Group
Unit Group

4112 Dental Hygienists, Technicians and Therapists

Latest release
ANZSCO - Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations
Reference period
2022

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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