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