Dental Career Information

Dentistry is the field of health care concerned with the health, treatment and management of the teeth and oral cavity. Dental services are provided by Dentists, specialist Dentists and other members of the dental team (Dental Assistants, Hygienists, and Therapists) in private practices, hospitals and community settings. Other technical dentistry services are provided by Prosthetists and teams of Dental Technicians in dental laboratories.

Dental Roles

Dentistry is the field of health care concerned with the health, treatment and management of the teeth and oral cavity. Oral health can affect eating and nutrition, having a healthy smile, and the ability to communicate, and is key to overall health and wellbeing. Dental services are provided by Dentists, specialist Dentists and other members of the dental team (Dental Assistants, Hygienists, and Therapists) in private practices, hospitals and community settings. Other technical dentistry services are provided by Prosthetists and teams of Dental Technicians in dental laboratories.

Dental Therapist/Hygienist Jobs

Dental Therapists, also known as Oral Health Therapists, assess and treat dental diseases in children and adolescents. They play an important role in educating and motivating young people to best care for their oral health. They provide routine dental services for children, including dental examinations, cleaning and polishing, fluoride treatment, taking X-rays, applying fillings and fissure sealants, or extracting problematic baby teeth. They may work in mobile clinics out in the community, or as part of the dentist-led team in hospitals or private practices. Dental/Oral Health Therapists complete a Bachelor of Oral Health and register with the Dental Board of Australia. Dental hygienists work as part of dentist-led teams, performing preventive dental procedures, such as teeth cleaning, while also giving education and advice. They work in collaboration with the Dentist, providing routine dental care, which allows the Dentist more time for advanced procedures and consultations. Dental Hygienists complete either a 2-year Advanced Diploma of Oral Health (Dental Hygiene), or a bachelor's degree in Dental Hygiene or Oral Health.