Who we are
The Australian Dental Association NSW Branch (ADA NSW) is a professional association and the peak body for dentists in NSW and the ACT. Although we are a member organisation, we are happy to assist the community with advice they require on the subject of dentistry.
Of course, the principle point of contact for all enquiries should be with your trusted dental practitioner.
The service offered by ADA NSW for community members provides some information to assist you with general enquiries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dental Records
Who owns the clinical dental record about me?
Dental records belong to the practice where they are or were created. However, it is recognised in law that patients are entitled to access to their health information.
Obtaining copies
When seeking to obtain copies of your dental records the following applies:
The request should be made in writing to the dentist or the practice that holds the records. The written request should clearly state:
- Your name, date of birth and address;
- That you wish to access or obtain copies of your records;
- Which records are being requested (e.g. treatment notes, x-rays, etc);
- How you would like to receive them (digital or hard copy/ pick up in person or post or email); and
- If you would like the records sent to a third party (e.g. another dentist or health professional) you would also need to provide full details of the third party.
Before providing the records the dentist or practice must verify that the request is genuine and that patient privacy and confidentiality is protected against unauthorised access. For example, if you request your records be received by email and the email address you provide is different to the email address held by the practice, then additional steps may be required prior to the release of the records. Your dentist or the dental practice will be able to advise you of the specific steps required.
When providing the records, the dentist may request a meeting during which time they can also explain the records.
It is not unreasonable for a fee to be charged for copying and providing the records. If you are concerned about the application of a fee you should discuss your concerns with the practice.
How long should it take to obtain copies of my records?
Once a valid written request for records is received, a practice may take up to 45 days under legislation to provide copies of the records. Most practices however do provide these records well within this timeframe.
Clinical Treatment
I've been given several treatment options and I'm not sure what to do
Often there is more than one treatment solution for a clinical concern or diagnosis and as a result a dentist might provide you with a number of “treatment options”.
In discussing treatment options, a dentist will normally explain what those options are.
A dentist might make a recommendation but ultimately it is up to each individual patient to decide what treatment is right for them considering their personal preferences, circumstances, lifestyle and budget.
If you are unsure about your options you should discuss your concerns openly with your dentist. If there is ongoing uncertainty, it is always recommended that you seek a second opinion. Your dentist could suggest or arrange a referral to another dentist or dental specialist.
I'm not sure if the treatment recommended is right for me. What should I do?
If a course of treatment has been recommended and you are unsure whether it is the best option for you, you could consider a second opinion from another dentist or a dental specialist. Your dentist should be happy to provide a referral.
In some cases, a referral may be recommended by your dentist to ensure you obtain the most appropriate treatment.
Please discuss a referral with your treating dental practitioner.
I'm not happy with the treatment I've received. What should I do?
There can be many reasons why a patient may have difficulties after treatment. ADA NSW recommends that you raise your concerns with the treating dentist in the first instance. If your concerns are of a clinical nature, the dentist may wish to re-examine you in order to evaluate the condition. This is often essential to determine what the problem may be and should not be a cause for concern. If the situation is complex, your dentist may wish to refer you for a second opinion to a specialist.
If you are unsure of the advice provided, you can also request a second opinion from another dentist about your condition.
The treatment I would like is not being offered. What should I do?
If you are interested in a particular treatment and that treatment is not included as part of your treatment options, it is important to discuss this with you dentist in order to understand why it is/is not included. Ultimately a dentist cannot be compelled to provide treatment that they consider inappropriate or that is not in your best health interests or that they are not trained and have sufficient experience to provide. If you feel that a type of treatment might be suitable for you but is not being offered by a particular practitioner, then you might choose to obtain a second opinion from another practitioner.
Fees
My treatment cost more than I think it should have - how do I check it's correct?
Fees in dentistry are generally not covered by Medicare and are not set by an external body. As a consequence each dentist is responsible for setting their own fees. Sometimes instead of an exact fee you may be quoted a range with an upper and lower cost limit. This can occur where it is difficult to predict the outcome and could be for any number of reasons. If the situation of your treatment changes mid treatment, ask your dentist if there is a change to the predicted cost.
Before embarking on treatment, you should ensure you are informed on the cost of care, and that you are happy to proceed with the treatment as quoted. If affordability is a concern, some dentists may be able to make special arrangements (such as a payment plan or staged treatment) in order to spread out costs over time. However, this may depend on the policies of the practice, and may not always be available.
If you are unsure of the cost you have been quoted feel free to discuss this with the dentist or seek a second opinion. However, it is important to note that a quote can only be provided after an appropriate examination and usually cannot be made over the phone. There are likely to be further costs involved in gaining that second opinion from another dentist.
Finding a dentist
How do I find a dentist or dental specialist?
Many people are comfortable asking family, friends or other trusted health professionals or performing an internet search to locate a dentist or dental specialist.
Often, we are asked to recommend someone. Unfortunately, ADA NSW cannot recommend a particular dentist. In these cases, we encourage interested persons to ask people they know and trust to give them a direct recommendation.
Alternatively, you can search using the ADA ‘Find a Dentist’ resource.
Public dentistry
How do I access public dental treatment in NSW?
In order to be eligible for public dental treatment in NSW, you must be:
- Eligible for Medicare AND hold a current Health Care Card or Pension Care Card
OR
- Be aged under 18 years at the time the treatment commences.
More information can be found by visiting the following site:
www.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/Pages/info-patients.aspx
Contact your Local Area Health Service to find out more:
www.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/Pages/call-centre-search.aspx
Water Fluoridation
ADA NSW considers community water fluoridation as a safe, effective and equitable means of preventing dental decay in children, adolescents and adults. The fluoridation of community water supplies is an effective way to deliver fluoride to all members of the community, regardless of age, individual motivation or socioeconomic status.
Water fluoridation facts
- Fluoride is a natural substance found in water, soil and common foods
- Water fluoridation commenced in NSW in 1956
- It is a safe, legal and efficient way of providing benefit to everyone in the community, especially those who are disadvantaged
- Even though fluoride toothpaste is widely available, there is still substantially more tooth decay in non-fluoridated areas compared to fluoridated areas of NSW
Endorsement of water fluoridation
As early as the 1950s, reputable scientific, health and health-related professional organisations throughout the world recognised the importance of water fluoridation due to the oral health and economic benefits that resulted. The following organisations have repeatedly endorsed fluoridation of drinking water as a desirable public health policy based on numerous scientific studies carried out throughout the world.
In Australia this includes:
National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Australian Dental Association, Australian Medical Association, Public Health Association of Australia, Royal Australasian College of Physicians, The Royal Flying Doctor Service, Australian Academy of Science, Australian Centre for Human Health Risk Assessment, Osteoporosis Australia, Arthritis Australia, Kidney Health Australia, Australasian Academy of Paediatric Dentistry, National Rural Health Alliance.
Internationally this includes:
World Health Organisation, United States Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (US), International Association of Dental Research, FDI World Dental Federation, Royal College of Surgeons (UK), Royal College of Physicians (UK), American Academy of Paediatrics.
Download water fluoridation resources
- ADA NSW Position on Water Fluoridation: Our position, facts and references
- Water Fluoridation FAQ: An informative handout for patients and members of the public
Questions about dentistry
What is the difference between a dentist and a dental specialist?
Dentistry is a regulated profession, meaning that there are strict rules that apply on who can practice.
Dentists are individuals who have undergone an approved course of university study (typically 4-5 years) and passed examinations that qualify them to practice dentistry. Dentistry involves assessing, preventing, diagnosing, advising on, and treating any injuries, diseases, deficiencies, deformities or lesions on or of the human teeth, mouth or jaws or associated structures.
Dental specialists are dentists who have undertaken and successfully completed an additional course of approved study (typically 3 years) in their chosen field of dentistry.
There are 13 dental specialties, these are:
- dento-maxillofacial radiology
- endodontics
- forensic odontology
- oral and maxillofacial surgery
- oral medicine
- oral and maxillofacial pathology
- oral surgery
- orthodontics
- paediatric dentistry
- periodontics
- prosthodontics
- public health (community) dentistry
- special needs dentistry
What treatment can dentists provide?
Dentistry involves assessing, preventing, diagnosing, advising on, and treating any injuries, diseases, deficiencies, deformities or lesions on or of the human teeth, mouth or jaws or associated structures.
All dentists can work within this definition. However, as the definition is broad dentists often limit themselves to particular procedures and services. This decision can be based on their professional interests, professional experience and any additional training they may have undertaken. This is the reason why a dentist may sometimes recommend referral of a patient to another practitioner or to a dental specialist.
How do I know if my dentist is a dental specialist?
Asking is the most direct way to verify whether your dentist is a registered general dentist or a registered specialist dentist.
You can also check the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) register. This is a public register and can be accessed by members of the community at the following website: www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registers-of-Practitioners.aspx
How do I know if my dentist is registered?
In the same way as checking if your dentist is a dental specialist, check the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) register. This is a public register and can be accessed by anyone at the following website: www.ahpra.gov.au/Registration/Registers-of-Practitioners.aspx
Careers in Dental Health
Want to find out more about careers in dentistry? Career paths and the requirements necessary for each position are listed by job title below.
Dentist
Dentistry is a rewarding profession based on helping others. It is also an ethical profession, and practising dentists are expected to place the health and welfare of their patients before any other considerations. Dentists also have an important role in leading the oral health team.
Overview
What is a dentist?
A dentist is a registered primary healthcare professional who is highly educated and specialised in the care of the teeth and their supporting structures including the orofacial region. Dentists help people to maintain and improve their oral health. As oral health can have important implications for general health, quality of life and aesthetics, dentists have an important role in maintaining the wellbeing of their patients.
A career in dentistry affords a range of employment opportunities including:
- owning your own practice
- employment in group practice
- a role with the defence forces
- community care positions in public dental clinics.
- Some dentists work outside clinical dentistry in roles such as research, teaching or consultancy for dental companies.
In the clinical team, the dentist has a responsibility, as the team leader, to ensure sound professional standards are maintained.
A career in dentistry would be a good position for you if you:
- are detail-oriented
- have strong interests in medical sciences and business
- possess good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity
- have strong interpersonal skills
- have the capacity for three-dimensional thinking
- possess artistic design ability and sensitivity to the needs of others.
Dental schools in Australian universities grant Bachelor or Doctoral degrees. There are nine universities in Australia that provide training to prospective dentists. Although the post-nominal letters can vary from one institution to the next (for example, DMD, BDS, BDSc, BDent), these qualifications all allow graduating students to register as dentists at the completion of their training.
What do dentists do?
As part of dental services, a dentist may:
- Perform comprehensive oral health assessments that include a health history, dental charting, oral cancer screening, decay screening, gum disease screening, saliva testing, jaw analysis, tooth staining and colour analysis, and taking vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, blood glucose, respiration)
- Perform dental examinations to determine a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan
- Prescribe, expose, process and interpret X-rays
- Make impressions of the teeth for study models and oral appliance fabrication
- Explain to the patient their oral condition and treatment options to gain consent to proceed with the provision of dental treatment
- Educate patients about oral health care and prevention
- Advise patients on plaque control, good nutrition, smoking cessation and systemic health
- Perform clinical treatments as agreed to by the patient to restore, remove, repair, replace, realign, remedy and retain oral health, form and function
- Administer and monitor effects of local anaesthetics, conscious sedation and nitrous oxide in the dental practice
- Prescribe medications to reduce the burden of infection or prevent infection
- Refer patients to specialist dentists or physicians for further examination and treatment
- Maintain concise, complete and accurate paper and/or electronic patient dental records
- Provide leadership to allied dental health professionals working in the dental practice
- Conduct staff recruitment, training and management
- Stay up-to-date with new developments through continuous professional development
- Promote dental services and oral health educational messages to the public.
Dentistry has an important surgical component, Improvements in dental technology over time allow dentists to provide painless and effective treatment to their patients if surgical intervention is required.
Dentistry is also increasingly focused on stopping the onset of oral disease through education, behavioural change and preventative care.
A dentist must practise under legislative regulations much like other registered health professionals such as nurses, physicians, pharmacists, physical therapists, optometrists, osteopaths, chiropractors and psychologists.
Registration to practise a dentistry job in Australia requires evidence of the successful completion of an accredited university dental degree. It is expected that after dentists graduate, they will continue to update their learning throughout their career to ensure they are providing up-to-date, evidence-based care. As part of registration requirements, dentists must complete at least 60 hours of continuing professional development in a three-year period.
The process of registration represents the strongest form of protection for the public from unqualified individuals and unsafe practices. It is illegal to practise dentistry without registering with AHPRA (administered by the Dental Board of Australia) and violation of the law is punishable by conviction and fine.
