Dental Roles ​

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Dental Assistant

A dental assistant is vital in ensuring dental appointments run smoothly and maintaining infection control standards.

 

Dental Assistants:

• Assist dentists and other practitioners during dental treatment

• Carry out infection control procedures such as sterilisation of instruments

• Ensure patient comfort during treatment

• Process x-rays and update patient files

• With additional training dental assistants can take x-rays, perform 3D digital scans, print 3D models and make dental appliances such as mouthguards

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Qualifications (optional): Certificate III in dental assisting, Certificate IV in dental assisting (radiography license)

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Front Office Coordinator

A Front Office Coordinator oversees the daily schedule and provides the first point of contact for patients.

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A Front Office Coordinator:

• Greets patients on arrival

• Liaises with patients and practitioners

• Communicates with specialists and suppliers

• Provides quotations, receives payments and discusses finance options with patients

• Facilitates the smooth running of the practice

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Qualifications: On the job training

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Practice Manager

The Practice Manager oversees the daily operations of our group of clinics.

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In addition a Practice Manager:

• Manages human resources including employing team members, rostering and performance management

• Ensures maintenance of the facility and equipment including coordinating maintenance and repairs

• Oversees IT including software, hardware and cybersecurity

• Is the account manager for creditors and patient payment plans

• Ensures compliance with health and work place regulations

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Qualifications (optional): Diploma of Practice Management or similar.

A Practice Manager usually has either worked in dental clinics for many years or has extensive admin experience.

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Dental Hygienist

A dental hygienist's work is primarily focused on prevention.

 

A hygienist works with a dentist or oral health therapist to provide:

• Instructions on how to take care of your teeth and gums

• Professional cleaning

• Checks for and treats gum disease

• Provides preventative care like fluoride treatments and fissure sealants

• Takes x-rays, 3D digital scans, photos and impression of the teeth

• Teeth whitening 

• Application & removal of clear aligner therapy (Invisalign)

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Qualifications: Advanced Diploma of Oral Health, 2 years at TAFE SA

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Oral Health Therapist

An Oral Health Therapist practices as a hygienist for all ages and treats dental disease in children and adolescents. They are very good at keeping children happy and calm at the dental clinic.

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An Oral Health Therapist Provides:

• Check-ups and highly skilled treatment for children including x-rays, fillings, stainless steel crowns and extractions

• Preventive treatment to all ages including professional cleaning, fluoride treatments, fissure sealants and oral health advice

• Tooth whitening

• Takes 3D digital scans and models for the construction of custom appliances such as mouthguards

• Places and removes clear aligner (Invisalign) treatment

• With additional training they may provide treatment for more advanced cases of gum disease

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Qualifications: Bachelor of Oral Health, 3 years at university

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Oral Health Therapist with Adult Scope

An Oral Health Therapist with Adult Scope practices as a Hygienist and an Oral Health Therapist and has completed additional training to treat adults.

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An Oral Health Therapist with Adult Scope provides:

• Check-ups and treatment for all ages including x-rays, fillings, stainless steel crowns and extractions

• Preventive treatment to all ages including professional cleaning, fluoride treatments, fissure sealants and oral health advice

• Tooth whitening

• Takes 3D digital scans and models for the construction of custom appliances such as mouthguards

• Places and removes clear aligner (Invisalign) treatment

 

Qualifications: Bachelor of Oral Health, 3 years at university PLUS a Graduate Certificate in Oral Health Science, 6 months at university

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Dentist

A dentist is a health practitioner that cares for your mouth, teeth, jaws and gums. They have the knowledge they need to diagnose and treat any oral health issues you have and to help you feel confident about your mouth.

 

A dentist provides:

• Checkups and diagnosis of dental conditions

• Dental treatment such as fillings, root canals, crowns, extractions, dentures, nightguards and other dental appliances

• Complex care including dental implants, clear aligners (Invisalign) and full mouth rehabilitation

• Cosmetic procedures including veneers

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Qualifications: Bachelor of Dental Surgery, 5 years at university