Dental Therapist 

Dental therapists carry out limited dental services related to the prevention and treatment of diseases and disorders of the teeth and mouth. They are employed by the federal government and the provincial governments to provide services in rural and remote communities. 

Possible Titles:

dental hygienist
dental nurse
dental therapist

Responsibilities:

Dental Therapists can perform some or all of the following duties:

• Conduct dental assessments and consult with dentist on patient care
• Take dental impressions
• Take and develop X-rays
• Remove stains and deposits from teeth to prevent tooth and root decay
• Apply fluoride treatment
• Instruct patients regarding oral hygiene procedures
• Supervise dental assistants in their health care functions
• May drill and fill cavities, extract teeth and replace portions of tooth crown. 

Employment Requirments:

• Dental therapists are required to complete the two-year dental therapy diploma program at the National School of Dental Therapy in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, offered by Health Canada.
• Licensure is required for dental therapists in Newfoundland, Saskatchewan, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories.

Courtesy of: Human Resources and Skills Development Canada

Articles and Other Information: