The capacity of dental therapists to provide direct restorative care to adults

Abstract

Introduction: In Victoria, dental therapists are restricted to treating patients under the age of 26 years. Removing this age restriction from dental therapists' scope of practice may assist significantly in addressing workforce shortages, particularly in rural Victoria. Objectives: This study aims to assess the capacity of dental therapists to provide direct coronal restorations (dental fillings) to patients older than 25 years, on the prescription of a dentist. Its objectives include determining the success rate of restorations placed by dental therapists six months post placement; and patients' and dental therapists' satisfaction with the services provided. Methods: The project was carrie..