff or for further information:
Email mhwdu@otago.ac.nz
New Zealand Resident Indigenous Pacific Origins ( NZRIPO )
An application via the NZRIPO equity group requires verification of ancestry for one or more of the following Pacific nations:
- American Samoa
- Cook Islands
- Federated States of Micronesia
- Fiji
- French Polynesia
- Hawaii
- Kiribati
- Marshall Islands
- New Caledonia
- Niue
- Palau
- Papua New Guinea
- Rapanui (Easter Island)
- Rotuma
- Samoa
- Solomon Islands
- Tokelau
- Tonga
- Tuvalu
- Vanuatu
- Wallis and Futuna
Applicants wishing to be considered under the NZRIPO equity group must indicate this at the time of application by ticking the NZRIPO equity group box on the application form.
In order to be eligible for the NZRIPO equity group your ancestry needs to be verified by the University. You can apply for verification of ancestry from the 'My details' section of your eVision portal.
Using the form below, applicants must also complete and upload:
- An endorsement of your application by a leader of a Pacific Island Community Group
and - A written personal supporting statement (500-word limit) giving your reasons for applying under the NZRIPO equity group. Please explain your understanding of the NZRIPO equity group, and outline your commitment to and interest in the health of the Pacific Island Community in New Zealand.
New Zealand Resident Indigenous Pacific Origins (NZRIPO) endorsement and statement form (PDF)
Successful applicants from the NZRIPO equity group are expected to be connected and contribute to the Health Sciences Pacific support network.
It is highly recommended that students wishing to apply under the NZRIPO equity group contact the staff in the Pacific Islands Research and Student Support Unit, in the Office of the Associate Dean (Pacific):
Email vot@otago.ac.nz
Socioeconomic Equity group
To be eligible for the Socioeconomic Equity ( EQ ) group, you must be a domestic student who has attended a New Zealand secondary school that was decile 1, 2 or 3 until 2024, or has an Equity Index ( EQI ) number of 479 or greater. You must have attended during Years 11, 12 and 13 within the last five years.
You can apply for Oral Health under the Socioeconomic Equity group via the Secondary School, One Year of University Study, Two or more Years of University Study or Graduate categories of Admission.
Applicants wishing to apply under the Socioeconomic Equity group must indicate this at the time of application by ticking the Socioeconomic Equity group box in the online application and provide the following supporting information:
- An official letter from your secondary school(s) confirming its EQI number of 479 or greater (or decile 1–3 until 2024) and your enrolment in years 11, 12, and 13 within the last five years. Email your school letter to health-sciences@otago.ac.nz and eq.project@otago.ac.nzand
- Using the form below, write a personal statement (500-word limit) explaining your understanding of the reasons for the Socioeconomic Equity group, how socioeconomic background impacts practice as a health professional, and of your aspirations and commitment to make a positive contribution to the health needs of lower socioeconomic communities.
It is strongly recommended that students wishing to apply under the Socioeconomic Equity group contact the Division of Health Sciences, EQ Project team (Raukaha Workforce Development – Kōhatu Centre for Hauora Māori):
Socioeconomic Equity ( EQ ) Project
Email eq.project@otago.ac.nz
otago.ac.nz/equity
Note: Successful applicants from the Socioeconomic Equity group are expected to maintain engagement with the EQ /Raukaha team throughout their studies.
Refugee Background equity group
In order to apply under the Refugee Background equity group you must have either been granted refugee status in New Zealand, or have a parent(s)/primary guardian(s) who has been granted refugee status in New Zealand. The Refugee Background equity group applies to all categories of admission.
Applicants wishing to apply under the Refugee Background equity group must indicate this at the time of application by ticking the Refugee Background equity group box in the online application and providing the following supporting information:
If you are applying as a person who has been granted refugee status then you must provide:
Either
- Certified copies of your Certificate of Identity or your passport confirming refugee status and Permanent Residency.
or - A letter from Immigration New Zealand confirming your status as a permanent resident was obtained on the basis of being a refugee. This must include your full legal name and date of birth.
or - A letter from Immigration New Zealand confirming that you are a former refugee and that you have applied for residency. This must include your full legal name and date of birth.
