You can think of a dental therapist as a ‘mini dentist’. We can handle much of the routine dental work you would expect from a dentist, without having to see one first*. Dental therapists are becoming increasingly important members of the dental team. Health education is an important part of the role, and below you will see the range of procedures** that London Hygienist can carry out for both children and adults:
Intra and extra oral assessment, also known as a dental health assessment or checkup, including oral cancer screening and referrals
Teeth cleaning and treatment of gum disease
Restorations (fillings) in both primary (baby) teeth and permanent teeth on adults and children
Place temporary dressings and re-cement crowns with temporary cement
Apply materials to teeth such as fluoride varnish and fissure sealants
Take dental radiographs, also referred to as x-rays
Take dental impressions for sport guards and whitening trays
Give local anaesthetic to provide pain-free treatments
Place pre-formed crowns on primary (baby) teeth
Extract (remove) primary (baby) teeth under local anaesthetic
Dental therapists can also develop additional skills including:
Treating patients who have high-treatment needs
Carrying out tooth whitening (under prescription of a dentist)
Administering inhalational sedation
Removing sutures after a dentist has checked the wound
A dental therapist may treat a wide range of patients who have high treatment needs, such as those who:
are dentally anxious
are medically compromised
are physically disabled
have learning disabilities
have high levels of untreated decay
are unable to access regular dental care
For more information or to book an appointment for any of the above listed procedures, please contact London Hygienist.
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