Your dental care involves more than just one clinician. At Markham Street Dental, our team focuses on keeping your oral health on track. Part of our team includes an oral health therapist (OHT). Our OHT plays a key role in this process by delivering preventive care, supporting your routine visits and helping you stay on top of your oral health every day.
As modern dentistry continues to develop, OHTs play an important role in preventive and routine care. They support patients in maintaining oral health through regular visits, early identification of concerns, and tailored education.
So, What Does an OHT Do?
An oral health therapist is a registered dental practitioner with training in both dental hygiene and dental therapy. They are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency and practise within a defined scope.
In your appointment, an OHT focuses on keeping your teeth and gums healthy. They:
- Perform professional cleans to remove plaque and calculus
- Assess gum health and monitor for early changes
- Apply preventive treatments such as fluoride
- Provide personalised advice on brushing, flossing and diet
OHTs also support children and adolescents with restorative care where appropriate, depending on their training and clinical setting.
Seeing an Oral Health Therapist: What This Means for Your Care
Some OHTs complete additional training to expand the care they provide. This is known as working within an extended scope. An OHT with extended scope delivers a broader range of services, which may include more advanced preventive care and selected restorative treatments for adults. They provide these services within regulatory guidelines and work alongside a dentist when needed. At Markham Street Dental, this approach allows you to see the right clinician for the right type of care, supporting a well-coordinated experience.
Your Routine Dental Visit, Reimagined
When you attend a routine check-up, you may see an oral health therapist. During your visit, your OHT does the following:
- Cleans your teeth and removes build-up
- Checks your gums and overall oral health
- Provides preventive treatments
- Shares practical tips tailored to your daily routine
These routine dental visits aim to help maintain your oral health and identify any concerns early. If further care is required, your OHT works closely with your Armidale dentist to plan the next steps.
Why You’re Booked with an OHT
You might notice your appointment is booked with an OHT rather than a dentist. This is based on the type of care you need at that time. OHTs focus on preventive and maintenance care, making them well suited for regular visits. This helps ensure you receive timely care while allowing dentists to focus on more complex treatments.
Our Armidale Dental Team Welcomes You!
At Markham Street Dental, our OHTs and dentists work together to support your oral health. Each team member contributes specific skills and training, creating a collaborative and structured approach to care.
Understanding who is involved in your care can make your dental visits feel more straightforward. If you have questions about your next appointment, our team at Markham Street Dental can guide you through your options and help you plan your care.
We invite you to call us on (02) 6772 6554 to book your appointment or learn more.