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 preventative oral health care such as periodontal treatments, fluoride applications and oral health promotion; provides restorative oral care such as implants, complex crown and bridge restorations, and orthodontics, and repairs damaged and decayed teeth; performs routine orthodontic treatment.

• 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, view patient notes or photographic images.
• Occasional requirement for stretching and reaching may be required for some procedures.
• Occasional pulling may be required for forceful tooth extractions.
• Frequent bending is required.
• 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 equipment, anaesthetic equipment and materials, computers, x-ray equipment and screens, mixing machines and materials for fillings and temporary crowns, 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 opportunities for flexibility of movement but they are limited