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HED004 | 089698C | CRICOS Provider number 03020E

Bachelor of Dental Prosthetics

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.

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STUDY LOCATIONS Greater Brisbane
WAYS TO STUDY On campus International
ANNUAL INDICATIVE COST
Domestic
$20,500

Course overview

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.

What can I do?

  • Registered Dental Prosthetist
  • Health Practitioner

Course outcome:

HED004 Bachelor of Dental Prosthetics (BDPros)

World-class facilities

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.

Accreditation

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.

What you will study

The successful achievement of this qualification requires you to complete all units from the list below.  You will also be required to undertake Clinical Practice Placement in an approved setting.

All units of study are delivered in a face-to-face environment by TAFE Queensland at our South Bank dental facilities.

FEE-HELP assistance is available for all units of study in this course. Learn more >

Learn more about Higher Education fee schedules.

  • UNIT CODE
  • UNIT NAME

Year 1 Semester 1

  • Year 1 Semester 1

  • UNIT CODE
  • DDB101
    Dental Technology 1
    UNIT 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.

    Co-requisite unit :
    DDB102
  • UNIT NAME
  • Dental Technology 1
    (Credit points: 10; EFTSL = 0.125)

  • UNIT CODE
  • DDB102
    Introduction to Removable Prosthetics Theory
    UNIT 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.

    Co-requisite unit :
    DDB101
  • UNIT NAME
  • Introduction to Removable Prosthetics Theory
    (Credit points: 10; EFTSL = 0.125)

  • UNIT CODE
  • DDB108
    Anatomy and Histology for the Dental Prosthetist
    UNIT 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.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Anatomy and Histology for the Dental Prosthetist
    (Credit points: 10; EFTSL = 0.125)

  • UNIT CODE
  • DDB308
    Project-Case Study/Literature Review
    UNIT 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.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Project-Case Study/Literature Review
    (Credit points: 10; EFTSL = 0.125)

Year 1 Semester 2

  • Year 1 Semester 2

  • UNIT CODE
  • DDB103
    Dental Materials
    UNIT 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.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Dental Materials
    (Credit points: 10; EFTSL = 0.125)

  • UNIT CODE
  • DDB104
    Oral Pathology
    UNIT CODE :
    DDB104
    Unit description :
    Learn to diagnose and treat oral lesions and understand the implication of widespread and systemic diseases.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    DDB108
  • UNIT NAME
  • Oral Pathology
    (Credit points: 10; EFTSL = 0.125)

  • UNIT CODE
  • DDB105
    Dental Technology 2
    UNIT 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.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    DDB101
  • UNIT NAME
  • Dental Technology 2
    (Credit points: 10; EFTSL = 0.125)

  • UNIT CODE
  • DDB107
    Infection Control
    UNIT CODE :
    DDB107
    Unit description :
    Learn about infection control, disease prevention and sterilisation procedures. Understand how microorganisms grow and behave in different conditions.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    DDB108
  • UNIT NAME
  • Infection Control
    (Credit points: 10; EFTSL = 0.125)

Year 2 Semester 1

  • Year 2 Semester 1

  • UNIT CODE
  • DDB106
    Advanced Removable Prosthodontics Theory
    UNIT 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.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    DDB102
  • UNIT NAME
  • Advanced Removable Prosthodontics Theory
    (Credit points: 10; EFTSL = 0.125)

  • UNIT CODE
  • DDB202
    Pre-Clinical Prosthetic Practices
    UNIT 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-requisite unit :
    DDB105 , DDB107
    Co-requisite unit :
    DDB203
  • UNIT NAME
  • Pre-Clinical Prosthetic Practices
    (Credit points: 10; EFTSL = 0.125)

  • UNIT CODE
  • DDB203
    Pre-Clinical Prosthetics Theory
    UNIT CODE :
    DDB203
    Unit description :
    This subject builds upon the pre-clinical prosthetics practices unit and includes basic treatment techniques.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    DDB102
    Co-requisite unit :
    DDB202
  • UNIT NAME
  • Pre-Clinical Prosthetics Theory
    (Credit points: 10; EFTSL = 0.125)

