What Is An Oral Health Therapist?

What Is An Oral Health Therapist

What is an Oral Health Therapist?

Patients often ask, “What’s the difference between an oral health therapist and a dentist?”

While there are a few differences, both these dental professionals share the same goal to ensure you get the very best care when it comes to your oral health.

How is an Oral Health Therapist different to a Dentist?

Oral Health Therapists (OHTs) are dental professionals with a 3-year degree in dental hygiene and dental therapy. The training includes addressing and providing care for gum disease as well as treating children up to the age of 18 years old for fissure sealants, fillings and extraction of baby teeth.

A dentist, on the other hand, is trained for 4-5 years and the higher qualification means they perform the more complex dental procedures including fillings, root canals, crowns, teeth implants and orthodontics.

The oral health specialist is a critical part of any dental team, and we’re delighted to finally have one join our team at Timeless Smiles. Hello and welcome to Renee! 😘

Why would you choose to see an OHT?

As a qualified oral health therapist Renee, is trained in prevention and public health and can spend time with you talking about hygiene and looking at your diet. 🍒 🍏 🍍 She can isolate why decay is happening and provide a holistic approach to your oral health.

Renee’s role is centred around prevention, education and fostering a positive attitude towards your, and your child’s, teeth mouth and gums.

An OHT is often the one you will see on a regular basis for your checkup and clean. Our OHT Renee will also help to take photos, x rays, complete initial diagnostic tests and check on the health of your gums.

Read about What is Twilight Dentistry here.

How does the Dentist and the OHT work together?

While both Renee and Dr Nimesh can both see you for your dental hygiene maintenance, as the OHT Renee’s role includes spending quality time with you and your kids to address and point out areas of concern as well as tailor a personalised home care regime.

Here at Timeless Smiles, your Pennant Hills dentist, we know that one size does not fit all when it comes to your teeth!

Dr Nimesh and Renee complement each other in the services and care they provide.

Renee works closely with Dr. Nimesh to ensure all your family’s bases are covered when it comes to your oral health. Our Oral Health Therapist’s commitment to providing the education and tools to achieve best oral hygiene, means Renee is the best one to see your little ones for their first checkup and clean! 👍

Call us to book in with Renee our terrific new OHT! Or if you are confused about which one of our Pennant Hills dental team, Timeless Smiles to see, simply give us a call and we can talk it through with you.

Call us at the clinic on 📞 (02) 8073 8386 or head to our website to make an appointment with us!

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