Advanced Diploma of Oral Health (Dental Hygiene) | TAFE SA
TS TAFE South Australia logo
Diploma Dentistry Full Time

Advanced Diploma of Oral Health (Dental Hygiene)

at TAFE South Australia · Regency Park, South Australia

CRICOS course code

107254M

CRICOS provider code

00092B

This course is registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. Verify it yourself at cricos.education.gov.au before paying any fee.

Duration

2 years

Tuition (whole course)

A$78,525 total

Per year

A$39,263/yr

Intake

Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul)

About this program

The Advanced Diploma of Oral Health (Dental Hygiene) at TAFE South Australia, offered at the Regency Park campus, is designed to prepare students for a career as a dental hygienist. Over two years of full-time study, students gain detailed knowledge and hands-on practical skills related to preventive dental care, oral disease management, oral health promotion, and patient education. The curriculum supports understanding in topics such as dental hygiene practice, clinical procedures, radiography, infection prevention and control, and health promotion. Australian diplomas are structured around a set number of units of study, each contributing to the required total credit points for completion.

The programme incorporates significant work-integrated learning, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge in supervised clinical settings within the dental sector. This practical experience is vital for developing clinical reasoning, professional communication, and patient care skills that align with the expectations of the Australian healthcare system. While placement details can vary, students are expected to complete work placements to graduate, supporting real-world readiness and employability.

This diploma is suited for individuals interested in dental health who wish to make a positive impact on community wellbeing. It is appropriate for those who excel in science-based studies and have strong interpersonal and communication skills. Upon graduation, students will be equipped with clinical competencies and will have an understanding of Australian industry standards and procedures. International applicants must meet English language requirements, with IELTS Academic (or equivalent) typically at 6.0–6.5 overall, though applicants should confirm specific requirements on the official course page.

The qualification is recognised across Australia and provides a pathway into dental health professions. TAFE South Australia maintains strong industry connections, supporting student employability. Students on a Student visa can work 48 hours per fortnight during studies, and graduates may be eligible for post-study work rights on the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485). It is essential to confirm all programme and visa details directly via the official TAFE SA or government resources.

Entry requirements

English: International applicants must evidence English proficiency. IELTS Academic 6.0–6.5 overall is the common undergraduate and coursework-postgraduate standard, rising to 7.0–7.5 for teaching, nursing, medicine, law and social work. TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and the university’s own English programmes are accepted as equivalents; the Department of Home Affairs sets a separate English threshold for the Student visa itself.
International students: Registered on CRICOS for international students. A Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) for this course supports a Student visa (subclass 500) application; Overseas Student Health Cover is required for the full duration.

Career outcomes

  • Dental hygienist in public or private dental practices
  • Oral health educator within schools or community health settings
  • Dental health promoter in government or non-profit organisations
  • Clinical support in specialist dental clinics
  • Opportunities within the Australian dental public health sector

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Advanced Diploma of Oral Health (Dental Hygiene) at TAFE South Australia?

It typically takes 2 years, with intakes in Semester 1 (Feb/Mar), Semester 2 (Jul).

How much is the tuition?

Tuition is around A$78,525 total. Fees change yearly, confirm with an advisor.

What are the career outcomes?

Dental hygienist in public or private dental practicesOral health educator within schools or community health settingsDental health promoter in government or non-profit organisationsClinical support in specialist dental clinicsOpportunities within the Australian dental public hea...

Guides for this subject and the application

All guides →

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