Once registration is granted, it must be renewed annually and you must declare that you remain fit to practise. Consideration of criminal history, health and education are important elements in the consideration of your registration renewal application each year.
Becoming a dentist
Are you considering a career as a dentist?
- Take high school courses that have a broad exposure to science
- Apply for work experience in a dental practice or community dental clinic
- Be prepared to undertake lifelong learning
- Have good near-sighted and colour vision
- Have good interpersonal and communication skills
- Be sensitive to the needs of others
- Be willing to work with people from different genders, age groups and diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds
- Have good manual dexterity
- Be able to grasp, manipulate and assemble objects
- Have a sound knowledge of computers
- Be able to prepare, understand and interpret written materials (letters, reports, summaries)
- Have strong skills in problem-solving
- Have good time management and planning skills
- Enjoy working cooperatively with others in a team environment
- Be willing to act as a clinical team leader
- Be interested in the health and wellbeing of others.
How do you become a dentist in NSW?
To become a qualified dentist and achieve a dental career, you must complete rigorous academic and professional requirements. There are two dental faculties in New South Wales that provide the qualifications necessary to register as a dentist in Australia, and they are based in the University of Sydney and Charles Sturt University.
The University of Sydney
USyd offers two pathways for graduation as a dentist:
Doctor of Dental Medicine – graduate entry
Double Degree Dentistry (Bachelor of Science (Advanced) followed by a Doctor of Dental Medicine) – for high school leavers with outstanding results
The Doctor of Dental Medicine degree requires four years of full-time study and can only be accessed after successful completion of a Bachelors degree (minimum three years of study).
More information on the University of Sydney
Charles Sturt University
CSU School of Dentistry and Health Sciences, Orange, offers a Bachelor of Dental Science in Dentistry. This is a five-year undergraduate degree.
More information on studying dentistry at CSU
Interstate University Websites
- Your school’s careers advisor
- ADA NSW
Call (02) 8436 9900 and ask to speak to one of our Community Relations Officers.
Email: adansw@adansw.com.au - The University of Sydney, Faculty of Dentistry
Tel: (02) 9351 8308
Email: enquiries@dentistry.usyd.edu.au - Charles Sturt University, School of Dentistry and Health Sciences
Tel: (02) 6365 7883
Email: jstone@csu.edu.au
Dental Assistant
Dental Assistants provide support to a range of oral health professionals such as dentists, dental hygienists, oral health therapists and dental specialists.
Overview
What is a dental assistant?
- The primary role is to support dentists in providing care to patients.
- Other tasks may include helping with the day-to-day running of a dental practice (e.g. scheduling appointments), preparing treatment rooms and helping patients feel welcome and comfortable.
What do dental assistants do?
A REWARDING CAREER
- Interact and connect with patients every day and develop trusting relationships.
- Personal satisfaction working with a team to provide valuable oral health care services.
- Be an integral part of a team helping people improve their quality of life.
- Flexible work schedules help with maintaining a work/life balance.
NO TWO DAYS ARE THE SAME
- Dental Assistants enjoy a diverse range of duties every day.
- Get practical hands-on experience and learn from highly skilled professionals.
- Learn on the job – there is no formal training required at an entry level.
Becoming a dental assistant
Things to know if you are considering a dental assistance career:
- You can learn on the job – there is no formal training required at entry level, though you can undertake formal training at TAFE.
- Learn on the job – there is no formal training required at an entry level.
- Becoming a Dental Assistant is a great way to get your foot in the door of the dental industry.
- If you decide that a career in oral health is for you, there are opportunities to advance your career with formal qualifications and experience.
If you are interested in dental assisting:
- Speak to your school careers advisor
- Speak to your local dental practice to learn more about what is involved
- Search for dental assistant jobs in your favourite job seeking website.
Where do I get more information?
Speak to your local dental practice to learn more about working in a dental practice as a career. Search for dental assistant jobs in your favourite job seeking website.
If you’re still at school, speak to your school careers advisor.
Some helpful websites:
- Dental Assistants Professional Association
- TAFE NSW: Dental Assisting
- TAFE NSW: Practice Management
- Open Colleges: Dental Assisting
Oral Health Therapist
Oral health therapists provide high quality oral health care including examinaton, treatment and prevention. Oral Health Therapists have a strong preventive focus and help promote positive oral health.
