Dental Practitioners

Dental Practitioners diagnose and treat dental disease, restore normal oral function using a broad range of treatments, such as surgery and other specialist techniques, and advise on oral health.

Occupations in this field typically require a bachelor degree or higher qualification.

Registration or licensing is required.

Tasks Include:

• diagnosing dental diseases using a range of methods such as radiographs, salivary tests and medical histories
• providing preventative oral health care such as periodontal treatments, fluoride applications and oral health promotion
• providing restorative oral care such as implants, complex crown and bridge restorations, and orthodontics, and repairing damaged and decayed teeth
• providing oral surgical treatments such as biopsy of tissue and prescription of medication
• performing routine orthodontic treatment
• restoring oral function with removable and fixed oral prostheses
• assisting in diagnosing general diseases having oral manifestations such as diabetes
• educating patients to take care of their mouth and teeth
• leading a dental team which may comprise Dental Hygienists, Dental Therapists, Dental Assistants and other Dental Specialists

Occupations:

• Dental Specialist 
• Dentist

Dental Specialist

Diagnoses and treats diseases, injuries, irregularities and malformations of teeth and associated structures in the mouth and jaw using surgery and other specialist techniques. Registration or licensing is required.

Specialisations:

• Endodontist 
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon 
• Oral Pathologist 
• Orthodontist 
• Paedodontist 
• Periodontist 
• Prosthodontist

Dentist

Alternative Titles:

• Dental Practitioner 
• Surgeon

Diagnoses and treats dental disease, injuries, decay and malformations of the teeth, periodontal tissue (gums), hard and soft tissue found on the mouth and other dento-facial structures using surgery and other techniques. Registration or licensing is required.