Do I need to see a dentist before seeing a hygienist?

No. Under 'Direct Access' rules, you can book an appointment directly with a dental hygienist or dental therapist without having to see a dentist first. This makes it easier to access preventative care and professional cleaning.

What is the difference between a dental hygienist and a dental therapist?

Dental hygienists focus primarily on oral health and the prevention of gum disease. Dental therapists can do all the work of a hygienist but are also trained to carry out some restorative work, such as fillings, and can provide some treatments for children, including extractions.

What treatments can a dental therapist carry out?

A dental therapist can carry out fillings, provide fluoride treatments and sealants, take dental X-rays, and perform scale and polishes. They can also perform 'baby' tooth extractions and provide oral health education.

Will a hygienist check for mouth cancer?

Yes. Like dentists, dental hygienists and therapists are trained to screen the soft tissues of the mouth for any signs of abnormalities or oral cancer during your routine appointment.

Visiting a dental hygienist or dental therapist

Dental hygienists and dental therapists are members of your dental team.

They work alongside your dentist and play an important role in keeping your mouth healthy.

What does a dental hygienist do?

A dental hygienist focuses on preventing dental problems and caring for your gums.

They can:

Remove hard deposits (scale or tartar) from your teeth.
Polish away surface stains.
Treat and help control gum disease.
Show you how to clean your teeth and gums properly at home.
Help you remove plaque before it hardens.
Give advice about diet and reducing your risk of tooth decay.

Regular visits to a hygienist can help keep your gums healthy and your mouth feeling fresh.

What does a dental therapist do?

Dental therapists are trained to perform all the duties a hygienist does, plus additional treatments.

They can also:

Place simple fillings.
Give local anaesthetic (numbing) injections.
Take out baby (deciduous) teeth.
Fit preformed crowns on baby teeth.

Can hygienists and therapists provide other care?

Yes. Depending on their training and your needs, they may also:

Take dental X-rays.
Apply fluoride varnish to help protect teeth.
Place fissure sealants to protect back teeth from decay.
Carry out tooth whitening if prescribed by a dentist.

Summary

Dental hygienists and therapists help prevent problems and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Seeing them regularly, as well as your dentist, is an important part of looking after your oral health.

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