2912 NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE, No. 120 15 SEPTEMBER 2004

Scope for Adult Care in Dental Therapy Practice

Providing care to adult patients within the general dental therapy scope of practice (and /or any additional scope) in a team situation with clinical guidance(2) provided by a practising dentist/s.

Prescribed Qualifications(3)

• Certificate in Dental Therapy (issued by the Department of Health or a New Zealand educational institution); registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice and approved experience in the provision of oral healthcare to adults under the direction and supervision of a dentist, who can attest to competency; or

• Diploma in Dental Therapy (issued by a New Zealand educational institution); registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice and approved experience in the provision of oral healthcare to adults under the direction and supervision of a dentist, who can attest to competency; or

• Bachelor of Health Sciences (Endorsement in Dental Therapy), University of Otago; registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice and approved experience in the provision of oral healthcare to adults under direction and supervision of a dentist, who can attest to competency; or

• Bachelor of Health Sciences (Dental Therapy), AUT; registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice and approved experience in the provision of oral healthcare to adults under the direction and supervision of a dentist, who can attest to competency.

Dental Hygienists and Auxiliaries

Scope of General Dental Hygiene Practice

The scope of practice for dental hygiene is set out in the documented "Detailed Scope of General Dental Hygiene Practice" produced and published from time to time by the Dental Council.

Dental hygiene practice is a subset of the practice of dentistry, and is commensurate with a dental hygienist’s approved education, training and competence.

A dental hygienist’s major role is in the provision of oral health education and the prevention of oral disease to promote healthy oral behaviours. A dental hygienist’s primary task is in prevention and non-surgical treatment of periodontal diseases. A dental hygienist guides patients’ personal care to maintain sound oral tissues as an integral part of their general health.

(2) Clinical guidance means the professional support and assistance provided to a dental therapist by a practising dentist or dental specialist as part of the provision of overall integrated care to the adult patient group. Dental therapists and dentists/specialists normally work from the same premises providing a team approach. Clinical guidance may be provided at a distance but appropriate access must be available to ensure that the dentist or specialist is able to provide guidance and advice, when required and maintain general oversight of the clinical care outcomes of the adult patient group.

(3) These prescribed qualifications will be withdrawn as at 19 September 2004. Thereafter the prescribed qualification for registration in the additional dental therapy scope of adult care will be an accredited qualification in adult dental therapy practice, issued by a New Zealand educational institution.