At Wanneroo Dental Centre, we are very fortunate to have an Oral Health Therapist (OHT), a vital role in our team to help us continue to provide the best quality of care to you and your family.

Both dental hygienists and OHTs play important roles that support our dentists at your ongoing care visits to maintain and improve your overall oral health. Although their roles appear very similar, OHTs have a broader scope of practice.

What is the scope of practice for an Oral Health Therapist?

As well as contributing to routine dental visits OHTs have an extended scope that means they can provide comprehensive dental care, including preventive treatment, fillings and the removal of baby teeth. They are qualified and trained to treat patients of all ages, with a specific focus on paediatric and periodontal debridement (translation: deep effective cleaning of the teeth and gums, to help make them healthy again!).

Why should you see an Oral Health Therapist?

There are numerous of reasons, but following are a few important ones to remember:

• OHTs excel in preventive dental care, emphasising the importance of maintaining good oral health habits. They will help you prevent dental issues like cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay through routine check-ups and cleanings. This approach to care, can help you long term by reducing the risk of needing major dental treatment.
  

• OHTs offer a wide range of dental treatments as mentioned earlier. Their degree in dental therapy, means they provide optimum periodontal (gum) treatment – effective for managing periodontal disease, in addition providing oral health education that counts.
  

• Our OHTs have a special focus on paediatric dentistry. They provide gentle and child-friendly dental care, making visits to the dentist a positive experience for children. They promote good oral hygiene habits, offer treatments that matters, and educate children about maintaining a healthy smile for life.
  

• Furthermore, they work closely with our external lab technicians to provide custom fit trays for sports mouthguards, whitening trays and retainers.

How do OHTs work alongside dentists, and what can I expect at my routine visits?

Good question. They are valuable to dentist, as they collaborate and work closely with them for treatment planning, sharing insights and expertise to ensure you receive the best possible care.

At your routine visits for checks-up and cleans, the OHT will assist the dentist by performing preliminary procedures. These are, x-rays when it is necessary, full mouth cleaning, and education. This collaboration creates more availability and allows dentists to spend more time on those sometimes necessary but more complex treatments.

Will it cost more for my routine visits to see both a dentist and OHT?

Absolutely not.

Understandably, it may be assumed the cost of a routine visit will be increased due to receiving treatment and care from two qualified dental professionals. However, as the OHT works in collaboration with your dentist at your visit, the cost of your visit will not be impacted.

The team, Dr Bev, Dr Carmen, Dr Meike and Dr Roya are thrilled to work alongside OHT Camilla to maximise the treatment and care their patients receive sharing their beloved stain removing technology (ask about AIRFLOW today) and dynamic dental nurses, because for them a healthy smile leads to healthier and happier patients (who like us just a little bit more 😉)!

See Our Team page to learn more about Camilla!