Diagnoses and treats diseases, injuries, irregularities and malformations of teeth and associated structures in the mouth and jaw using surgery and other specialist techniques.

• Diagnoses dental diseases using a range of methods such as radiographs, salivary tests and medical histories; provides restorative oral care such as implants, complex crown and bridge restorations, and orthodontics, and repairs damaged and decayed teeth; provides oral surgical treatments such as biopsy of tissue and prescription of medication; restores oral function with removable and fixed oral prostheses; assists in diagnosing general diseases having oral manifestations such as diabetes; leads a dental team which may comprise dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental assistants and other dental specialists.

• Works indoors in dental and orthodontist surgeries, hospital operating theatres and offices within public or private hospitals and dental practices.
• Works in adequately lit, heated, ventilated and clean, well maintained workspaces and sterile operating theatres with special lighting and equipment.
• Protective clothing and gloves are required.

• Light physical demand.
• Occasionally sits during consultations, procedures and when writing patient notes.
• Stands frequentlyfor long periods of time to conduct dental and surgical procedures. Regularly walks about to check and prepare equipment and materials, view patient notes or photographic images.
• There is an occasional requirement for stretching and reaching during some procedures.
• Occasional pulling may be required for forceful tooth extractions.
• Frequent bending is necessary.
• Occasional repetitive hand and finger movements are required in some dental and surgical procedures, also when using a computer or writing notes.
• There is frequent use of surgical and dental equipment and materials including dental chairs, dental and surgical equipment, anaesthetic equipment and materials, computers, x-ray equipment and screens, mixing machines and materials for fillings, temporary crowns and moulding, dressings, sterilising equipment and materials and uses gowns, masks and gloves and other specialist equipment and materials.
• Mental skills necessary include a high level of cognitive functioning with assessment, technical, surgical, judgement, diagnostic, communication, interpersonal, organisational, problem solving and decision-making capabilities.

• A relevant tertiary qualification (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required.
• Registration or licensing is required.

• There are limited opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited.