Oral health therapist

Oral health therapist

Oral health therapists check, clean and treat teeth and gums, educate about oral care, take x-rays and keep records. They may promote oral health in the community.

Also known as

Dental therapist, dental hygienist, oral hygienist, dental health therapist

AUT programmes

Work environment

  • Usually work regular business hours
  • Usually work in dental clinics or dental practices
  • Need to be practical, methodical and responsible

Typical tasks

  • Check patients' oral health
  • Identify dental diseases
  • Create treatment plans
  • Give advice to prevent future oral issues
  • Educate patients on oral hygiene
  • Perform dental treatments
  • Take and analyse x-rays
  • Maintain patient records
  • Ensure cultural safety in practice
  • Promote oral health in communities

Salary information

$59K-$120K
LowerMost commonUpper
$59K$74K-$104K$120K

Tips from AUT graduates

Professional registration

Dental Council of New Zealand

inquiries@dcnz.org.nz

04 499 4820

https://www.dcnz.org.nz/

Outlook

What employers and industry want in graduates

Further study options