Overview
What is an Oral Health Therapist?
Oral Health Therapists (combined dental therapists and hygienists) are registered oral health practitioners who provide primary oral health care for children and adults. This includes examining and diagnosing dental decay and gum diseases and providing routine dental treatments. They also promote oral health and provide preventive dental services among individuals and the broader community.
What do Oral Health Therapists do?
Oral health therapists’ tasks can include:
- Provide routine clinical dental treatment for children, adolescents and adults including
- dental examinations and diagnosis, cleaning, scaling and polishing teeth, filling cavities and
- extracting teeth under local anaesthetic
- Treat gum conditions for all ages including adults, take X-rays of teeth and jaws, apply sealants and remineralising therapies and take impressions
- Educate and motivate people to maintain good oral health
- Promote oral health for the community by providing education and information on oral health, work with other health services and groups such as parents’ groups, play groups and parents and citizens’ associations to improve oral health.
- Bring more complex dental problems to the attention of dentists, specialists or other healthcare providers
- Advise managers of school canteens about healthy food, work to improve oral health with childcare and elderly residential care settings and other settings that support health, especially those that work with people who do not have good access to dental care.
- Liaise with other health care providers to support oral health as part of general health.
Oral Health therapists who work in the public sector may be required to work anywhere in their state or territory. Individual preferences and applications for specific positions are taken into account however.
Becoming an Oral Health Therapist
If you are considering an oral health therapist career you should:
- Have an interest in health and well being
- Have good hand-eye coordination
- Be able to do precise and detailed work
- Have good communication skills
- Be able to establish rapport with children and adults
- Be able to work as part of a team.
Where do I get more information?
- The Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists Association, NSW Branch, Inc. Visit Website
- The Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists Association Inc. (National) Visit Website
Dental Hygienist
Dental hygienists work together with the dental team in treating patients. They use preventive, educational and therapeutic methods for the control of oral diseases to aid individual patients and groups in achieving and maintaining oral health. They are trained to do specific clinical procedures which aim to prevent dental disease as part of the dental team.
Overview
What is a dental hygienist?
A dental hygienist is a registered dental practitioner who provides highly skilled preventive services on all age groups. As a clinician they work as part of the dental team to determine therapeutic treatment for each individual patient, but work independently in delivering their dental services. They work within a team environment to assure best practice in providing safe and appropriate dental healthcare.
A dental hygienist career would be a good dentistry position for you if you have good time management (efficient), apply attention to detail and precision (accurate) and possess good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. In addition, if you find being a good listener with sensitivity to the needs of others as personally rewarding, you have some of the qualities that make you well suited to be a dental hygienist.
What do dental hygienists do?
A dental hygienist’s clinical role includes a variety of duties that are focused on diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive duties to support total health for the control of oral diseases.
As part of dental hygiene services, a dental hygienist career in New South Wales may include:
- Perform oral health assessments that include taking a health history, dental charting, oral cancer screening, saliva testing and taking vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, blood glucose, respiration);
- Expose, process and interpret dental X-rays;
- Make impressions of the teeth for plaster study models and mouthguard construction;
- Photograph exterior and interior oral structures to profile stages of treatment and outcomes;
- Administer anaesthetic injections to numb the teeth and gums;
- Remove plaque, calculus (soft and hard deposits) and stain from above and below the gum line;
- Polish the teeth and dental restorations;
- Perform root planing for non-surgical periodontal therapy;
- Place and remove a post-surgical dressing and remove sutures;
- Select and size orthodontic bands, prepare teeth for placement of braces and remove wires and fixed orthodontic appliances;
- Apply decay preventive agents such as fluorides, varnishes and sealants to the teeth;
- Teach oral hygiene techniques to help people maintain healthy teeth and gums; and
- Counsel patients on plaque control, good nutrition, smoking cessation and systemic health.
Dental hygienists use their knowledge and clinical skills to provide dental hygiene care and their interpersonal skills to motivate and instruct patients on methods tailored to preventing oral disease and maintaining oral health.
