How our team works together
An Oral Health Therapist has received focused training on removing stains,
plaque and tartar from your teeth and assists you to maintain good oral health.
For patients with symptoms such as swollen and bleeding gums, which may indicate gum disease such as gingivitis and periodontitis, an OHT will perform deeper cleaning including removal of plaque and tartar below the gum line.
The dentist will examine x-rays and provide more complex treatment if necessary—like fillings for cavities or root canals and dental crowns. Our friendly team is trained to explain how our dentists and oral health therapists work together.
Oral Health Therapists are trained to perform tasks, including:
• Dental examinations
• Cleaning teeth
• Restoring teeth
• Extracting deciduous (baby) teeth
• Administration of local anaesthetic
• Taking radiographs (X-rays)
• Preventive treatments, including fluoride applications, fissure sealants, oral hygiene instruction
• Taking impressions for mouthguards
• Educate schools and childcares about health foods
• Educate and motivate children and the community
When do I need to see the
Oral Health Therapist?
When you’re on an oral hygiene maintenance program, you’ll meet with your oral health therapist every six months or so. This is usually done to check for cavities and gum disease. Your therapist will clean your teeth and gums, administer fluoride treatments, and check for any other signs of oral disease. Your oral health therapist is the one who will discuss the way to properly care for your teeth.
Depending on what your therapist finds during your checkup, they may recommend that you see a dentist as well. The dentist will examine x-rays and provide more advanced treatment if necessary—like fillings for cavities or root canals and dental crowns.
