Dental Technology is the technical side of dentistry where a dental technician, on the prescription of a dentist, makes any prosthesis or appliance for the head and neck. This could consist of:

• Artificial teeth such as complete dentures, partial dentures, crowns and bridges, and implant-supported dentures in various materials such as acrylics, alloys, and ceramics;
• Removable orthodontic appliances consisting of springs and retainers in acrylic bases for the movement of teeth. Mouth guards to protect against sports injuries;
• Maxillofacial appliances such as artificial eyes, ears, and facial prostheses that may be required after surgical treatment.

Dental technicians do not have direct contact with patients. Instead, they work in a dental laboratory where various prosthetic appliances are custom-made. 

Dental technicians can be thought of as artists who, with a thorough understanding of dental materials science, use their artistic skills to fabricate the form, color, and function of individual teeth or maxillofacial prostheses for a patient. 

The fact that the product can affect the health and appearance of a person demands of the technician a high level of responsibility and accuracy. 

For this reason, the profession of dental technology is registered under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2004. 

Graduates with the Bachelor of Dental Technology (BDentTech) degree are automatically entitled to register with the New Zealand Dental Technicians Board.

The duration of the program at the University of Otago shall normally be three academic years of full-time study. 

• Academic Transcripts
• Educational Credential Evaluators report (ECE) (If required)
• Proof of your identity (Full name, date of birth, and nationality)
• Certified/notarised copy (passport or birth certificate)
• English Language Proficiency (If Available)
• Declaration
• CV
• Statement of interest

Undergraduate entrance requirements

The university recognizes many other qualifications as equivalent to the New Zealand qualification for entrance. 

To check if the university recognizes your previous studies, determine the country where you gained the qualification. Countries entrance requirements example:

China entrance requirements:

Senior High School graduation and one year of successful study at a recognized institution of university standing; 
Or Senior High School graduation and completion of a diploma with high passing grades at a recognized institute or university.

Students with the requisite scores in Gaokao may be given direct entry to bachelor degree programme.

India entrance requirements:

Minimum overall average of 75% in the All India Senior School Examination (CBSE) or Indian School Certificate Examination (CISCE) with a minimum of 70% in English.

The scores are calculated on the best four academic subjects excluding local languages and non-academic subjects.

Iran entrance requirements:

One year of successful study at a recognized institution of university standing, or successful completion of a University of Otago Foundation Year programme or equivalent.

The university also accepts the following international qualifications:

• International Baccalaureate: IB Diploma with a minimum of 24 points.
• Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) GCE Advanced Levels: minimum Numerical Score of 8.
• Northern Consortium United Kingdom (NCUK) International Foundation Year (IFY)
• Satisfactory completion of one year's study at a recognized tertiary institution.

Admission to the Programme

1. Applications for admission may be made under the following categories:
   1. Secondary School
   2. One Year of University Study 
   3. Two or More Years of University Study
   4. Graduate 
   5. Alternative 

Study in your chosen subject area and gain a university entrance qualification

The University of Otago Pathway programme offers a university entrance qualification within two 13-week semesters, called the Foundation Studies Certificate (FSC) for domestic and international students.