What is a dental therapist?

A dental therapist is a licensed oral healthcare professional who is trained to provide a range of dental services and treatments, primarily focused on preventive and basic restorative care.

A dental therapist is different from a dental hygienist, who helps patients maintain their oral health by promoting good oral health practice. A dental therapist can perform everything a dental hygienist does, but is also able to perform other dental treatments either direct to patients, or under prescription from a dentist.

What procedures can a dental therapist perform?

A dental therapist´s work may involve the following:

• Preventive care: dental therapists often emphasise preventive measures, such as oral health education, dental cleanings, and the application of fluoride treatments to help patients maintain good oral hygiene and prevent dental problems.
• Basic restorative procedures: dental therapists can perform certain restorative procedures like filling cavities, placing dental sealants, teeth whitening and performing simple extractions. These procedures typically involve working on the teeth and gums.
• Assessing and diagnosing: Dental therapists may be authorized to assess and diagnose common dental conditions, which helps in treatment planning and referral to dentists or specialists when necessary.
• Pediatric dentistry: Many dental therapists are trained to work with children, providing them with essential dental care, including cleanings, fluoride treatments, and simple restorative work.
• Rural and underserved areas: Dental therapists are often utilized in areas with limited access to dental care, such as rural communities or underserved populations. They can help bridge the gap in oral healthcare in these areas.

In addition to the aforementioned areas, dental therapists may also perform /provide the following services:

• Obtaining a dental and medical history.
• A full periodontal examination.
• Tooth whitening
• Administering inhalation sedation.
• Removing sutures from dental wounds.
• Supragingival and subgingival scaling using manual and powered instruments.
• Topical treatments and fissure sealants.
• Giving advice on how to stop smoking.
• Take oral photographs.
• Re-cement crowns temporarily.
• Take impressions.
• Implant care and treatment of peri-implant tissues.
• Oral cancer screenings.

For any of the above procedures, a dental therapist may be responsible. Other skills are performed by dentists, orthodontists or other dental specialists.