Becoming a dental hygienist
If you are considering a dental hygienist career you should:
- Apply for work experience in a dental practice or community dental clinic
- Have good vision and manual dexterity
- To perform independent detailed and precise work
- Have good interpersonal communication skills
- To provide information, education and advice to people of all ages, races and gender
- To instil motivation toward healthy goals
- To be sensitive to the needs of others
- Be able to prepare, understand and act on written materials (letters, reports, summaries)
- To analyse, plan, organise and problem solve
- Have good organizational and time management skills
- Enjoy working with others in a team environment
- Be interested in the delivery of health care
Where do I get more information?
- Your school’s careers advisor
- The Dental Hygienists’ Association of Australia, Inc. Visit Website
Dental Therapist
Dental therapists examine and treat diseases of the teeth in children, adolescents and some adults as part of the dental team. The dentistry work performed is varied from identifying the disease risk of the child, providing professionally applied preventive treatments, carrying out simple restorative work in primary and permanent teeth, through to the extraction of teeth under local anaesthetic, and the initial management of trauma. The national law regulates the practice of dental therapists and they are expected to only perform dental treatment for which they have been educated and trained and in which they are competent.
Overview
What is a dental therapist?
A dental therapist is a registered primary healthcare professional that provides restorative and preventive dental services to children, adolescents and teenagers. As a clinician, the dental therapist is required to recognise oral conditions, plan and deliver reparative dental treatment, evaluate care and make appropriate referrals to a dentist for complex dentistry. Dental therapists work within a team environment in both clinical practice and population-based oral health promotions to assure best practice in providing safe dental healthcare and positive oral health outcomes.
A dental therapist career would be a good dentistry position for you if you have good time management (efficient), apply attention to detail and precision (accurate), possess good eye-hand coordination, manual dexterity and an artistic ability to construct form and design. In addition, if you have well developed communication and cultural sensitivity skills you have some of the qualities that make you well suited to pursue a dental therapist job.
What do dental therapists do?
As part of clinical dental therapy services, a dental therapist career in New South Wales may include:
- Perform oral health assessments on children, adolescents and some adults that include taking a health history, dental charting, oral cancer screening, tooth decay screening and saliva testing;
- Expose, process and interpret dental X-rays;
- Perform a dental examination for treatment planning;
- Make impressions of the teeth for plaster study models and mouthguard construction;
- Provide routine dental treatment within their scope of practice
- Administer anaesthetic injections to numb the teeth and gums;
- Restore decayed primary (deciduous) and permanent teeth with standard filling materials;
- Protect the vitality of teeth from extensive decay by pulp capping primary and permanent teeth;
- Remove the pulp from primary teeth to treat tooth infections or fractures;
- Extract primary and permanent teeth using non-surgical techniques;
- Refer patients with complex dental conditions to an appropriate dentist or specialist dentist;
- Remove plaque, calculus (soft and hard deposits) and stain from teeth;
- Polish the teeth and dental restorations;
- Apply decay preventive agents such as fluorides, varnishes and sealants to the teeth;
- Educate and motivate children, either individually in a dental clinic or through classroom lessons, to maintain good oral health;
- Educate the community through health promotion campaigns on the principles of preventive dentistry either singularly or in collaboration with allied health professionals: address parents’ groups, play groups and citizens’ associations; and
- Consult with those involved in providing nutrition to children: i.e. managers of school canteens, parents, etc.
The dental therapist’s key roles are in community dentistry and program support activities. Complex cases that fall outside the boundaries of the dental therapist’s skill range are referred for diagnosis and treatment by a dentist.
Dental therapists provide essential dental treatment on children to improve, prevent and promote oral health wellness. These actions involve the acquisition of knowledge through consultation, perception and examination and may be provided in independent, interdependent and collaborative relationships with the patient, their parents and the health care team.
A dental therapy career offers personal satisfaction in providing valuable oral health care services and developing trusting relationships with patients. Flexible work schedules make balancing work and lifestyle needs very achievable.
Becoming a dental therapist
If you are considering a dental therapist career you should:
- Have good vision and manual dexterity
- To perform independent detailed and precise work
- Have good interpersonal communication skills
- To provide information, education and advice to children and parents of diverse cultural backgrounds
- To instil motivation toward healthy goals
- To be sensitive to the needs of others
- Be able to prepare, understand and act on written materials (letters, reports, summaries)
- To analyse, plan, organise and problem solve
- Have good organizational and time management skills
- Enjoy working with others in a team environment
- Be interested in the delivery of oral health care
Where do I get more information?
