Dental Prosthetist

What is a Dental Prosthetist?

Dental Prosthetists diagnose and create denture prosthesis. They are originally trained as Dental Technicians but are allowed to work independently to provide complete and partial denture and mouthguards to the public.

Roles of a Dental Prosthetist

A Dental Prosthetist may perform the following tasks:

• Perform comprehensive oral health assessments by examining patients' teeth and gums using dental equipment and X-rays
• Educate patients on oral health hygiene and prevention
• Insert, issue a completed dental prosthesis, perform maintenance, repair and reline services on removable dental prosthesis
• Replicate the jaw positions using the plaster or stone models on articulating equipment
• Refer patients with complex dental conditions to dental specialists for further treatment
• Taking impression of the teeth for the construction of spot mouthguard and denture
• Refer patients with complex treatment procedure to the specialist

Qualifications Required

To become a qualified dental prosthetist and achieve a dental career, you must first attain a tertiary qualification in dental technology and fulfil the requirements to become a registered dental technician. A dental prosthetist qualification is a post-graduate advanced diploma in New South Wales. Degree programs are available in other states.

Additional Information:
Take high school courses in health, biology, chemistry, mathematics, English, industrial arts, computers, speech and psychology. Apply for work experience in a specialist prosthodontics dental practice. Australian Dental Prosthetists Association: http://www.adpa.com.au/
Contact your chosen institution for details and to discuss your circumstances.

Supervision Required

Senior Dental officers within SWSLHD Oral Health Services provide supervision. There is also the opportunity to consult with dental specialists from within SWSLHD Oral Health Services and teaching hospitals.

What sort of person should I be?

• Have a good sense of caring and sensitivity
• Enjoy being with people

Personal Requirements of a Dental Prosthetist

• Have good near-sighted and colour vision
• Good active communication skills
• Have good time management skills
• Attention to detail
• Have good eye-hand coordination skills
• Artistic ability
• Able to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to concentrate on tasks
•  Enjoy working with tools

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