4112 Dental Hygienists, Technicians and Therapists
4112 Dental Hygienists, Technicians and Therapists
Dental Hygienists, Technicians and Therapists provide supportive dental services in preventative and restorative dental procedures, and construct and repair dental appliances.
Indicative Skill Level:
Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.
In Australia:
- AQF Bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1)
In New Zealand:
- NZQF Bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1)
In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
The occupation Dental Technician in this unit group has a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.
In Australia:
- AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)
In New Zealand:
- NZQF Bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1)
In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
The occupation Dental Prosthetist in this unit group has a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below.
In Australia:
- AQF Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)
In New Zealand:
- NZQF Diploma, or at least three years of relevant experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)
In some instances relevant experience and/or on-the-job training may be required in addition to the formal qualification.
Registration or licensing may be required.
Tasks Include:
- providing educational programs to motivate children, parents and the community in matters relating to oral health
- providing fluoride therapy by applying remineralising solutions and desensitising agents
- removing deposits from teeth
- applying non-invasive fissure sealants to teeth
- taking impressions of the mouth
- taking dental radiographs
- administering local anaesthesia by infiltration and mandibular nerve block
- fabricating full and partial dentures
- constructing mouth guards, crowns, metal clasps, inlays, bridgework and other aids
- repairing and relining denture bases
Occupations:
- 411211 Dental Hygienist
- 411212 Dental Prosthetist
- 411213 Dental Technician
- 411214 Dental Therapist
411211 Dental Hygienist
Carries out preventative dental procedures under the direction of a Dentist. Registration or licensing is required.
Skill Level: 1
411212 Dental Prosthetist
Alternative Title:
- Clinical Dental Technician
Designs, constructs, repairs and fits dentures and mouthguards. Registration or licensing is required. Note that in New Zealand a Dental Prosthetist is called a Clinical Dental Technician which is Skill Level 1.
Skill Level: 2
411213 Dental Technician
Constructs and repairs dentures and other dental appliances. Registration or licensing may be required.
Skill Level:
- 2 Australia
- 1 New Zealand
Specialisation:
- Dental Laboratory Assistant
411214 Dental Therapist
Examines and treats diseases of the teeth in preschool, primary and secondary school children under the general supervision of a Dentist. Registration or licensing is required.
Skill Level: 1
Specialisation:
- Oral Health Therapist