Oral Health Therapist

What is a Oral Health Therapist

Oral health therapist holds a dual qualification of a dental therapist and dental hygiene. It provides oral health care to all different age group.

Roles of a Oral Health Therapist

• Educate children and adults on oral health care, plaque control, oral hygiene and dietary counselling
• Remove deposits and stains from teeth by scaling and root planning
• Assist in the prevention and control of dental caries (decay) and gum disease
•  Preventive treatment including fluoride application and fissure sealant
• Expose, process and interpret dental X-rays
• Select and size orthodontic bands (braces), and remove orthodontic wires and attachments
• Delivering Oral health promotion messages, dental services for the community
• Provides routine examination, diagnosis and treatment to all children in various age group including adult.

Career Opportunities

Oral Health Therapists are employed with dentists working in private and public dental service. There are some opportunities in community health centres, dental hospitals and regional clinics. It is a small occupation with good employment opportunities. There is a high demand of employment opportunities in the public sector.

Qualifications Required

To become an oral health therapist you usually have to study oral health therapist at university. The degree courses are usually combined with dental hygiene training. Assumed knowledge, in one or more of biology or chemistry are normally required. Entry is highly competitive, and there are strict quotas. You may need to sit selection tests and attend an interview.
Take high school courses in health, biology, chemistry, mathematics, speech and psychology.
Apply for work experience in a dental practice or community dental clinic 
For more information visit: http://www.dentalcareers.com.au/Content_Common/pg-Dental-Hygienist.seo
A comprehensive orientation program is provided for all new staff members with ongoing support.

Supervision Required

The Senior Dental officer provides clinical supervision for Oral health therapist. A comprehensive orientation program is provided for all new staff members with ongoing support.

What sort of person should I be?

• Have a high standard of ethics
• Have an interest in health care work
• Have a good sense of caring and sensitivity
• Enjoy interacting with people

Personal Requirements of an Oral Health Therapist

• Good hand-eye coordination
• Able to perform precise and detailed work
• Good communication skills
• Interested in health care work
• Able to work as part of a team.

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