Dental Therapist Job Description
One of the newest careers to emerge in the dental field is the practice of dental therapy. Dental therapists are the rarest members of the dental care team, which also includes dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants. Bridging the gap between the dentist and the dental hygienist, dental therapists can provide more services than the hygienist but cannot quite do everything that a dentist can.
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Working Conditions
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Dental therapists primarily work in dental clinics. Clinics that employ the use of a dental therapist are often located in poorer or outlying areas. Many of the patients served by dental therapists do not have access to regular dental care or may not be able to afford treatment by a dentist. Dental clinics are typically open Monday through Friday but may also have Saturday hours.
Job Overview
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The dental therapist's primary role is to promote the dental health of her patients. This involves working directly and indirectly with a registered dentist to devise and carry out a treatment plan that is appropriate to the needs of their patients. Dental therapists working in outlying areas may provide services independently of the supervision of a dentist.
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Services Provided
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Dental therapists provide diagnostic, surgical and restorative treatment to their patients. They interpret x-rays, fill cavities and perform endodontic therapies such as root canals. Particularly with young patients and those with little knowledge of proper oral care, dental therapists provide educational services regarding good oral hygiene. This may be done at the dental clinic, or the dental therapist may travel to schools or other places and speak to individuals about proper oral health.
Varying Levels Of Responsibility
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Dental therapists who work directly with a dentist may be restricted to performing certain simple procedures such as fillings, oral cancer screenings and dietary counseling. Some dentists will allow therapists to take on more responsibilities depending on the level of training that they have received.
Other Qualifications
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Dental therapists are required to perform their jobs with integrity and respect for their patients. They must have strong organizational skills and be able to work without direct supervision. A dental therapist must be able to handle rapidly changing and stressful situations with ease.
Salary
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The salary for a dental therapist is higher than that of a dental hygienist but lower than that of a dentist. On average, dental therapists earn salaries of between $50,000 and $68,000 per year as of 2010, according to salaryexpert.com. Dental therapists may make more or less depending on their level of responsibility and other factors such as geographic area.
Education
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Dental therapists train for two years. The training that dental therapists receive is equivalent to what students becoming dentists receive at the start of their program. However, dental therapists do not go on to learn more complex procedures such as root canals. Dental therapists may receive an associate's degree or a bachelor's degree upon graduation.
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References
- Photo Credit dentist image by Sandor Kacso from Fotolia.com
