Assuring Academic Standards in Oral Health Education

Abstract

Oral health educators aim to improve academic standards, provide higher quality learning and teaching, and produce work-ready, competent and safe dental practitioners. In 2003, the four educational providers in Australia produced 23 oral health therapists, 52 dental hygienists and 24 dental therapists - 99 in total (Australasian Council of Dental Schools, 2010). In 2009, the ten educational providers in Australia produced 128 oral health therapists, 86 dental hygienists and 12 dental therapists - 226 in total (Australasian Council of Dental Schools, 2010). This is an increase in graduates of 128%. So, there more pressures to do everything better, but there are also pressures to do more. This report will outline some of the main pressures in the tertiary and Vocational Education and Training (VET) sectors that will impact on our profession. Examples of the pressures from the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency, the Australian Learning and Teaching Council, Competency based education, the Dental Board of Australia and the Australian Dental Council will also be provided.