DENTIST V. ORAL HEALTH THERAPIST - WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

At Kingston Beach Dental, our team is dedicated to providing exceptional care for every patient, and this includes offering a wide range of services through the expertise of both our dentists and oral health therapists (OHTs). While both roles focus on improving and maintaining your oral health, they have distinct areas of expertise and responsibilities that complement each other. Here's a closer look at the unique contributions each professional brings to your care.

Dentist

●      Qualifications: Dentists typically hold a 5 year degree in dentistry (e.g., Bachelor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine).

●      Scope of Practice: Dentists are highly trained in all aspects of dental care, including:

○      Diagnosing and treating complex dental issues.

○      Performing restorative procedures, such as fillings, crowns, and bridges.

○      Conducting advanced treatments, such as root canals, extractions, and implant placement.

○      Developing treatment plans for a wide range of dental and oral health conditions.

○      Administering more comprehensive or complex care that may be completed under sedation (nitrous oxide, medication or general anaesthetic).

Oral Health Therapist (OHT)

●      Qualifications: OHTs have a dual qualification as dental hygienists and dental therapists. OHTs work under the guidance or in collaboration with a dentist to support overall patient care.

●      Scope of Practice: OHTs focus on prevention and general dental care, including:

○      Hygiene services: Gentle professional cleans, scaling, polishing, and fluoride treatments.

○      Diagnosis and Treatment of Periodontal Disease:  Our OHTS have expertise in helping treat and prevent the progression of gum disease and bone loss as a result of periodontal disease.  They work closely with specialist periodontists in Hobart when we need to refer more advanced cases of periodontal disease.

○      Oral Hygiene Instruction: Educating patients about oral hygiene practices, home habits and routines, and nutrition.

○      Routine dental treatments: Providing dental check-ups and restorative care (e.g., fillings) for children and adolescents.

○      Special focus on children: OHTs often handle early dental interventions and treatments for younger patients, establishing positive habits from a young age and promoting a positive dental experience.

Why Both Roles Are Important

Having both dentists and oral health therapists at Kingston Beach Dental ensures that patients receive:

●      The benefit of two practitioners to assess their dental health.

●      Ongoing preventative care and support for maintaining oral health (OHT).

●      Value for money as we are able to allocate longer appointments with our OHTs for your continuing care.   By structuring your preventative care this way dedicate more time (at no additional fee) to ensure your gums and teeth are cleaned thoroughly and kept healthy.   Think of it like having your car detailed by an expert, rather than going to the drive through car wash.  

●      Comprehensive treatment for complex cases (dentist) and dedicated appointments with our dentists for any treatment diagnosed during your continuing care appointments and allows us to reserve spaces for dental emergencies that require our dentists.

Our team-based approach helps Kingston Beach Dental provide tailored care for every patient, from routine check-ups to advanced dental procedures. 

If you’re unsure whether you need to see a dentist or an oral health therapist, our friendly team is here to help! Contact Kingston Beach Dental today to book your appointment or learn more about how we can support your oral health journey.