Request or change your personal information – Immigration NZ
If you are applying as a child or dependent of a parent(s) / primary guardian(s) who was granted New Zealand Residency as a refugee, you must provide:
- A letter from Immigration New Zealand confirming that your parent(s) / primary guardian(s) was granted New Zealand residency on the basis of their status as a former refugee. This letter must include their full name and date of birth. If Immigration NZ is not able to provide such a letter, equivalent official documentation can be submitted and will be considered for acceptability. Please contact Dr Jackie Tagg in the Health Sciences Divisional Office for advice.
Email jackie.tagg@otago.ac.nz
and - A document that confirms they are your parent(s)/primary guardian(s), for example your birth certificate, a joint passport, or adoption papers.
Using the form below, your application under the Refugee Background equity group must include a personal supporting statement (500-word limit) outlining your understanding of the Refugee Background equity group, how your refugee background will impact your practice as a health professional, and your commitment to the health of former refugees.
Refugee Supporting Statement form (PDF)
It is strongly recommended that students wishing to apply under the Refugee Background equity group contact the Refugee Background equity group support person, Dr Jackie Tagg, in the Health Sciences Divisional Office:
Email jackie.tagg@otago.ac.nz
New Zealand Rural Origins equity group
In order to apply in the New Zealand Rural Origins equity group, candidates for admission must:
- Have undertaken a minimum of four years of their pre-tertiary education at a school in a rural area of New Zealand
or - Have resided in a rural area of New Zealand for a minimum of four consecutive years following the completion of their secondary education
or - Have undertaken a combination of pre-tertiary education at a school in a rural area of New Zealand and residence in a rural area of New Zealand, for a minimum of four consecutive years
(Please note pre-tertiary means primary, intermediate and secondary/high school).
Applicants wishing to have their New Zealand Rural Origins status considered with their application must indicate this at the time of application by ticking the New Zealand Rural Origins equity group box in the online application.
Applicants must provide the following supporting information:
either
- An official letter from the pre-tertiary regional / rural education institution they attended, outlining:
- The duration of their study,
and - The physical location of the institute
- The duration of their study,
or
- A statutory declaration, made before an authorised person, confirming residency of four years or more in a rural location (this declaration must specify which years are being claimed as the four qualifying years). A statutory declaration can be used for your residential address only. It cannot be used to confirm school attendance.
An authorised person is a person listed in the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957 as able to take declarations. This person could be a:
- Justice of the Peace
- Barrister or Solicitor of the High Court
Students within New Zealand may wish to check justiceofthepeace.org.nz for a list of Justices of the Peace in their area. Students from remote areas who do not have access to anyone in the approved categories should contact AskOtago for advice.
For applications based on a rural residential address or attendance at a rural school(s) the University classifies rural as per the Geographic Classification for Health (GCH). For the purposes of this policy, applicants will be eligible if the address or school(s) on which the rural equity group application is based on, is classified within Rural 1–3.
Using the map image in the link below, you can undertake an informal check of the classification of the residential area provided in your application.
- GCH New Zealand map (PDF)
It is important to note that this should be considered as a guide only. The Statistical Area 1s (SA1s) of the residential address and/or the school(s) provided will be checked against the GCH database during the assessment of your application. If your application is found to not be eligible under the rural category you will be notified, and your application will be processed under the general category.
Students will not be bonded after graduation.
Application process
Online application and enrolment
New and returning students are required to complete their application through eVision.
You should apply in the first instance to the 'Health Sciences Undergraduate Professional Programmes' and then select 'Oral Health' from the list.
If you have any questions regarding your application please contact AskOtago:
Tel 0800 80 80 98 (New Zealand callers)
Tel +64 3 479 7000 (overseas)
Email ask@otago.ac.nz
facebook.com/otagouniversity
Contact AskOtago
Supporting documentation
Please ensure that the following supporting documentation is available to upload, as these will be required to complete your online application.
- Curriculum vitae with the following clearly stated:
- Awards attained, positions of responsibility, participation in sports, leisure activities, community activities and voluntary work
Employment record
(The Career Development Centre has useful information available on their website about how to prepare your CV, should you require assistance.)
- Awards attained, positions of responsibility, participation in sports, leisure activities, community activities and voluntary work
- Documentation of your secondary school qualifications
- If you studied NCEA , please include:
- School Result Summaries – To obtain a copy, candidates need to login to the Learner area. You will need to register online first if you haven't logged in before.
