Dental Hygienists, Technicians and Therapists
- Classification
- Unit
- Major group
- Community and Personal Service Workers
Classification
- Major group
- 4Community and Personal Service Workers
- Sub-major group
- 41Health and Welfare Support Workers
- Minor group
- 411Health and Welfare Support Workers
Description
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.
Skill level
Australia
AQF Bachelor degree or higher qualification. At least five years of relevant experience may substitute for the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1)
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
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