- Your School’s Career Advisor
- The Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists Association, NSW Branch, Inc. Visit Website
- The Australian Dental and Oral Health Therapists Association Inc. (National) Visit Website
Dental Prosthesist
Dental prosthetists are registered practitioners who work independently to provide complete and partial dentures and mouthguards to the public. To become a dental prosthetist you must have already trained as a dental technician.
Dental prosthetists have expanded their dentistry career within the technical environment to include a more patient-oriented direction. Dental prosthetists make independent and critical judgments that together with their highly developed skills in appliance design and construction allows them to offer tooth replacement and protective solutions for their patients.
A dental prosthetist is registered by the Australian Health Practitioners Registration Agency.
Overview
What is a dental prosthetist?
Dental prosthetists are nationally registered primary healthcare professionals who are qualified dental technicians and have completed further dental studies in order to have direct patient contact for the construction and maintenance of removable dentures and sports mouthguards.
Dental Prosthetists have either an Advanced Diploma in Dental Prosthetics or a Bachelor of Oral Health in Dental Prosthetics.
What do dental prosthetists do?
A dental prosthetist’s clinical role is focused on diagnostic, preventive and fabrication duties to provide a complete removable prosthetic service for the replacement and protection of natural teeth.
- Perform oral health assessments that include taking a health history, dental charting, oral cancer screening, saliva testing and taking vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, blood glucose, respiration);
- Perform a dental examination to develop a treatment plan;
- Refer patients with complex dental conditions to an appropriate dentist or specialist dentist;
- Identify, select and prepare instruments, equipment and materials as required;
- Make impressions of the teeth for denture and sports mouthguard construction;
- Make plaster and stone models of the mouth and teeth from impressions;
- Measure and record jaw relationships;
- Replicate the jaw positions using the plaster or stone models on articulating equipment;
- Select and arrange artificial teeth for full or partial dentures;
- Evaluate a dental prosthesis at try-in stage;
- Insert and issue a completed dental prosthesis (denture and sports mouthguard);
- Perform maintenance, repair and reline services on removable dental prosthesis required by the patient or a referring dentist;
- Teach oral health hygiene techniques to help people maintain natural teeth;
- Counsel patients on plaque control, good nutrition, smoking cessation and systemic health;
- Manage the delivery of quality patient care;
- Perform all procedures permitted by the dental technician
Dental prosthetists have achieved versatile clinical and technical skills to replace or protect tooth function while preserving the oral soft and hard tissues that support the removable dental prosthesis. They are highly knowledgeable of the appropriate methods to construct oral appliances from a variety of materials.
Becoming a dental prosthesist
If you are considering a dental prosthetist career you should:
- Have good near-sighted and colour vision
- To perform independent detailed and precise work
- Have good interpersonal communication skills
- To give full attention to what others are saying
- To provide information, education and advice to people of diverse cultural background
- To instill motivation toward healthy goals
- To explain clear ideas and details
- Have good manual dexterity
- To quickly move your hands to grasp, manipulate and assemble objects
- Have a working knowledge of computers
- To design, calculate and process using advanced technological equipment
- Be able to prepare, understand and act on written materials (letters, reports, summaries)
- To analyse, plan, organise and problem solve
- Have good organizational and time management skills
- Enjoy working with others in a team environment
- Be interested in the delivery of oral health care
A dental prosthetist career would be a good dentistry position for you if you like working with tools and equipment, can apply a high level of attention to detail and precision (accurate), have good time management and possess good hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity. In addition, if you have an artistic ability to construct, form and design and find being a good listener with sensitivity to the needs of others as personally rewarding, you have some qualities that make you well suited to pursue a dental prosthetist career.
Where do I get more information?
- Your school’s careers advisor
- The Australian Dental Prosthetists’ Association (National) Visit Website
Dental Technician
Dental technicians construct and repair dentures (false teeth) and other dental appliances including crowns and bridges. Dental technicians work closely with dentists and dental prosthetists in the construction, modification and repair of dentures and other dental appliances.
Dental technicians are required to comply with TGA regulations as devices they manufacture are classified by the TGA as custom made medical devices, whether made locally or imported.
Overview
What is a dental technician?