  • UNIT CODE
  • DDB204
    Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for the Dental Prosthetist
    UNIT 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.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    DDB104
  • UNIT NAME
  • Pathophysiology and Pharmacology for the Dental Prosthetist
    (Credit points: 10; EFTSL = 0.125)

Year 2 Semester 2

  • Year 2 Semester 2

  • UNIT CODE
  • DDB205
    Implant Retained Prosthodontics
    UNIT 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.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Implant Retained Prosthodontics
    (Credit points: 10; EFTSL = 0.125)

  • UNIT CODE
  • DDB206
    Prosthetic Clinical Skills 1
    UNIT 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.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    DDB202 , DDB203 , DDB204
    Co-requisite unit :
    DDB207
  • UNIT NAME
  • Prosthetic Clinical Skills 1
    (Credit points: 10; EFTSL = 0.125)

  • UNIT CODE
  • DDB207
    Clinical Prosthetics Theory 1
    UNIT 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.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    DDB202 , DDB203
    Co-requisite unit :
    DDB206
  • UNIT NAME
  • Clinical Prosthetics Theory 1
    (Credit points: 10; EFTSL = 0.125)

  • UNIT CODE
  • DDB208
    Radiology
    UNIT 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.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    DDB104 , DDB204
  • UNIT NAME
  • Radiology
    (Credit points: 10; EFTSL = 0.125)

Year 3 Semester 1

  • Year 3 Semester 1

  • UNIT CODE
  • DDB301
    Prosthetic Clinical Skills 2
    UNIT CODE :
    DDB301
    Unit description :
    This unit builds on practical the supervised clinical sessions undertaken in prosthetic clinical skills I.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    DDB206 , DDB207
  • UNIT NAME
  • Prosthetic Clinical Skills 2
    (Credit Points: 20; EFTSL = 0.250)

  • UNIT CODE
  • DDB303
    Clinical Prosthetics Theory 2
    UNIT 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.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    DDB206 , DDB207
  • UNIT NAME
  • Clinical Prosthetics Theory 2
    (Credit points: 10; EFTSL = 0.125)

  • UNIT CODE
  • DDB304
    Dental Practice Management
    UNIT 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.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Dental Practice Management
    (Credit points: 10; EFTSL = 0.125)

Year 3 Semester 2

  • Year 3 Semester 2

  • UNIT CODE
  • DDB305
    Advanced Prosthetic Clinical Skills
    UNIT CODE :
    DDB305
    Unit description :
    Build upon supervised clinical skills. You will be able to independently manage treatment and complete a wide-range of procedures.

    Pre-requisite unit :
    DDB301 , DDB303
  • UNIT NAME
  • Advanced Prosthetic Clinical Skills
    (Credit Points: 20; EFTSL = 0.250)

  • UNIT CODE
  • DDB307
    Law, Ethics and Professional Responsibility
    UNIT 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.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Law, Ethics and Professional Responsibility
    (Credit points: 10; EFTSL = 0.125)

  • UNIT CODE
  • DDB201
    Oral Health Systems and Social Justice
    UNIT 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.
  • UNIT NAME
  • Oral Health Systems and Social Justice
    (Credit points: 10; EFTSL = 0.125)
Ways to study

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Bachelor of Dental Prosthetics (HED004)

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Bachelor of Dental Prosthetics

COURSE CODE: HED004
Payment Options

How can I pay for this course?

No 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. 

See if you qualify for a subsidy

No 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. 

Payment plan

If you have difficulty paying for the full cost of a course upfront, you may be eligible for a payment plan.

Learn more
Upfront payment

This may be the full fee for the course, or the student contribution amount if you are eligible for a subsidy or concession.

Learn more
International student payment

Our preferred payment method is telegraphic transfer or credit card using Convera Global Pay for Students or the Flywire Payment Portal. Convera and Flywire both allow you to complete your payment in your own currency using a telegraphic transfer with no processing fees or delays. 
Learn more

Fee Help

FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that covers the cost of your tuition fees on your behalf. FEE-HELP is available to students who are not studying in a Commonwealth supported place (and are therefore not eligible for HECS-HELP).

