Brush up your career opportunities with this specialised advanced-level course, and put a smile on people's faces every day as a dental prosthetist.
HED004 Bachelor of Dental Prosthetics
Full fee | $52,800 |
Brush up your career opportunities with this specialised advanced-level course, and put a smile on people's faces every day as a dental prosthetist. Dental prosthetists work independently to provide complete and partial dentures, dental appliances, and mouth-guards to the public. This course is suitable for both students wanting to take their existing oral health qualification to the next level, and students with no prior dental experiencing wanting to forge a new career path with a clinical qualification.
Learn to issue, maintain and examine dental prosthetics, insert and try-in dentures, take impressions, and undertake production and technical work. This is a highly technical course, with units providing broad and coherent knowledge in pathophysiology, pharmacology, radiology, and clinical skills. At TAFE Queensland, our knowledgable industry experts will be there to help you every step of the way, with one-on-one support, and the real-world experience required to see you job-ready.
Successful completion of this course will prepare you to seek employment as a registered dental prosthetist. This course also provides a stepping stone to further study.
Our degrees are delivered here at TAFE, on our modern campuses, using world-class facilities and equipment. Our state-of-the-art dental laboratory and working denture clinic allow students to complete clinical and lab work on real patients, using real equipment and facilities.
The Bachelor of Dental Prosthetics is nationally recognised and endorsed as an accredited course by the Australian Dental Council (ADC) and approved by the Dental Board of Australia. While at TAFE Queensland, all students are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) by TAFE Queensland. Full details are available from the AHPRA website.
Graduates of courses accredited by the ADC are eligible to apply for registration with (AHPRA) and are required to obtain registration prior to commencing practice. Please see the AHPRA website for further details regarding the registration process.
The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all units from the list below.
UNIT CODE | UNIT NAME | |
---|---|---|
DDB101Dental Technology 1Unit code: DDB101 Unit description: Identify the appearance of the normal anatomic structures of the face and oral cavity. Use laboratory skills to complete denture fabrication, construct custom trays and complete upper and lower denture rebase/reline and repairs. |
Dental Technology 1 | Credit Points: 10 |
DDB102Introduction to Removable Prosthetics TheoryUnit code: DDB102 Unit description: Learn the basic theory needed to build dentures, from the initial patient consultation through to fitting the dentures and applying after-care. |
Introduction to Removable Prosthetics Theory | Credit Points: 10 |
DDB103Dental MaterialsUnit code: DDB103 Unit description: Learn about the properties of clinical and laboratory products used to fit, manipulate and remove dental prosthetics. Get to know which product to choose in different conditions and become comfortable with the safety factors involved in handling these materials. |
Dental Materials | Credit Points: 10 |
DDB104Oral PathologyUnit code: DDB104 Unit description: Learn to diagnose and treat oral lesions and understand the implication of widespread and systemic diseases. |
Oral Pathology | Credit Points: 10 |
DDB105Dental Technology 2Unit code: DDB105 Unit description: Develop techniques to build and maintain removable partial dentures. Learn how to use and maintain tools, equipment and machinery used in a range of procedures. |
Dental Technology 2 | Credit Points: 10 |
DDB106Advanced Removable Prosthodontics TheoryUnit code: DDB106 Unit description: Learn to recognise, predict and fix problems during full and partial denture construction. You will also learn to design individually-fitted full and partial dentures. |
Advanced Removable Prosthodontics Theory | Credit Points: 10 |
DDB107Infection ControlUnit code: DDB107 Unit description: Learn about infection control, disease prevention and sterilisation procedures. Understand how microorganisms grow and behave in different conditions. |
Infection Control | Credit Points: 10 |
DDB108Anatomy and Histology for the Dental ProsthetistUnit code: DDB108 Unit description: Learn about head, neck and oral anatomy. Understand the definition of scientific terms and how to interpret dental notation systems. Discover how nerve and blood supply, lymphatics and muscles are relevant to dental prosthetics. |
Anatomy and Histology for the Dental Prosthetist | Credit Points: 10 |
DDB201Oral Health Systems and Social JusticeUnit code: DDB201 Unit description: Discover how cultural and social factors affect oral health in Australia. There is a particular focus on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. You will also learn about the role social and economic pressures have on the delivery of dental care. |
