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

Specialisations

• Oral Health Therapist

Unless you are exempt in very limited circumstances, you are required to have a positive Skills Assessment to apply for the visas listed above.

Skills Assessment authority for Dental Therapist is Vocational Education and Training Assess (VETASSESS). To have a positive skills assessment, you must meet the following criteria:

• A qualification which is assessed as comparable to the educational level of an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Bachelor degree or higher degree, in a field highly relevant to the nominated occupation.
• Applicants must also have at least one year of highly relevant, post-qualification employment at an appropriate skill level completed in the last five years.
• Highly relevant major fields of study include:
  • Dental Therapy
  • Oral Health Therapy
• Studies and employment in Dentistry or Dental Surgery cannot be assessed positively for this occupation.

provide supportive dental services in preventative and restorative dental procedures, and construct and repair dental appliances.

Tasks

• 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

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.

Occupations in this Group

• 411211 Dental Hygienist
• 411212 Dental Prosthetist
• 411213 Dental Technician
• 411214 Dental Therapist