- Do not include your Record of achievement – this is not the same as School Result Summaries.
- If you studied NCEA , please include:
- Official academic transcripts for previous tertiary study
- University of Otago records will be accessed directly and do not need to be provided.
- We understand that you will not be able to provide an official academic transcript for any ongoing semester 2 study until after the semester ends. Please ensure that you provide an official academic transcript including the results of that study as soon as you are able after results are released.
- If any required transcripts are not provided by December 1 this may result in a delay to the outcome of your application.
- Statement of Interest for Oral Health (PDF)
Statement of Interest of no more than 600 words, explaining why you wish to study Oral Health.- Your Statement of Interest would be enhanced by including details of your recent interaction with this profession i.e. Oral Health Therapy and/or Dental Hygiene and/or Dental Therapy and should cover the following areas:
- Describe the day-to-day working life of an oral health therapist, dental hygienist or dental therapist and the attributes that you feel you could bring to the profession
- Describe your motivation for wanting to join the profession
- Your Statement of Interest would be enhanced by including details of your recent interaction with this profession i.e. Oral Health Therapy and/or Dental Hygiene and/or Dental Therapy and should cover the following areas:
Application deadlines
Applications open 1 July 2025
Applications close 14 August 2025
Outcome of application
You will be advised of the outcome of your application no later than 11pm (New Zealand Time) 18 December.
Selection criteria
Selection of candidates for the Bachelor of Oral Health programme from among those meeting the eligibility requirements established by the programme regulations conforms to the following criteria:
- Those applying as members of an equity group undergo additional preliminary assessments:
- Applicants are confirmed as equity group members in accordance with the programme regulations.
- Confirmed equity group applicants are then considered by the Divisional Academic Board or its delegate against selection attributes for each specific equity group relating to the policy rationale of Te Kauae Parāoa. These attributes are approved by the Divisional Academic Board and published at Health Sciences Selection Attributes.
On the basis of these assessments, confirmed equity group members who are also established as meeting the policy rationale of Te Kauae Parāoa will be prioritized in the selection process outlined below.
- Applicants submit academic (including, in the case of Secondary School category applicants, NCEA) records, a CV, and a statement of interest. The Committee first assess applicants as suitable for the programme. This assessment is based equally between the Committee’s assessment of the academic strength of the applicant (drawing primarily on academic or NCEA transcripts) and the Committee’s assessment of the suitability of the applicant’s personal characteristics for the programme (drawing on the statement of interest and CV provided). Those assessed as suitable will be advanced for further consideration and ranking.
- Applicants who the Committee has recommended as suitable for further consideration following the initial assessment of overall merit, are put forward for final selection on the basis of a GPA calculation of their relevant study as determined by their application category.
- Where NCEA level 3 results are not yet available, the assessment and ranking of an applicant under the Secondary School category may draw upon NCEA level 2 results. Any selection made on the basis of these results will be subject to confirmation of satisfactory NCEA level 3 results.
- Final selection of candidates across all categories is on the basis of the Committee’s ranking and the number of places available to the programme as a whole. Selections are made in the following sequence:
- Equity group applicants in the following sequence:
- Māori
- Resident Indigenous Pacific
- Refugee Background
- Socioeconomic Equity
- New Zealand Rural Origins
- General Applicants
- Equity group applicants in the following sequence:
Accepting or declining offers
If your application is successful and you receive an offer, this will include a deadline for accepting or declining it. If you do not respond to your offer by this deadline, the offer will be lapsed.
Please think carefully before making your decision; once you have declined your offer there is no opportunity to have the offer reinstated.
What is the waiting list?
If your Outcome of Application indicates that you have been placed on the waiting list, you will be contacted should a place become available. Separate waitlists are maintained for each Health Sciences Undergraduate Professional Programme.
You could be offered a place from a waiting list any time right up to the time classes begin. It is important that you continue your enrolment process for any alternative programme of study you may be considering. If you are on a waiting list and it is confirmed that there are no available places in the programme you will be notified, and your application declined.
Deferral of entry
Successful candidates may request to defer their entry to the following academic year.
