Its about prevention rather than cure - dentistry has been so proactive about tooth and gum care that dental workers are dealing with fewer cavities and tooth decay than a decade ago. It may seem that they are working themselves out of a job! But that's not the case at all. As the population ages and people become more aware of the value of their teeth, dental hygienists, assistants and technicians are in medium to high demand.

Medical

Of those employed in the industry currently 36% have a Certificate III or IV and 7% have an Advanced Diploma or Diploma. While 29% have no post school qualifications it is recommended that further study be undertaken to remain competitive when applying for work in these careers.

TAFE SA offers courses relevant to this occupation including the Advanced Diploma of Oral Health (Dental Hygiene), Diploma of Dental Technology and Diploma of Practice Management. Pathways include the Certificate III and IV in Dental Assisting and Certificate III in Dental Laboratory Assisting. TAFE SA also offers a nationally recognised skill set in Dental radiography.


SA Traineeships are available for Dental Assisting. For further information go to the Traineeship & Apprenticeship Services Website at http://www.skills.sa.gov.au/apprenticeships-traineeships or phone the Freecall number 1800 673 097.

Most dental assistants are employed by dentists in private practices and clinics. Some dental assistants undertake further study to become dental hygienists. Others gain further administrative experience and possibly qualifications to progress to practice management.

According to the latest figures, all these positions show slight growth for the next few years, as the ageing population increases and education about oral health and disease prevention continues. Job prospects for dental hygienists in both city and rural areas look positive.

Dental hygienists work with dentists to educate people about oral care and to provide dental treatment, such as polishing and cleaning teeth. They spend time showing their patients how to floss and brush properly. They also assist dentists by taking X-rays and impressions of teeth. Dental (or chair side) assistants greet and prepare clients for examinations. It is their responsibility to prepare and sterilise dental equipment. Not only do they assist dentists, hygienists and technicians in the dental work, they also provide clerical assistance. More people work as assistants than the hygienists and technicians combined. Dental technicians work in laboratories making things like bridges, crowns and dentures. They work closely with dentists and may not have any direct contact with patients unless they have qualified further as a dental prosthetist.

Work in this field requires good manual dexterity and the ability to perform precision work. Equally important is the ability to communicate well and to work as a member of a team. For hygienists, it is essential to have good people skills, especially as you'll be spending a lot of time in close proximity to a client, peering down their mouth! Good organisational skills and the ability to juggle a variety of tasks at once are some of the necessary traits required in the trade. Dental hygienists and assistants work in dental clinics. Their working hours are generally Monday To Friday, from 8.30am to 5pm. Many clinics are open at least one evening per week and on Saturday mornings. Technicians work in a lab usually from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Most dental workers are employed in the medical and dental services industry, while the rest are spread throughout other health, education and community services.

For further information, contact:

Australian Dental Association (SA)
Phone: (08) 8272 8111
Email: admin@adasa.asn.au
Website: www.adasa.asn.au

Dental Hygienists' Association of Australia Inc - SA Branch
Phone: 0409 011 516
Email: contact-sa@dhaa.asn.au
Website: www.dhaasa.asn.au

Dental Assistants Professional Association
Phone: (02) 9569 3220
Email: info@nswdaa.asn.au
Website: www.dapa.asn.au