Job Purpose Dental therapist purpose will be to perform dental examinations, identifying and diagnosing serious conditions and referring these to dentists and orthodontists. Where necessary they do simple fillings and extractions and will carry out preventative measures against the more common oral diseases.
Responsibilities
Communicate effectively with patients to obtain and evaluate their dental history and diagnose the condition
Carry out clinical examinations
Perform routine treatments such as carrying out simple fillings and replacing temporary fillings or crowns, undertaking root service debridement, treating periodontal disease, and placing pre-formed crowns on deciduous teeth (also referred to as primary or milk teeth)
Scale and polish teeth
Treat and restore deciduous teeth known as pulp therapy
Extract deciduous teeth
Provide care of implants and treatment of peri-implant tissues
Take dental impressions and dental radiographs
Recognise, identify, and interpret abnormalities and common pathology
Remove plaque and other coatings
Advise children and adults with special needs about their dental treatment
Motivate and educate individuals or groups of people to care for their oral hygiene and eat a healthy diet
Refer patients where necessary to other healthcare professionals
Record accurately patients' dental history and dental treatment plan.
Qualification and experience
Grade12
BDental Therapy (BDent Ther)
Register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa
5-7 years’ experience as a Dental Therapist
Skills Requirements/ Required job skills and knowledge
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact with patients in a calm and reassuring manner and to advise them on how to look after their teeth and gums
Effective listening and good motivational skills to educate patients to maintain healthy oral hygiene and a healthy diet
Excellent manual dexterity and confidence in handling dental tools and equipment
The ability to work well in a team as well as independently
An interest in helping and advising people to look after their teeth and gums
Good eyesight and steady hands for carrying out precision work
The ability to concentrate for long periods of time
Attention to detail
Basic knowledge of IT, and the ability to write accurately and keep safe records of patients
Thinking and reasoning skills
Sensitivity, compassion, and a patient-centred approach to care
Friendly, confident, and professional manner when interacting with patients and colleagues.