Group
Unit Group

4112 Dental Hygienists, Technicians and Therapists

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ANZSCO - Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations
Reference period
2021
Released
23/11/2021

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
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