What is an oral health therapist?
An oral health therapist is a dual-qualified dental professional trained in both dental therapy and dental hygiene. These practitioners provide a range of oral health care services, primarily focusing on prevention, treatment, and maintenance of oral health. Their duties include performing dental examinations, taking X-rays, cleaning teeth, applying preventive materials, conducting oral health promotion activities, and providing restorative treatments under the prescription of a dentist. Oral health therapists provide dental therapy services to children and adolescents and dental hygiene services to people of all ages.
What’s the difference between a dental hygienist and a dental therapist?
A dental hygienist primarily focuses on preventive oral health, performing tasks such as scaling, cleaning, and educating patients on proper oral hygiene practices to prevent dental disease. Their work is centered around routine maintenance of oral health and the prevention of periodontal disease. In contrast, a dental therapist provides a broader range of clinical services, particularly for children and adolescents, including restorative work like fillings, extracting deciduous (baby) teeth, and managing gum disease. While their roles may overlap, the therapist is more treatment-oriented, able to perform certain dental procedures that a hygienist cannot.
Oral Health Course Guide – 2025 (Victoria and NSW)
Download the guide here.
Where can I study Oral Health in Victoria and NSW?
La Trobe University: Bendigo.
Charles Sturt University: Chadstone and Wagga Wagga.
University of Melbourne: Parkville.
University of Newcastle: Central Coast.
University of Sydney: Camperdown/Darlington and Westmead.