The history of Dental Therapy profession dates backs to the pre-colonial era. High incidence of periodontal diseases and cancrum oris were prevalent and are still common in Nigeria. This was due to poor oral hygiene and lack of good nutrition in the early fifties. Thus, the ever-increasing demand for oral healthcare led to an increase in the awareness of the importance and the use of the preventive measure. This brought about the birth of Dental Therapy profession.
ESTABLISHMENT OF DENTAL TECHNOLOGY AND THERAPY
THE PROGRAMME – DENTAL THERAPY
FUNCTIONS OF THE DENTAL THERAPIST
- Oral examination in both adults and children
- Scaling/polishing
- Taking impressions on teeth
- Apply materials to teeth such as fluoride and fissure sealants
- Provide routine restorations from class 1-V in permanent and deciduous teeth
- Can use all materials except precast or pinned placements
- Pulp therapy treatment of deciduous teeth
- Placement of preformed metal crowns on deciduous teeth
- Extracts deciduous teeth under local analgesia
- Emergency placement of crowns and filling s if removed during treatment
- Take impressions for study models
- Treat patients under conscious sedation provided that the dentist remains in the surgery through the treatment
- Intraoral and extraoral assessment
- Record indices and monitor disease
- Subgingival debridgement
- dental radiographs
- Provide dental health education on a one on one basis or in a group situation.
- Provide treatment for those that are mentally, physically and medically compromised.
ENTRY QUALIFICATION OF DENTAL THERAPY
- B.Sc Dental Therapy
- HND Dental Therapy
AWARD OF DENTAL THERAPY
- B.Sc/HND
POST CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME IN DENTAL THERAPY
AREA OF SPECIALTY
- Specialists in Antiom
- Specialist in nyo-function therapy
- Orthodontics care
- Care of implant
- Forensic Procedures
- Dental Health Education
CAREER OPPORTUNITY FOR DENTAL THERAPISTS
Opportunity abounds for dental therapists in public and private hospitals, clinics and dental health training institutions.
ENABLING DECREE OF DENTAL THERAPY
The content is intended to augment, not replace, information provided by your clinician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Reading this information does not create or replace a doctor-patient relationship or consultation. If required, please contact your doctor or other health care provider to assist you in interpreting any of this information, or in applying the information to your individual needs.
4 Comments
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