Dental Hygienists, Technicians, and Therapists play a crucial role in providing supportive dental services in preventative and restorative dental procedures, as well as constructing and repairing dental appliances.

Indicative Skill Level:

Most occupations in this unit group require a high level of skill, which can be obtained through the following qualifications and experience:

In Australia:

• AQF Bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some cases, at least five years of relevant experience can substitute for the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

In New Zealand:

• NZQF Bachelor degree or higher qualification. In some cases, at least five years of relevant experience can substitute for the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Some instances may require additional on-the-job training or relevant experience in addition to the formal qualification.

The occupation of Dental Technician within this unit group requires a specific level of skill, which can be obtained through the following qualifications and experience:

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. In some cases, at least five years of relevant experience can substitute for the formal qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1).

Some instances may require additional on-the-job training or relevant experience in addition to the formal qualification.

The occupation of Dental Prosthetist within this unit group requires a specific level of skill, which can be obtained through the following qualifications and experience:

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).

Some instances may require additional on-the-job training or relevant experience in addition to the formal qualification. Registration or licensing may also 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 anesthesia 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

A 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

A Dental Prosthetist designs, constructs, repairs, and fits dentures and mouthguards. Registration or licensing is required. In New Zealand, a Dental Prosthetist is referred to as a Clinical Dental Technician, which falls under Skill Level 1.

Skill Level: 2

411213 Dental Technician

A Dental Technician constructs and repairs dentures and other dental appliances. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skill Level: 2 (Australia), 1 (New Zealand)

Specialization: Dental Laboratory Assistant

411214 Dental Therapist

A 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

Specialization: Oral Health Therapist