A Prosthodontist is a dental specialist focused on the restoration or replacement of teeth, and the associated soft or hard facial tissues, by prostheses. They have advanced training in areas like crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants, veneers, as well as treating temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and problems with bite. Essentially, they are experts in restoring oral function and appearance through artificial substitutes, following trauma, congenital anomaly, oral cancer, major tooth decay, or other significant problems in or associated with the mouth.

Consults with and examines patients; deals with restoring or replacing damaged or missing teeth and surrounding soft or hard tissues using various prosthetic devices; handles complex cases involving multiple missing teeth, severe tooth damage, or TMJ disorders; develops comprehensive treatment plans and coordinates care with other specialists when needed; works with ancillary staff to treat patients; examples of treatments include crowns, bridges, dentures, dental implants, and veneers.

• 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 dental rooms, 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 frequently for long periods of time to conduct dental procedures. Regularly walks about to check and prepare equipment and materials, and view patient notes or photographic images.
• There is an occasional requirement for stretching and reaching.
• Occasional pulling may be required. Frequent bending is required.
• Occasional repetitive hand and finger movements are required in some dental and surgical procedures, also when using ICT devices or writing notes.
• There is frequent use of surgical and dental equipment and materials including: dental chairs; dental instruments/tools; anaesthetic and pain-relief equipment and materials; computers; x-ray and scanner equipment and screens; mixing, milling, or 3D-printing machines and materials; sterilising equipment and materials; and uses gowns, masks, and gloves, and other specialist PPE 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 tertiary qualification in dentistry plus three years of specialised training in an accredited prosthodontic graduate programme (ANZSCO Skill Level 1), registration with the Dental Council of NZ, and a current Annual Practising Certificate. In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required.

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