Dental Hygienist Schools in New Zealand

Bachelor of Health Science in Oral Health

• The Auckland University of Technology offers a Bachelor of Health Science with a major in oral health that is designed for aspiring dental therapists and dental hygienists. This program consists of three years of both theoretical instruction and practical hands-on training, with at least half of the learning time spent in clinical settings. Students complete prerequisite coursework in the human sciences with a focus on communication skills and oral health promotion followed by specialized training in the oral health sciences, including patient assessment and care, health law and ethics. In the final year of study, students have the opportunity to complete a major written paper in an area of interest, such as public or aboriginal health promotion.

  Auckland University of Technology

  55 Wellesley St. East

  Auckland City, New Zealand 1010

  649-921-9735

  aut.ac.nz

Bachelor of Oral Health

• The University of Otago is home to the only School of Dentistry in New Zealand. It offers a three-year Bachelor of Oral Health program for students interested in careers as dental hygienists or dental therapists. Students learn to function as part of a larger oral health care team through group study alongside undergraduate and graduate medical dentistry and dental technology students. The initial two years of this program emphasize the prerequisite study of anatomy and physiology, oral pathology, pharmacology, health promotion and patient care skills. The third and final year focuses on clinical training within both community and private settings, in addition to a major research project.

  University of Otago

  School of Dentistry

  310 Great King St.

  Dunedin, New Zealand 9054

  643-479-7019

  otago.ac.nz

Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Therapy

• The University of Otago also offers a postgraduate diploma in dental therapy for students who hold two-year credentials in dental hygiene or therapy and have at least two years of practical work experience. This program may be earned within one year of full-time study or up to four years of part-time study. Coursework includes the science of advanced dental therapy, public health management theories and methods, critical analysis of dental therapy practice and a major research project in a topic pertaining to dental hygiene and therapy.

  University of Otago

  364 Leith Walk

  Dunedin, New Zealand 9054

  800-808-098

  otago.ac.nz