Australian Bureau of Statistics

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UNIT GROUP 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 Associate Degree, Advanced Diploma or Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

In New Zealand:
NZ Register Diploma (ANZSCO Skill Level 2)

At least three years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualifications listed above. 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

Carries out preventative dental procedures under the direction of a Dentist. Registration or licensing is required.

Skill Level: 2

Alternative Title:
Clinical Dental Technician

Designs, constructs, repairs and fits dentures and mouthguards. Registration or licensing is required.

Skill Level: 2

Constructs and repairs dentures and other dental appliances. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level: 2

Specialisation:

Dental Laboratory Assistant

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: 2

Specialisation:

Oral Health Therapist