Provision of oral health care to adult patients by dental therapists without the prescription of a dentist

Abstract

Objectives: Dental therapists are increasingly been seen as part of the solution to assist in improving access to dental care for underserved populations. The aim of this article is to report the outcomes of an educational bridging program designed to provide university-educated dental therapists with the appropriate knowledge and skills required to enable them to translate their current clinical scope of practice to adult patients aged 26+ years. Methods: Ten dental therapists completed an educational program approved by the Dental Practice Board of Victoria as a pilot. Feedback from patients and supervising and supporting dentists was provided during the project. Results: Supervising and s..