Dentists Share the Load

While dental professionals include those who do everything from examine and work on teeth to clean and x-ray them, the actual doctor of dentistry is typically the only member of the group who can specifically treat dental issues.

However that individual isn’t always the only one who can take charge when it comes to oral health.

Dentists have a complicated job, which is why they typically work in tandem with other professionals in the field when it comes to treating patients. One of these so-called dental auxiliaries, however, is actually capable of practicing dentistry on his or her own.

Dental therapists are officially licensed auxiliaries who are not officially dentists but are similarly trained and allowed to perform many of the same tasks. Most specifically, a therapist is charged with treating children’s teeth, often under the prescription of a dentist. They are common in most areas in the United States, where they perform a number of different functions. They are also present around the world in many various forms.

When working on children, a therapist often takes the role of a doctor of dentistry. He or she can examine and clean teeth, administer treatments and sealants, take x-rays or radiographs and even perform procedures that require local anesthesia or other sedatives.

There are, however, various restrictions around the world that govern the extent to which dentists can cede responsibilities to a therapist. While most areas in the United States allow therapists to work exclusively on children’s teeth, both Minnesota and Alaska restrict them to only being able to do so under the supervision of a dentist. Moreover, those practicing in Alaska must be educated in the state of Washington and are then only licensed to practice in rural, tribal areas of Alaska.

Similarly, in Canada a therapist is only certified to perform certain procedures and functions and can only do so in specifically outlined areas. He or she may also only do so under the supervision of a dentist as well.

In the United Kingdom, those interested in a career in dental therapy can pursue a dual degree in hygiene and therapy. From there they can treat both children and adults from a specific course of treatment prescribed by dentists. This can include hygienic treatments, both restorations and extractions and the insertion of crowns and other prostheses. They are also able to perform procedures requiring anesthesia and are licensed to work either on their own or under direct supervision or partnership.

In one of the most unique systems in the world, therapists in both Australia and New Zealand work in public clinics or in university-run training programs, both of which are under the control of local government. In either of these settings they are tasked exclusively with treating children.

Dentists themselves remain the point person and the decision maker in most cases of oral healthcare, but therapists around the world continue to play an important and valuable role in how individuals of all ages treat and manage their teeth.

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