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Do I always need to see a dentist?

It is a common belief and misconception that every dental appointment must be with a dentist. But modern oral health care is delivered by a highly qualified team. and each professional has a defined scope of practice.For many routine and preventive needs, an Oral Health Therapist, Dental Hygienist or Dental Therapist may be the most appropriate provider.When you do not necessarily need a dentistYou may not need to see a dentist if you are:Having a routine dental check-up Professional remova...

Why Oral Health Therapists, Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists are experts in oral health prevention and early dental care

Prevention is the most powerful tool in oral health. Rather than waiting until a problem becomes painful or expensive to treat, prevention focuses on stopping issues before they develop.Oral Health Therapists, Dental Hygienists and Dental Therapists are trained specifically with prevention at the centre of their practice and are experts in this.What does prevention mean?Preventive care includes:Regular dental check-upsProfessional removal of plaque, tartar and stainEarly detection and management...

Who should I see for my oral health needs?

If you are unsure which oral health professional to book with, you are not alone. Many people don’t realise that different providers have different areas of expertise, and choosing the right person can make your care smoother, more accessible and more affordable (or free!).The good news? Oral health professionals work as a team. Here is how to know who might be right for you.Oral Health Therapists work within the public system and private practices. They can care for patients of all ages and f...

What are the differences between oral health therapists, dental hygienists, dental therapists and dentists?

When it comes to your oral health, you may not always know which professional to book in with, and that is completely understandable. While all oral health professionals work together as a team, each role has a different focus and area of expertise.Here is a simple breakdown:...

The importance of using proper professional titles in Oral Health

As members of Te Ohu Pūniho Ora o Aotearoa - the New Zealand Oral Health Association (NZOHA), it's essential to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in our practice. One key aspect of this is the proper use of professional titles. Correctly identifying ourselves not only reflects our qualifications and scope of practice but also aligns with current Aotearoa New Zealand legislation....