Step into your full clinical scope with confidence.

Our Graduate Oral Health Therapist (OHT) Program is the first of its kind at Bupa — built specifically for new graduates in oral health therapy, hygiene or dental therapy. With structured learning, mentoring and meaningful hands-on experience, we’ll support you to grow as a clinician and make a real impact in the communities you serve.

Learn more about the program or apply now.

Why this program exists

The transition from university to clinical practice is a big leap. This program was created to help you take that step with clarity, confidence and purpose. It’s designed to help you build strong clinical capability across your full scope, while also supporting your wellbeing, communication, and career development.

This 12-month program has been developed to meet a growing need across the Bupa Dental network — and the broader profession — to support, retain and develop talented OHTs. Whether you're working in prevention, restorative, aged care or oral health promotion, you'll be backed by experienced mentors and a learning journey tailored to you.

About the programs

Key learning components our programs cover:

What the program offers you

• A 12-month paid employee contract (30–38 hours per week)
• Practice placements in one or two Bupa Dental clinics nationwide
• A location-based sign-on bonus
• Three in-person CPD workshops delivered alongside the Graduate Dentist cohort
• Monthly online webinars and learning modules tailored to OHT scope
• Support from a dedicated OHT mentor, Clinical Educator and Consultant OHT
• Access to Bupa’s national dental network and digital clinical tools
• Clinical exposure across your full scope, including:
  – Prevention and restorative care
  – Orthodontics and Invisalign
  – Community and aged care dentistry
  – Digital scanning and quality improvement activities

Learning and Development

You’ll be supported through a mix of face-to-face workshops, online modules and structured mentoring. Your development will cover both clinical and non-clinical areas, with a strong focus on working across diverse patient groups and delivering culturally safe, person-first care.

Key learning areas include:

• Clinical record keeping and treatment planning
• Communication and consent
• Prevention and periodontics
• First Nations health and working with priority populations
• Health and wellbeing, personal finance, and more

Program Timeline

• Orientation: February/March 2026
• CPD Workshop 1: May/June 2026
• CPD Workshop 2: October/November 2026
• Graduation and Case Study Showcase: November 2026

Who we’re looking for

This program is ideal for you if you are:

• A final-year student or recent graduate in OHT, DH or DT (Class of 2025)
• Registered or eligible for AHPRA registration
• Passionate about working to your full scope and contributing to better oral health outcomes
• Eager to build confidence through experience, learning and team collaboration
• Interested in making a difference through prevention, education and community care

How to apply

Submit your expression of interest through our Graduate Programs portal. Our Talent Team will guide you through the process, from screening and interviews through to matching you with the right practice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got a question about your application, our processes or what happens next? Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about applying for the Dental and Oral Health Therapist Graduate Programs at Bupa

👉 To find out more, read our FAQ's sheet.