Oral Health Systems and Social Justice | Credit Points: 10 |
DDB202Pre-Clinical Prosthetic PracticesUnit code: DDB202 Unit description: Learn to interpret patient medical and dental records and gather data. Undertake simulated patient examination, take impressions, and use dental instruments. You will also learn how to take notes and make and justify safe treatment plans. |
Pre-Clinical Prosthetic Practices | Credit Points: 10 |
DDB203Pre-Clinical Prosthetics TheoryUnit code: DDB203 Unit description: This subject builds upon the pre-clinical prosthetics practices unit and includes basic treatment techniques. |
Pre-Clinical Prosthetics Theory | Credit Points: 10 |
DDB204Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for the Dental ProsthetistUnit code: DDB204 Unit description: Understand how health factors effect oral health treatment. Learn how to build dentures for different shaped mouths and medical conditions. Learn to balance a patient’s medical and drug history to develop treatment plans and arrange appropriate referrals. |
Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for the Dental Prosthetist | Credit Points: 10 |
DDB205Implant Retained ProsthodonticsUnit code: DDB205 Unit description: Learn how to anchor implants. Understand the pros of cons of implants over dentures. Learn to weigh up appropriate treatment versus cost implications and how to offer post-insertion care. |
Implant Retained Prosthodontics | Credit Points: 10 |
DDB206Prosthetic Clinical Skills 1Unit code: DDB206 Unit description: Put your knowledge into practice during this introductory clinical unit. Students will undertake supervised technical work on patients with a range of prosthetic requirements. You will also give written and verbal explanations about the procedures. |
Prosthetic Clinical Skills 1 | Credit Points: 10 |
DDB207Clinical Prosthetics Theory 1Unit code: DDB207 Unit description: Interpret complex medical and dental history records, dental charting and examination notes. Come up with, and justify, suitable treatment plans for patients needing partial and full dentures. We will cover record-keeping and informed consent protocols. Students will start working on individual cases and produce case studies and a portfolio of treatment plans. |
Clinical Prosthetics Theory 1 | Credit Points: 10 |
DDB208RadiologyUnit code: DDB208 Unit description: Identify oral conditions on a dental x-ray. Students will learn how to spot abnormalities and how to produce a radiographic image of diagnostic standards. |
Radiology | Credit Points: 10 |
DDB301Prosthetic Clinical Skills 2Unit code: DDB301 Unit description: This unit builds on practical the supervised clinical sessions undertaken in prosthetic clinical skills I. |
Prosthetic Clinical Skills 2 | Credit Points: 20 |
DDB303Clinical Prosthetics Theory 2Unit code: DDB303 Unit description: This unit builds on knowledge from clinical prosthetics theory I. Students will discuss treatment plans and add to case studies and their portfolio of treatment plans. |
Clinical Prosthetics Theory 2 | Credit Points: 10 |
DDB304Dental Practice ManagementUnit code: DDB304 Unit description: Get the skills to establish and manage a dental practice. Learn to come up with a sustainable business operational plan, manage staff recruitment and evaluate customer service techniques. |
Dental Practice Management | Credit Points: 10 |
DDB305Advanced Prosthetic Clinical SkillsUnit code: DDB305 Unit description: Build upon supervised clinical skills. You will be able to independently manage treatment and complete a wide-range of procedures. |
Advanced Prosthetic Clinical Skills | Credit Points: 20 |
DDB307Law, Ethics and Professional ResponsibilityUnit code: DDB307 Unit description: Learn about local and national regulations, codes, standards and acts that govern oral health services. You will learn how to identify ethical issues and resolve problems and understand your responsibilities as an oral health practitioner. |
Law, Ethics and Professional Responsibility | Credit Points: 10 |
DDB308Project-Case Study/Literature ReviewUnit code: DDB308 Unit description: Produce either a written paper based on evaluation and interpretation of papers relevant to removable dental prosthetics or a patient case study. The case study will cover treatment options and examples of research justifying the treatment. |
Project-Case Study/Literature Review | Credit Points: 10 |
Note: Not all electives are available at all campuses.
Studying on campus is a great way to enjoy the benefits of face-to-face education in a way that is far removed from a typical school. No matter which campus you choose, you know that you will be learning in an adult environment where you will be respected and nurtured. Attend a campus to learn face-to-face with a teacher in one of our learning spaces; such as a classroom, workshop, laboratory or simulated environments, or interact with teachers using real-time video or web conference tools.
Courses delivered on campus may have a combination of online and classroom based learning. Students studying full time should allow up to 16 hours per week of personal study time to complete the course requirements.
