History

The first student intake of the Dental Therapy Course in WA was in 1971 and numbered 15. It was run by the Western Australian Institute of Technology (WAIT) at the Bentley Campus with lectures both at WAIT and the University of WA (UWA). The clinical component was held in West Perth. The course was put into action to provide dental treatment for school children as well as prescribed duties for adults. It was the only course in the world at that time which graduated a dental professional who could adapt to many situations and provide restorative and periodontal treatment whilst working with a dentist in private practice employment. The training also allowed for graduates to work with the School Dental Service. In 1974, the School Dental Service provided a course as well with an intake of 60 students to boost manpower to its clinics.

In 1973, the Dental Therapy Association of WA (DTAWA) was formed by the 12 first graduates and the following year graduates. It was intended as a mentoring for new graduates and an avenue where issues of concern were discussed in the fledgling profession.

In 1996, the course changed to two separate streams. School Dental Therapy and Dental Hygiene ran side by side and produced graduates who worked exclusively in their particular area. This is the current position. The DTAWA changed its name to DTHAWA (Inc) to encompass the new graduates.

COURSES OF STUDY

The related courses of study available in WA are:
Associate Degree in School Dental Therapy ( 2 years full time)
Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene (2 years full time)
Contact Details:
Postal:   Department of Dental Hygiene & Therapy
             Curtin University of Technology
             GPO Box U 1987
             PERTH  WA  6845
             Telephone: (08) 9346 7882
             Fax: (08) 9346 7888
Email: R.Kendell@curtin.edu.au
          Dr Russ Kendell (Head of Department)