What they do
Dental therapists diagnose dental decay and gum disease in children and adults, under the supervision of a dentist. They are also involved in oral health education with children, parents and the community. They perform routine dental treatment under the supervision of a dentist, including examination, cleaning, scaling and filling cavities. They also may take x-rays and take impressions for mouth guards. They refer more complex dental problems to the dentist.
Specialisations include: Oral Health Therapist
Working conditions
Dental therapists work normal working hours, Monday to Friday. Dental therapists employed in the public sector may have to relocate to a regional area.
Tools and technologies
Dental therapists typically use x-ray equipment and a variety of hand-powered tools specially designed for teeth, for example drills and polishers.
How do I become one?
Education and training
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To become a dental therapist you usually need to study a degree in oral health. Curtin University offers a Bachelor of Science (Oral Health Therapy). Contact the university for more information. Learn more about your study options.
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Required registration and licensing
To work as a dental therapist in Western Australia, you will need to obtain registration from the Dental Board of Australia.