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Great question and one we get asked a lot at Clarity! The reality is that at some stage you’ll see one, or the other, or both. Allow us to tell you a little more about the different roles and how they can help you:

Oral Health Therapists

Oral Health Therapists are highly trained nationally accredited dental professionals. They hold a three year university degree in dental hygiene and dental therapy. Their expertise is in the field of dental disease prevention and they are usually who you will see upon a first visit to Clarity.  Their key focus is on educating on and maintaining exceptional oral health. Oral Health Therapists can treat the whole family and undertake a range of treatments including:

  • Check-ups
  • Cleans
  • Extractions (on baby teeth)
  • Preventative treatments
  • Impressions for mouthguards
  • Whitening and more

Typically, you will see an Oral Health Therapist for all your day-to-day dental needs.

Dentists

Dentists are also degree qualified and have undertaken five years of undergraduate study. The higher qualification means they perform more complex work, which is usually when you will see them. The type of treatments you will see a dentist for are:

  • Major dental work
  • Root canals
  • Fillings for cavities
  • Dental crowns
  • Extractions (for adult teeth)

The benefit of allowing Oral Health Therapists and Dentists to work on their areas of expertise, means you’re seeing someone who is performing the same treatments day in, day out. Also, if you need major dental work performed quickly, it means shorter waiting times to see the dentist.

At Clarity we understand the importance of feeling comfortable with whoever is performing your treatment. We will always ensure you stay with your same Oral Health Therapist and Dentist wherever possible. On an occasion where it isn’t, we will always let you know well in advance.

What is an Oral Health Therapist?

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