Learn more

Entry requirements

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.

All applicants
To commence the Bachelor of Dental Prosthetics course students should have satisfactory completion of recent year 12 (secondary education) in an Australian school system or overseas equivalent. All non-school-leaver applicants must have relevant work experience or qualification that indicates likely success of course completion. Non-school leavers can be applicants such as those with higher education, vocational education and training study or those with relevant work and life experience. Learn more

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:  

Other

  • Applicants should be a minimum of 17 years of age and turning 18 during the first year of study with TAFE Queensland. 
  • International applicants who are under 18 years of age and are applying for a student visa are required by the Australian Department of Home Affairs to have adequate welfare arrangements in place.
  • All applicants under the age of 18 are required to participate in an Interview with the Dean Higher Education prior to an offer being made by TAFE Queensland. 
     

English Language Proficiency Standards:

• PTE: Minimum overall score of 58 and a minimum score of 58 in each of the four communicative skills
• IELTS (Academic):  6.5 (no individual band less than 6.0)
• ISLPR:3+ or better in all skills
• TOEFL: iBT: 79 (19 reading, 20 listening, 20 speaking, 24 writing)
• OET: pass at “C” level in each of four components

Learn more about TAFE Queensland's English Language Equivalencies (International students)

Learn more about TAFE Queensland's English Language Proficiency Standards (Domestic Students)

Please note that Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) does not satisfy English Language proficiency for this qualification.

Selection criteria

​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

Apply now through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) or via Direct Entry Application.

Resources required

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 and Adobe Acrobat Reader. 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 $2,400). Further information will be provided during orientation.

Printing costs
For more information about costs for printing please refer to the printing section of the TAFE Queensland Library network website.

Placement

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.

Important information

Download your Bachelor of Dental Prosthetics 2023 Course Information handbook here.

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 (2019) and  Australian Dental Association Guidelines for Infection Control  and the Dental Board of Australia’s Guidelines on Infection Control  for more information.

Orientation session
Part of the Higher Education enrolment process at TAFE Queensland is your attendance at orientation. This provides you with information about being a Dental Prosthetist. It will enable you to make an informed decision about your ability to successfully complete the course.

At orientation, 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. Learn more >

Basic Key Skills Builder (bksb)
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.     

Government Loan Schemes
This course is also approved for FEE-HELP. FEE-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme that covers the cost of your tuition fees on your behalf. FEE-HELP is available to students who are not studying in a Commonwealth supported place (and are therefore not eligible for HECS-HELP).

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 and cardiopulmonary resuscitation certificate before commencement of Year 2 in the Bachelor of Dental Prosthetics (HED004). TAFE Queensland offers the First Aid and CRP Skill Set (SSHLT0031) which includes Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (HLTAID009) and Provide First Aid (HLTAID011) core units. The cost may vary dependant on requirements, between $150 - $280. See the course brochure for more information. You will not be able to continue your enrolment in the qualification without providing evidence of attainment of those certificates. CPR re-certification is also recommended before the 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 Council Guidance for registered dental practitioners: Infection prevention and 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

  • Tetanus and Whooping cough (pertussis)
  • Hepatitis B

Recommended immunisations

  • Seasonal influenza
  • Varicella Zoster Virus (Chicken Pox)
  • MMR vaccine (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

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 >

Advanced Standing
Advanced Standing comprises credit and recognition of prior learning. You may be able to have your prior studies or work experience count as credit towards your course and be able to graduate sooner. We call this 'advanced standing'.

Prior studies include units completed at TAFE Queensland or at another institution. Our policy is available here.

This course has the following specific advanced standing as outlined here.

Assessment methods

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.

How to apply

Direct application

If you're ready to get started, simply hit the Apply Now button on your preferred course information page and get your application underway online. 

Apply through QTAC

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.

For International students

International students can either apply directly through our TAFE Queensland International Application portal, or through one of our education agents. Our registered agents can assist you with your visa application and guide you through the enrolment process. If you are from this list of countries, you will need to apply through an agent.
Learn more

Course 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.