What’s A Dental Therapist?

Murray Street Dental — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 11:55:46 +0000

What’s a Dental Therapist?

So what is a dental therapist?

Think of a dental therapist as a ‘mini Dentist’. They are capable of handling many of the routine dental procedures you’d expect from a Dentist, without requiring an initial visit. These essential members of the dental team are becoming increasingly significant. Not only for their clinical skills but also for their role in promoting oral health education. So a dental therapist offers a range of services for both children and adults, which we have listed below.

What services a dental therapist can provide

Comprehensive oral assessments encompass oral cancer screenings and referrals if necessary.
Treatment of gum disease through teeth cleaning and scaling.
Restorations, such as fillings, in both primary and permanent teeth, make them suitable for patients of all ages.
Temporary dressings, crown placements, and fluoride varnish and fissure sealant applications.
Dental radiographs and impressions for sports guards and teeth whitening trays.
Pain-free treatments through the administration of local anaesthesia.
The removal of primary teeth under local anaesthesia.

Can they do anything else?

In addition to these core responsibilities, dental therapists can acquire additional competencies, including:

Treating patients with elevated treatment needs, such as those who are dentally anxious, physically disabled, or unable to access regular dental care.
Tooth whitening under prescription from a Dentist.
Inhalational sedation and suture removal after a Dentist has examined the wound.

Conclusion

If you’re seeking more information or would like to schedule an appointment for any of the above procedures, look no further than our dental practice in Llanelli.