Why Study Bachelor of Health Science (Oral Health) at AUT?

• Accredited by the Dental Council of New Zealand.
• Eligibility to register as an Oral Health Therapist upon graduation.
• Qualification recognised in both New Zealand and Australia.
• More than 1,000 hours of supervised clinical learning.
• Access to AUT's modern oral health simulation laboratories.
• Clinical experience at AUT's Oral Health Clinic, private practices and community clinics.
• Opportunities to participate in oral health promotion programmes within local communities.
• Learn from experienced dentists, dental specialists, oral health therapists and researchers.
• Excellent employment opportunities due to ongoing demand for oral health professionals.

Programme Structure

The programme is completed over three years (360 points).

Year 1

Semester 1

• HEAL506 Knowledge, Enquiry and Communication
• HEAL512 Te Tiriti Ora
• HEAL513 Introduction to Healthcare Systems and Practice
• HEAL514 Understanding Human Body Systems

Semester 2

• HEAL609 Integrated Human Body Systems
• ORAH501 Introduction to Oral Health Practice
• ORAH601 Oral Health Promotion

Year 2

• ORAH602 Oral Health I
• ORAH603 Oral Biology and Pathology
• ORAH604 Oral Health Assessment
• PHMY701 Pharmacology for Professional Practice
• HEAL610 Methods of Research and Enquiry

Clinical assessment and patient treatment begin during Year 2.

Year 3

• HEAL708 Professional Practice and Ethics
• ORAH704 Oral Health II
• HLAW701 Health Law and Policy
• ORAH705 Oral Health III
• One approved elective (such as M?ori Health Promotion or Social Psychology)

Subjects / Topics Covered

Students study:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Healthcare Systems
• Oral Health Practice
• Oral Health Promotion
• Oral Biology
• Oral Pathology
• Oral Health Assessment
• Pharmacology
• Research Methods
• Professional Practice
• Ethics
• Health Law and Policy
• Clinical Dentistry
• Preventive Dentistry
• Community Oral Health
• Patient Management
• Health Promotion

Clinical Learning

Practical education is a major component of the programme.

Students complete over 1,000 hours of supervised clinical learning, including:

• AUT Oral Health Clinic (Niho Ora ki Manukau)
• Community oral health clinics
• Private dental practices
• Public dental services
• Community oral health promotion projects
• Final-year community placement (New Zealand or international)

Disciplines / Areas of Practice

Graduates develop expertise in:

• Oral Health Therapy
• Dental Hygiene
• Preventive Dentistry
• Community Oral Health
• Oral Disease Prevention
• Oral Health Promotion
• Patient Assessment
• Clinical Oral Care
• Public Health Dentistry

Programme Highlights

• Dental Council of New Zealand-accredited programme.
• Qualification recognised in both New Zealand and Australia.
• Three-year, 360-point bachelor's degree.
• Over 1,000 hours of supervised clinical learning.
• Clinical training at AUT's Oral Health Clinic and community settings.
• Modern simulation laboratories.
• Community oral health promotion projects.
• Flexible Northland distance-learning pathway.
• Strong graduate employment opportunities.

Career Outcomes

Graduates may work as:

• Registered Oral Health Therapist*
• Dental Hygienist
• Community Oral Health Therapist
• Public Health Oral Health Practitioner
• School Dental Service Clinician
• Oral Health Educator
• Community Health Promotion Officer
• Private Dental Practice Oral Health Therapist

Visa Requirements

International students must obtain a New Zealand Student Visa before beginning their studies.

Typical requirements include:

• Offer of Place from AUT
• Valid passport
• Payment of tuition fees (where applicable)
• Proof of sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses
• Evidence of English language proficiency
• Medical examination and chest X-ray (if required)
• Police clearance certificate (if applicable)
• Approved medical and travel insurance
• Compliance with Immigration New Zealand student visa conditions throughout the programme

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

• Applications for the 2026 intake have closed, with the next programme commencing on 22 February 2027.
• The programme is accredited by the Dental Council of New Zealand, enabling eligible graduates to register as Oral Health Therapists.
• Overseas dental qualifications do not qualify for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) because of differences in curriculum, clinical training and regulatory standards.
• Students must complete over 1,000 hours of clinical learning, including placements at AUT's Oral Health Clinic, private practices, public dental clinics and community settings.
• Before attending clinical placements, students may be required to complete health screening, immunisation requirements, police vetting and other placement-specific compliance checks.