Who are Oral Health Professionals?

• Dentist – are members of the oral health care team who are trained to provide treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions associated with the teeth, gums and related structures of the head and neck, such as:
  • Diagnosis of oral disease, administer anaesthetic, restorations, pulpal therapy, extractions, and prevention.
• Dental Therapists – are members of the oral health care team who are trained to provide restorative services, disease prevention and oral health promotion programs such as:
  • Taking and developing X-rays, administer local anaesthetic, restorations, pulpal therapy, extractions, oral health education, sealants, fluoride applications, cleaning and polishing of teeth, as well as referrals to other health professionals for services beyond their scope. 
• Registered Dental Hygienist – are members of the oral health care team who are trained in the areas of health promotion, risk assessment, oral cancer screenings, and disease prevention such as:
  • Taking and developing X-rays, oral health education, sealants, fluoride applications, periodontal therapy cleaning (scaling and root planing to remove calculus), polishing, as well as referrals to other health care professionals for services beyond their scope.

How do I find out when an Oral Health Professional is visiting my community next?

• Oral Health Services
• Visiting Dental Services

What do I do if I/my child feel oral pain and who do we contact?

• If you are experiencing tooth pain contact your local health center or Oral Health Professional.
• Do not apply anything directly to the tooth or gums to stop the pain ie: orajel or other over the counter topical tooth relief medications.