Oral heath therapist and dental therapists work in consultative and referral relationships with all members of the oral care team; they work in the public and private sector and use preventative & therapeutic methods in addition to education to control oral disease. They can also work in research, education, health promotion, management, community health and policy development roles.

Dental therapist

A dental therapist is a registered oral health professional with the Dental Board of Australia, who provides dental care to children and young adults up to and including those aged 25 years. They provide general dental care  which is limited by competency and formal education rather than prescriptive lists.

General dental care includes oral examination, diagnosis, preparation and completion of oral care plans in consultation with the patient, or their legal guardian.     Preventive treatments such as fissure sealants and fluoride therapies are widley used as well as oral health care advice to individual patients and the wider community.

Oral health therapist

An oral health therapist holds the relevant registration with the Dental Board of Australia. Oral health therapists have been formally educated in University Courses approved by the Dental Board of Australia. Graduates hold what constitutes a dual qualification which is a combined Dental Therapist & Dental Hygienist degree. More information regarding dental hygiene may be sort from the Dental Hygienists’ Association of Australia.