Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander entry pathways & support programs
If you're a high school student interested in science and want to make a difference in people's lives, the following dental career pathways could be for you.
As an oral health professional, you will play an important role in ensuring individuals maintain good oral and overall health.
There are a range of exciting roles, from working as a dental assistant, dental hygienist or dental therapist to becoming a dentist, or even a dental specialist!
The options and opportunities are endless.
To learn more about these career options and the entry pathways and scholarships available, keep scrolling!
| Career | Course | Alternative Entry Pathway | Support Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dental Assistant (DA) | TAFE SA - Certificate III in Dental Assisting (12 months full time), SA Dental - DA Traineeship (12 months full time) | No | TAFE SA - Aboriginal Access Centre, SA Dental - DA Traineeships |
| Dental Hygienist | TAFE SA - Advanced Diploma of Oral Health (24 months, full time or part time equivalent) | Yes - direct entry after completion of Certificate III or IV in Dental Assisting for Indigenous students | TAFE SA - Aboriginal Access Centre, SA Dental - DA Traineeships |
| Dental Technician | TAFE SA - Diploma of Dental Technology (24 months full-time) | No | TAFE SA - Aboriginal Access Centre, SA Dental - DA Traineeships |
| Oral Health Therapist | University of Adelaide - Bachelor of Oral Health (3 years full time) | Yes - no need to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) but need to complete pre-requisite subjects, Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) requirements and interview. | University of Adelaide - Karnkanthi Indigenous Education Program |
| Dentist | University of Adelaide - Bachelor of Dental Surgery (5 years full time) | Yes - no need to sit the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) but need to complete pre-requisite subjects, Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) requirements and interview. | University of Adelaide - Karnkanthi Indigenous Education Program |
Further information
Scholarships for indigenous students
Note - There are different eligibility criteria for each scholarship, please refer to individual websites for more details and to apply.
See below for a general overview of Indigenous-specific scholarships available to apply for.
Vocational Education
Application dates:
Start of the year and mid-year
Support type:
May be fee-free in 2024
Further information:
Undergraduate
Application dates:
January - February each year
Support type:
$2,500 per year part-time
$5,000 per year full-time
Further information:
Application dates:
September - October each year
Support type:
$7,500 per year part-time
$15,000 per year full-time
For the duration of the course
Further information:
Application dates:
June - August and December - March each year
Support type:
$3,750 mid-year
$7,500 full year
Priority for students who have relocated from regional, rural or remote locations to study in Adelaide
Further information:
Application dates:
June - August and December - March each year
Support type:
$2,000 mid-year
$4,000 full year
Further information:
Application dates:
July - September and April - June each year
Support type:
Case by case
Further information:
Application dates:
December - March each year
Support type:
$6,000 per year for 6 years
Further information:
Application dates:
February - March each year
Support type:
$3,000 per year for up to 3 years
Further information:
Application dates:
May - August each year
Support type:
Case by case
Support for general study materials, travel, accommodation, conference, placements
Further information:
