Dental Therapist | Career Planet

OFO No: 321403

Other names for Dental Therapist:

Dental Attendant
Dental Health Advisor
Dental Tutor Siste
Denturist
Gum Therapist
Oral Health Therapist

What is a Dental Therapist?

A Dental Therapist offers basic dental services and preventative dentistry. They would refer more complicated procedures and treatments to a dentist.

Dental Therapists may not practise independently unless they have practised for at least one year under the control and supervision of a qualified dentist.

Dental Therapists can work in the public or private sector – they usually work in clinics and may visit schools.

What does a Dental Therapist do?

carries out dental examinations and diagnoses
plans treatments and procedures
refer sserious conditions to dentists or orthodontists
performs simple extractions, fillings, flossing and scaling
cleans and polishes
takes X-rays
treats gum disease
performs preventative measures against the more common oral/gum diseases
educates patients on up-to-date oral health and hygiene

Are you . . . ?

interested in dentistry?
a person with good judgement?
a peoples’ person?
service driven?
confident?
a person with good hand-eye co-ordination?
able to perform detailed work accurately?
a person with good eye sight?
a person with good 3-D/special skills?

How do I become a Dental Therapist?

Bachelor of Dental Therapy degree

University of KZN
University of Limpopo
University of Pretoria

1 year internship after completion of degree under supervision of a Dentist or Senior Dental Therapist

Designation: Awarded by the HPCSA. Only registered members can use the title Dental Therapist

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