Requests will be considered on the following grounds:
- Graduate category or Alternative category candidates who wish to complete current academic study (e.g. an honours year) that in the opinion of the Oral Health Admissions Committee will enhance a student's future study in the Oral Health programme to which they have been admitted. If approved, the Admissions Committee will advise of the minimum grade/s that must be attained. Deferral requests, submitted under this criteria, must be received no later than the last day to add a first semester paper.
- Serious medical grounds or other exceptional circumstances. Candidates that are approved deferral on medical grounds or exceptional circumstances will be required to provide evidence that they are able to resume study.
To apply for a deferral of entry please complete and return the deferral form (PDF)
Deferrals will only be granted for a maximum period of one academic year.
Applicants must have their personal and financial affairs in order when they apply so that if their application is successful, they are able to take up a place at the start of the first semester.
English language requirements
Admission to the programme shall be subject to applicants meeting an English language requirement as determined by the Oral Health Admissions Committee, dependent on the category under which the application is made.
International students
International students are defined as all those students who require a student visa to study in New Zealand. In any given year, a limited number of places in the first year of Oral Health may be available to international students. To be eligible to apply for admission to Oral Health, international students must have completed all necessary prerequisites at a minimum standard, which is determined on a yearly basis.
Undergraduate Health Science: Information for International Students
Should an international student's residency status change prior to notification of the application outcome, they must notify AskOtago immediately and will have to compete for admission with other domestic students.
Important dates
- Online application closing date: 14 August 2025
- Outcome of application emails sent by: 18 December
- Mihi whakatau: TBC
- Introduction day: TBC
- Classes begin: TBC
Introductory classes are compulsory. Students who fail to attend classes on the start date risk losing their place.
Health and disabilities
Please contact the University of Otago's Manager of Disability Information and Support, or AskOtago, if you have a health condition and/or disability that may affect whether or not you are able to meet the requirements of this programme or obtain professional registration.
Any applicant who has a mental or physical condition that could adversely affect their fitness to practice or is found to have failed to declare a condition may be declined admission to the programme by the Oral Health Admissions Committee on the recommendation of the Health and Conduct Review Group. Any offer of admission made before responses to medical requests or requests for information regarding an applicant's health status have been received is conditional on the information received confirming the applicant's suitability for admission.
Criminal offences
Any applicant who is, or has been, the subject of criminal charges, or is, or has been, subject to disciplinary proceedings of a tertiary institution or professional body, or is found to have failed to declare a matter may be declined admission to the programme by the Oral Health Admissions Committee on the recommendation of the Health and Conduct Review Group. Any offer of admission made before responses to requests for information regarding an applicant's past conduct have been received is conditional on the information received confirming the applicant's suitability for admission.
As some convictions may prohibit registration, applicants are advised to consult the regulations of the registering professional body:
All applicants must consent to verification from the New Zealand Police and Department of Courts that there are no undeclared criminal charges or convictions.
Health and Conduct Review Group
The Health and Conduct Review Group considers a student's suitability for admission to a Health Sciences Professional Programme having regard to fitness to practice issues.
Health and Conduct Review Group – Terms of Reference (PDF)
Health and Conduct Procedure (PDF)
Children's Act 2014
The Children's Act 2014 is aimed at providing better protection for vulnerable children. One of the ways it aims to do this is 'safety checking'.
If you will work with vulnerable children – as part of a specified organisation that provides regulated services – the Act requires you to be 'safety checked' at least once every three years.
The safety check involves:
- Identity verification
- New Zealand Police vetting
- Reference checking
- An interview
- A risk assessment
Applicants who enter the programme will receive further information regarding the timing of these checks.
Further information
- University of Otago Child Protection Policy
- Oranga Tamariki (Ministry for Children)
- Children's Act Requirements (Oranga Tamariki website)
Culturally-sensitive issues
All students must participate in laboratory, practical and clinical activities, including those that may be unusual in some cultures. In the professional programmes, some aspects of the teaching will require individuals to practise certain techniques on each other that may involve partially undressing or body contact with other students. Training occurs under close supervision and all students are required to participate, as it is essential for their acquisition of clinical skills.
First aid certificate
Important note: All applicants that accept an offer of a place in the Oral Health programme will need to provide, before the start of the programme, a certified copy of an appropriate New Zealand first aid certificate.
Applicants must gain this qualification through an NZQA-registered training provider who is authorised to assess NZQA first aid standards.
