Homegrown talent shaping healthier smiles
CQUniversity graduate Olivia Harrison is helping shape healthier smiles and inspiring the next generation through the same study pathway that launched her own career.
As Dental Health Week shines a spotlight on the importance of good oral health, CQUniversity alumnus Olivia Harrison is proof that a clear education pathway can lead to a rewarding career close to home.
Olivia completed her entire study journey through CQUniversity, progressing from a Certificate III in Dental Assisting, to the University's Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) program, before graduating with a Bachelor of Oral Health. Today, she works as an Oral Health Therapist at Rockhampton's Bolsover Dental Practice, supporting patients of all ages and promoting healthier communities across Central Queensland.
Her journey also highlights the growing value of seamless pathways between Vocational Education and Training (VET) and Higher Education (HE), an area of increasing national focus aimed at creating more accessible study options, reducing barriers to further education and helping students move efficiently into professional careers.
Reflecting on her pathway, Olivia said each stage of her education built the confidence and skills needed for the next and allowed her to study at a pace that suited her while preparing her for every new challenge.
"My journey with CQUniversity has been incredibly rewarding. I began with a Certificate III in Dental Assisting, which gave me valuable hands-on experience and introduced me to the dental profession," she said.
"Working in the industry sparked my interest in expanding my knowledge and taking on a greater clinical role. From there, I completed the STEPS program, which gave me the confidence and academic skills I needed to transition into university study.
"I then went on to complete the Bachelor of Oral Health and become an Oral Health Therapist.
“Looking back, it's been a journey of continuous learning, and I'm proud that every stage helped me build the skills and confidence to achieve my career goals.
"Having access to this particular pathway made my career possible.”
Remaining in Central Queensland throughout her studies also allowed Olivia to stay connected to her family, continue working and establish a career in the community she calls home.
"Being able to study and now work locally has made a significant difference," she said.
"It meant I could remain connected to my family and community while studying, and it allowed me to build my career in the region I call home.
“Working locally also gives me the opportunity to provide care to people in my own community and contribute to improving access to oral health services close to where I grew up."
The benefits of that local pathway were on display last week when Olivia hosted four CQUniversity second-year Bachelor of Oral Health students during an oral health education session at a local primary school.
For Olivia, the experience represented a full-circle moment.
"It's incredibly rewarding to support students who are undertaking the same journey I once took," she said.
"I remember what it felt like to be learning in the clinical environment, so it's nice to be able to encourage students, share my experiences, and help build their confidence.
"Seeing them develop their skills reminds me how important quality placement experiences are in preparing future health professionals."
She admitted she never imagined she would one day be mentoring students entering the profession she once aspired to join herself.
"When I first started my Certificate III, I was focused on learning the basics and gaining experience. I never imagined that one day I'd be working alongside students and helping guide them through their own learning," she said.
"It's something I'm very proud of, and it's rewarding to be able to give back to the profession and support the next generation of Oral Health Therapists."
CQUniversity Head of Course (Oral Health) Ms Karen Smart said Olivia's story demonstrated how accessible education pathways could transform lives while strengthening the regional health workforce.
"CQUniversity provides opportunities for students to build on their existing skills and experience while remaining connected to their local communities," Ms Smart said.
"In Oral Health, we regularly see students begin their careers through vocational education, gain valuable industry experience and then return to study when they're ready to take the next step.
"This pathway allows students to develop a strong understanding of the dental profession before progressing into higher education."
Ms Smart said clear pathways helped students make confident decisions about their future while supporting regional workforce outcomes.
"For many regional students, seeing examples of local graduates who have progressed from dental assisting into oral health careers is particularly powerful," she said.
"It demonstrates that achieving a professional qualification can be attainable without relocating to a major city.
"Many then choose to remain in, or return to, regional Queensland, helping address critical workforce shortages and improve access to oral health services within their own communities."
During Dental Health Week, Olivia is encouraging families to focus on the simple habits that support lifelong oral health, including brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, flossing every day and attending regular dental check-ups.
Just as importantly, her own story shows how the right education pathway can create lasting benefits for individuals and communities alike.
From dental assistant to oral health therapist, and now mentor to future practitioners, Olivia's journey demonstrates how local study opportunities can lead to meaningful careers, stronger regional workforces and healthier smiles across Central Queensland.
Explore Vocational Education and Training, STEPS and Oral Health Courses at CQU.
