With Australia’s ongoing demand for healthcare professionals, the Bachelor of Oral Health has become one of the “golden choices” for international students aiming to work in dentistry and ultimately obtain permanent residency (PR) in Australia. This guide walks you through everything – from choosing a university and registration to skills assessment and visa pathways.（Bachelor of Oral Health）

This guide walks you through everything – from choosing a university and registration to skills assessment and visa pathways.（Bachelor of Oral Health）

1. What Is the Bachelor of Oral Health?

Duration: Typically a 3-year undergraduate program (some universities offer a 4-year program with extended clinical or research components). Those wishing to become dentists can continue with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).

Career Focus: Prepares graduates as Oral Health Therapists, Dental Hygienists, and Dental Therapists, mainly providing basic dental care, oral health education, and preventive treatment for children and adults.

• 主要院校：

o  墨尔本⼤学（University of Melbourne）

o  阿德莱德⼤学（University of Adelaide）

o  悉尼⼤学（University of Sydney）

o  昆⼠兰⼤学（University of Queensland）

o  格⾥菲斯⼤学（GriFith University）

2. Professional Registration after Graduation

After completing the Bachelor of Oral Health, graduates must register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to practice legally as Oral Health Therapists.

The registration process typically includes:

1. Submitting evidence of qualifications and course completion.

2. Providing proof of English proficiency (IELTS 7.0 with no band below 7, or OET B).

3. Undergoing background and criminal history checks.

4. Completing a medical examination.

3. Employment and Salary Prospects

Work Settings: Public and private dental clinics, community oral health centres, and school dental programs.

Salary Range: Approximately AUD 70,000 – 100,000 annually, with higher earnings as experience grows.

Job Market Advantage: Persistent shortages in Australia’s dental sector, especially in regional areas and children’s oral health.

4. Immigration Pathways

Oral Health Therapists and Dental Hygienists are listed on the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), providing direct pathways to skilled migration.

Common Immigration Steps:

1. Post-Study Work Visa (Subclass 485):

o 本科毕业即可申请，最⻓可获 2-4 年⼯签。

Gain work experience and earn migration points.

2. Skills Assessment:

Assessing authority: Australian Dental Council (ADC).

Submit qualifications, registration details, and employment evidence.

Once approved, you can apply for skilled migration visas.

3. Skilled Migration Visas:

Subclass 189 (Independent Skilled Visa): PR without employer sponsorship.

Subclass 190 (State-Nominated Visa): Higher invitation rates where states sponsor oral health positions.

Subclass 491 (Regional Skilled Visa): Additional benefits for studying or working in designated regional areas, with a pathway to PR.

5. Tips to Boost Your Immigration Success

Target State Sponsorships: NSW, QLD, and SA frequently sponsor Oral Health Therapists.

Study/Work in Regional Areas: Extra points and priority invitations for regional graduates.

Prepare English Early: Meeting AHPRA’s language requirement also boosts migration points.

Gain Work Experience: 2–3 years of relevant work can greatly strengthen your application.

Subclass 494 (Employer-Sponsored Regional Visa): For graduates willing to work in regional towns (e.g., Shepparton), the 494 visa offers a unique pathway. Applicants need:

Requirement：

A positive skills assessment (through VETASSESS for this visa category).

English proficiency: IELTS 6.0 in each band (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing).

An employer sponsor in a designated regional area.The 494 visa grants a temporary work visa under employer sponsorship, with the possibility of transitioning to a Subclass 191 Permanent Residence Visa if all requirements are met.

6. Who Is This Pathway Best For?

Students wanting a shorter study period compared to a 5–7 year dentistry degree.

Those seeking a stable healthcare migration pathway.

People interested in oral health care, children’s dentistry, or community health.

7. Conclusion

The Bachelor of Oral Health is not only a “fast track” into the dental profession but also a cost-effective route to Australian permanent residency. With careful planning — selecting the right university, completing registration, obtaining a skills assessment, and applying for skilled migration — you can significantly increase your chances of success.

If you are considering studying and migrating to Australia, the Bachelor of Oral Health deserves a place at the top of your list.