If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathwaysNo matter what your circumstances, TAFE Queensland has a payment option to suit you. If you are unsure of what's right for you, get in touch. We're here to help.
Applying for a course does not guarantee you a place in that course. Your place is only guaranteed once you enrol into units. Enrolling means that you are committing yourself to study, and to paying the associated fees. The tuition fees and applicable charges are required to be paid at enrolment or by scheduled instalment dates either by yourself, a nominated third party (e.g. your employer), or as identified within a contract for delivery of TAFE Queensland training.
FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that covers the cost of your tuition fees on your behalf.
If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.
The following information outlines the minimum entry requirements for all admission into this course. Prospective students should be aware of the admission and ongoing enrolment requirements for their course.
Sciences
It is highly recommended that applicants have Physics, Chemistry or Biology with a minimum of Sound Achievement.
Manual dexterity
A high degree of manual dexterity is required for success as a Dental Prosthetist.
Applicants who identify with having a disability or impairment that may detrimentally affect, or is likely to detrimentally affect, their capacity to practice, must self-identify to comply with requirements of the Dental Board of Australia:
English Language Proficiency Standards:
Learn more about TAFE Queensland’s English Language Equivalencies.
Please note that Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) does not satisfy English Language proficiency for this qualification.
What type of Applicant are you?
Admission to all TAFE Queensland higher education courses is on a competitive basis, taking into account all relevant qualifications and experience.
The type of applicant you are will determine the selection criteria TAFE Queensland considers when assessing your individual application. Learn More
Students should be a minimum of 18 years of age. Student visa applicants under the age of 18 will be accepted where they demonstrate that they will be accompanied by a parent, legal custodian or a suitable relative who is aged 21 or over. This arrangement requires the approval of the Department of Home Affairs. For more information visit Department of Home Affairs - Welfare Requirements for Student Visa Applicants under 18.
Clinical Practice Placement
During your course you will be required to complete clinical practice so you can start using and improving your new skills and knowledge in a real-world environment. You’ll be required to undertake patient contact and consultation within the TAFE Queensland Dental Clinic which is open to the public. Our clinic provides an opportunity for you to work hands-on with real paying clients.
Clinical practice is conducted as part of your units of study within the course, and you will be expected to provide your completed immunisation status in order to undertake your clinical practice (for further information refer to the Need to Know section.
It is recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection to access TAFE Queensland's online learning system Connect, and a computer with up-to-date software, including Microsoft Office, Adobe Acrobat Reader and Adobe Flash Player. This equipment and software is available for use at all TAFE Queensland locations.
You will be provided with a recommended reading list and/or required textbooks during orientation or at the start of each unit. The purchase of these resources may incur additional costs, or you may be able to borrow them from the TAFE Queensland library network. You will also need to have access to a Dental Toolkit, Articulators and 3D face bow (approximately $2,150). Further information will be provided during orientation.
TAFE Queensland follows the transparency requirements related to Infectious Disease status; Immunisation status and Criminal history checks for its students as outlined by the Dental Board of Australia and AHPRA.
These transparency requirements are embedded within the registration requirements for dental practitioners or those seeking to become registered in the dental profession. Please see Australian Guidelines for the Prevention and Control of Infection in Healthcare (2010) and Australian Dental Association Guidelines for Infection Control and the Dental Board of Australia’s Guidelines on Infection Control for more information.
Individual information session
Part of the Higher Education enrolment process at TAFE Queensland is the attendance at an individual information session. The individual information session process provides you with information about being a dental prosthetist and will enable you to make an informed decision about your ability to successfully complete the course and comply with the industry board requirements for registration and practice in the private and public sector before embarking on the course.
In the individual information session, you will be informed about the academic calendar, time commitments, and other demands the course will place upon you, so you can make an informed decision about your enrolment at TAFE Queensland.
Basic Key Skills Builder
Successful applicants enrolling into the first semester are required to undergo diagnostic testing through the Basic Key Skills Builder platform. This testing is delivered by TAFE Queensland.
This process identifies knowledge gaps in mathematics and English language competencies. This is followed by referring students to remedial classes as required.
Criminal History check
During your enrolment at TAFE Queensland you may be required to provide TAFE Queensland with updated Criminal History Checks. If your police check identifies that you have a criminal history you may be disqualified from being eligible to undertake your clinical assessment, which would affect your course outcomes. If you think this might impact you, please speak to the course coordinator for further information. For further information see AHPRA.
