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:
Oral Health Therapist (OHT)
Oral Health Therapists are qualified in oral health therapy. In Aotearoa New Zealand, they work within the public and private systems. This means they are experts in:
Preventive oral health care and gum health
Professional plaque and tartar removal and periodontal care
Early detection and minimally invasive treatment of tooth decay
Oral health education and behaviour change support
OHTs work with patients of all ages and play a vital role in maintaining long-term oral health and preventing dental problems before they become serious.
Dental Hygienist (DH)
Dental Hygienists focus on preventing and managing gum disease and maintaining oral health. In Aotearoa New Zealand, they predominantly work in private practices. They provide:
Professional plaque, tartar removal and stain removal
Gum disease treatment
Oral health preventive care
Oral hygiene education and behaviour change support
Dental hygienists are specialists in gum health and long-term oral health maintenance.
Dental Therapist (DT)
Dental Therapists focus primarily on the oral health of children and adolescents. They predominantly work in the public system (Community Oral Health Service). They provide:
Preventive oral health care
Early detection and minimally invasive treatment of tooth decay
Promote healthy oral habits in tamariki and rangatahi
Dental Therapists are especially skilled at working with young people and supporting families in the communities they work in.
Dentist
Dentists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of complex dental conditions. They perform procedures such as fillings, crowns, root canal treatment, extractions, and more advanced restorative work. Dentists manage more complex cases.
All of these professionals work together to ensure you receive the right care at the right time.