A dental technician (or dental mechanic) is an essential member of the dental team who is highly skilled in the design, construction, repair and adjustment of various dental appliances. They are non-registered professionals who work from a written prescription and direct communication with the dental prosthetist, dentist or specialist dentist. The combined expertise of the technician and practitioner is needed to ensure that quality outcomes are achieved for the patients.
What do dental technicians do?
The dental technician’s role includes a variety of duties around the fabrication of fixed and removable dental appliances. They work closely with the practitioner and only have direct contact with the patient for the purpose of assessing an accurate colour shade for maximum aesthetics.
As part of dental laboratory services, a dental technician career in New South Wales may include:
- Receive and interpret written orders from a dental prosthetist or dentist;
- Make plaster and stone models of the mouth and teeth from impressions that have been taken by a dental prosthetist or dentist;
- Construct custom impression trays for the dental prosthetist or dentist to use;
- Build up wax replicas of part or all of the mouth and/or teeth on model;
- Replicate the jaw positions using models on articulating equipment;
- Form, cut or mould plastic, metal or ceramic materials to make appliances using casting, CAD/CAM and thermoforming equipment;
- Use direct vision or specialised equipment to record tooth shades;
- Arrange artificial teeth for full or partial dentures;
- Use manual skills to construct ceramic restorations;
- Design and construct fixed and removable acrylic and metal orthodontic appliances
- Polish and finish all work prior to being placed in the patient’s mouth; and
- Reline, repair or modify full or partial dentures.
The dental technician can specialise their work to one or more areas of dentistry, such as:
- The manufacture of crowns, bridges, inlays/onlays, and veneers;
- The manufacture of dentures; ·
- The manufacture of devices that replace oral soft and hard structures (aesthetic reconstruction);
- The manufacture of devices to order which can have a number of functions such as moving, retaining and protecting teeth (such as orthodontic retainers and other devices, sports mouthguards, occlusal splints);
Dental technicians use a high degree of technical ability, training and skills that involve diverse techniques including plaster casting, electro-spot welding, metal casting, metal polishing, wax modelling, ceramics, wire bending, electroplating and sandblasting. They are highly knowledgeable of the appropriate methods to construct a wide range of items and how to deal with the variety of materials.
Becoming a dental technician
A dental technician career would be a good dentistry position for you if you like working with tools and equipment, can apply a high level of attention to detail and precision (accuracy), have good time management (efficient) and possess good eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity. In addition, if you have an artistic ability to construct form and design you could suit a dental technician career.
If you are considering a dental technician career you should:
- Take high school courses in health, biology, chemistry, mathematics, English, industrial arts and computers to HSC level.
- Apply for work experience in a dental laboratory
- Have good near-sighted and colour vision
- To perform independent detailed and precise work
- Have good interpersonal communication skills
- To give full attention to what others are saying
- To provide clear ideas and details
- Have good manual dexterity
- To quickly move your hands to grasp, manipulate and assemble objects
- Have a working knowledge of computers
- To design, calculate and process using advanced technological equipment
- Be able to prepare, understand and act on written materials (letters, reports, summaries)
- To analyse, plan, organise and problem solve
- Have good organisational and time management skills
- Enjoy working with others in a team environment
- Be interested in having an influence in the delivery of oral health care
Where do I get more information?
- Your school’s careers advisor
- The Australian Dental Association, Inc. Visit Website
Speak to our Community Relations and Engagement Advisor
Available: Monday to Wednesday, 9am-5pm
Phone: (02) 8436 9900
Email: communityrelations@adansw.com.au
The Community Relations and Engagement Advisor (CREA) is available to respond to members of the community located in NSW and the ACT, who wish to contact the Australian Dental Association (ADA) with any enquiries or issues relating to dentistry.
If you would like to speak to our CREA, please call or email ADA NSW using the above contact information. Provide some details of the enquiry, your name and a return phone number, and we will respond as soon as possible.
Please note this is a phone and email-based service only; we do not take appointments. Thank you.
If you have concerns about the clinical care that you have received:
The best way to resolve a situation is to discuss it directly with your treating dentist. Send an email to the practice with your concerns.
ADA NSW is a member organisation and is not a regulatory or complaints body and does not investigate or make judgements on complaints related to health care.
If you cannot resolve your complaint directly with your dentist, then you can raise your concerns with the Health Care Complaints Commission.