The certificate should include at least NZQA Standard 6401 and NZQA Standard 6402, but students are recommended to obtain a qualification which includes the higher NZQA Standard 6400. The following are a selection of recommended training courses:
- St John (First Aid Level Two)
- New Zealand Red Cross (Comprehensive First Aid Course)
- MediTrain (Workplace First Aid)
- Workplace First Aid (Comprehensive First Aid Course)
Immunity status
All applicants who are offered and accept a place to the first year of Oral Health will be required to provide evidence of their serology status.
Because of the nature of their practice, health professionals are required to take steps to ensure they neither acquire infections from their patients nor transmit infections to patients.
Immunity testing arrangements will be made known during December, preceding the start of the programme. It is the responsibility of the applicant to cover all costs associated with completion of immunisation screening and vaccinations.
Please refer to the Infectious Diseases Policy for Health Professional Students (PDF) for further details regarding immunity status.
Domestic place numbers
The maximum number of domestic and international student places available across all admissions categories for 2025 is 50.
Special examinations and adjusted paper marks
Applications from students sitting special examinations will be placed on hold until the special examination results are released. Once you receive your special examination results you must immediately advise AskOtago to ensure the processing of your application is completed.
Practising in New Zealand
To register with the Dental Council of New Zealand to practise Oral Health Therapy or Dental Technology in New Zealand applicants may be required to satisfy the English language requirements as set by the Dental Council of New Zealand.
Please contact the Dental Council of New Zealand (DCNZ) for further information:
Email inquiries@dcnz.org.nz
Programme content
What will I study?
The University of Otago's Bachelor of Oral Health is an exciting three-year degree at the Faculty of Dentistry – New Zealand's National Centre for Dentistry. The programme delivers excellent and innovative education in Oral Health.
Oral Health students work with undergraduate and postgraduate Dentistry and Dental Technology students. This is made possible because the programme is delivered from within the Faculty of Dentistry. From the beginning of their study, Oral Health students work as part of a dental team.
Oral Health students also have constant access to highly-qualified specialist staff. Graduates will be leaders in the field because the 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 its students to be well prepared for lifelong, self-directed learning.
In the first year of the Oral Health degree students learn how the body works, particularly how oral tissues interact with their environment. Students will learn the most effective use of information technology 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 students start to develop their clinical skills using models and 'phantom heads'.
The second year introduces pathology, pharmacology, and medicine relevant to oral health. Students will also study a paper in Sociology and in Public Health. A large part of the year is spent developing clinical skills by treating patients under supervision.
The third (final year) concentrates on further clinical training, community oral health, and oral health promotion. Students also undertake a research project.
Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH) papers
First year
- DEOH 101 The Body and its Environment
- DEOH 102 The Oral Environment: Health and Disease
- DEOH 103 Oral Informatics
- DEOH 104 Clinical Oral Health Practice
- MAOR 102 Māori Society
Second year
- DEOH 201 Human Disease and Pharmacology
- DEOH 202 Oral Health Therapy 1
- DEOH 203 Oral Health Therapy 2
- PUBH 202 Health Promotion
- SOCI 101 Sociology of New Zealand Society
Third year
- DEOH 301 Community Oral Health and Oral Health Promotion
- DEOH 302 Advanced Oral Health Therapy 1
- DEOH 303 Advanced Oral Health Therapy 2
- DEOH 304 Applied Oral Health Research
Careers
Graduates will meet the requirements for registration as an oral health therapist. Graduates will be able to apply knowledge about health and disease to health promotion in education, community development, and public policy.
There is a wide range of employment opportunities including working in private practice, orthodontic practice, school-based clinics, iwi-based clinics, and hospital dental clinics.
There is a demand for oral health therapists in New Zealand and Australia, and other countries worldwide.
Regulations
Regulations for the degree of Bachelor of Oral Health (BOH)
Disclaimer
The University of Otago makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided on its web pages. However the matters covered, including the availability and structure of courses, are subject to regular review and no warranty or representation can be provided regarding the accuracy of such information, and the University does not accept liability for any losses or damage arising directly or indirectly from reliance on the information.
While the University of Otago takes all due care in implementing the regulations, policies, and procedures that relate to the admissions process, it reserves the right to correct any administrative errors that may occur.