HEALTH/MEDICAL SERVICES

Dental Therapist

Examines and treats ailments of the teeth and gums, mainly
among pre-school and primary school age children, under the
supervision of dentists.

Skill Level:

The entry requirement for this occupation is an AQF Diploma
or higher qualification or at least 3 years relevant experience. In
some instances relevant experience is required in addition to
the formal qualification. Registration or licensing may be
required.

Tasks Include:

• carries out oral examinations and checks teeth and gums for
  signs of decay and disease
• provides educational programs to motivate children, parents
  and the community in matters relating to oral health
• cleans calcareous deposits and stains from teeth and the gum
  margins using specialised dental equipment
• applies fluorides and other cavity preventing agents to arrest
  dental decay
• applies rubber dams and temporary restorations
• extracts teeth where necessary
• may conduct dental health clinics for community groups to
  augment local or infrequent dental practice
• may perform dental radiography
• may administer local anaesthesia and analgesics