Applies to all Student Groups

• Applications and changes of preference to include this course for the first time will not be accepted after 29 October 2010. Applicants must complete a written assessment. Contact the campus on 8207 1247 for details. All students are required to complete vocational placements within the SA Dental Service, an agency of SA Health. A satisfactory police check will be required at the expense of the student prior to commencing the course in accordance with SA Health policy. Students must provide blood test results indicating communicable disease and immunity status prior to commencing the course in accordance with SA Health policy. Applicants must be eligible for student registration with the Dental Board of Australia.

Students who successfully complete only one or more units of competency within this Qualification will receive a Statement of Attainment.

TAFESA Code	National Code	Qualification	Estimated time to complete
MPG	40451SA	Advanced Diploma of Oral Health (Dental Hygiene)	24 months Full Time

Advanced Diploma of Oral Health (Dental Hygiene)
Dental Hygienists are employed in public, private and specialist dental practice where they collaborate with Dentists and other dental care workers. They are responsible for providing preventive and therapeutic dental hygiene care. This involves the provision of evidenced based dental hygiene treatment including the taking of medical histories, patient examination, hygiene treatment sequencing, patient education, fissure sealants, restoration polishing, professional tooth whitening, splinting of mobile teeth, removal of sutures, exposing and interpreting intra-oral radiographs, administering local anaesthesia, placing temporary restorations and using therapeutic agents including fluoride to prevent or control oral disease and the non-surgical management of periodontal conditions including root surface debridement. This is accomplished while complying with OHS&W policy and infection control protocols in the role of a dental operator. The Dental Hygienist also provides services to residents of aged care and supported residential facilities and contributes to the oral health awareness of other health care providers.

Award - SATAC application process

• Satisfactory achievement in a written and applied test

and any one of:

• Satisfactory completion of SACE Stage 2 (or equivalent)
• Any Certificate III
• Satisfactory achievement in the TAFE SA Assessment of Basic Skills (TABS)

Dental care has changed over the years, moving from a focus on repairing cavities and decay, to proactive, preventive measures. Dental hygienists, dental assistants and dental technicians all work closely with dentists in the care and treatment of teeth and gums. As the population ages, and people become more aware of the value of their teeth, dental workers are in medium to high demand. Courses in this area can lead to work as dental assistants, with some traineeships available.

Studying at TAFE SA is one of the easiest pathways towards a University Degree. Credit Transfer is the formal recognition that parts of a TAFE SA course are equivalent in content and level to parts of some University courses.

Find other TAFE SA Credit Transfer Agreements

			Credit Gained
University		University Course	Points	Time Equivalent
University of Adelaide Full Details	Bachelor of Oral Health 32 points

Award - SATAC application process

• Applications for the 2011 Intake must be made through the centralised TAFE Admissions system via SATAC (South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre) by the advertised date.
• Applicants can make one application for up to six course preferences.
• Applications for 'Apply to Campus' courses are made direct to the relevant campus and a separate application is required for each course an applicant wants to study.

Charges vary between courses and subjects and are based on a rate per hour. Concessions may be available to holders of certain government concession cards, and in some circumstances fees may be paid by instalment. A brochure detailing the refund of fees policy is available at each campus. The standard TAFE SA fee for State Government-subsidised courses undertaken by students enrolled in two consecutive semesters is capped at $2140 in 2010. This fee cap does not apply to all courses.

Students are generally expected to purchase their own textbooks, personal equipment, uniforms and stationery.

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For further information about all TAFE SA Courses, phone 1800 882 661 or email tafeinfo@saugov.sa.gov.au