First Aid and CPR
You must obtain a first aid certificate (HLTAID003) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (HLTAID001) certificate before commencement of Year 2. You will not be able to continue your enrolment in the Course without providing evidence of attainment of those certificates. CPR re-certification is also recommended before commencement of Year 3. Please note: you will be responsible for any costs associated with meeting these requirements.
Immunisation and Vaccination
TAFE Queensland has a duty of care to its students, staff and patients to prevent the transmission of disease. Due to Workplace Health and Safety, it is mandatory that all students are up to date with their immunisations in order to minimise illness from communicable diseases and infections. TAFE Queensland follows the Dental Board of Australia’s Guidelines on Infection Control , Australian Dental Association: Infection Control and the Queensland Health Policy on student placements.
These guidelines require students placed in Clinical practice environments, to provide evidence they have been vaccinated for the vaccine preventable diseases or documentary evidence they are not susceptible to these diseases, prior to any such placement. Please note: you will be responsible for any costs associated with meeting these requirements.
It is a condition of your ongoing clinical practice to supply documentary evidence of follow up vaccinations and boosters for the following:
Required immunisations
Recommended immunisations
Please note: Hepatitis B vaccination - a course of injections takes approximately six (6) months to complete and if applicants have not had Hepatitis B vaccinations, they must begin the process prior to commencing clinical work in the denture clinic.
You will be required to provide a copy of your serology report as evidence of sero-conversion to Hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBsAg). Please contact your General Practitioner to arrange a referral for a blood test. Students will not be able to commence their Clinical practice requirements unless they have provided the required evidence as specified above.
Appropriate forms
You are able to download current forms and guides here, to take to your treating medical practitioner.
Reference: Vaccination requirements: Information for education provider student placement supervisors
Disability or Impairment
TAFE Queensland has requirements to provide access to student support services and to promote and foster a safe environment on campus and online for its students, staff and the public. Students with a disability or impairment that detrimentally affects, or is likely to detrimentally affect, their capacity to practice must self-identify to comply with requirements of the Dental Board of Australia: For students please see AHPRA Registration and for prospective prosthetist please see Dental Board Registration.
Dental Board of Australia Requirements
Graduates of this course will be eligible to apply for registration with the Dental Board of Australia via the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency subject to meeting any additional requirements that may be stipulated by the Dental Board of Australia.
For further information, see the Dental English Language Skills Registration Standard on the Dental Board of Australia website Learn more
For initial registration as a dental practitioner or student you will be required to make a declaration that you are aware of your infection status for blood borne viruses and that you will comply with the Communicable Diseases Network Australia’s Australian National Guidelines for the Management of Health Care Workers known to be infected with Blood-Borne Viruses and with the requirements of the Dental Board of Australia’s Guidelines on infection control. Learn more Dental Board Registration.
Blood-borne viruses (BBVs) include Hepatitis B (HBV), Hepatitis C (HCV) and human immunodeficiency (HIV) viruses. These viruses are transmitted by blood-to-blood contact or, in some instances, with bodily fluids contacting blood or mucosa.
Student Profile
The student profile is a snapshot of data about all students who commenced undergraduate study in the most recent semester intake, including applicants offered in all offer rounds across all campuses and international students.
A student profile is provided for TAFE Queensland as a whole as well as for each of our undergraduate courses. The student profile shows the number of students admitted to the institution/course, along with their life and education experiences Learn More
Skill and knowledge assessments are an essential step in progressing through your course. You may be assessed in a number of ways while you are studying at TAFE Queensland, including observation, written assessment, questioning, portfolios, work samples, third-party feedback, and through recognition of prior learning. Read more about assessment methods.
Disclaimer
All information was accurate at time of publication, however TAFE policies, tuition fees and course content is subject to change without notice. Course commencement is dependent on sufficient enrolment numbers. Timetable information is subject to change prior to commencement and/or during the duration of your course.
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You can apply to study this course through the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC). You will need to submit your application on the QTAC website. It will be assessed, and if you are successful you will receive an offer directly through QTAC. You will need to accept your offer from QTAC before enrolling with TAFE Queensland.
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If you want to go on to further study at university, TAFE Queensland has a pathway option to get you there. In many cases, completing one of our diplomas may give you a full year of credit towards a degree with one of our partner universities.
Learn more about university pathways