Dental auxiliary

Overview
A dental auxiliary is any of the dentist's supporting team who helps with dental treatment. They include dental assistants, dental therapists, dental hygienists and dental technicians. The role of dental auxiliaries is usually limited by regional dental regulations, to help define the boundaries of treatment that can be performed.

Dental assistants
Dental assistants help make dental treatment more efficient, by assisting the dental care provider by holding and passing instruments, by retracting tissues and suctioning to assist better vision of the operating field. They also mix materials and help maintain dental record keeping. Also instrument and equipment sterilization is a major role.

Dental therapists
Dental therapists are licensed dental auxiliaries in some countries, who specialize in treating children's teeth and oral hygiene. Local dental regulations determine the duties therapists are able to perform. Typically, therapists under the prescription of a dentist are licensed to examine children's teeth, administer restricted techniques of local anesthesia, take radiographs, provide sealants, scaling and cleaning in children. Also restoring primary teeth and vital pulp treatments such as pulpotomies.

Dental hygienists
Dental hygienists are licensed dental auxiliaries who specialize in preventive dental care, typically but not limited to focusing on techniques in oral hygiene. Local dental regulations determine the duties hygienists are able to perform. In most jurisdictions, hygienists work for a dentist, and are licensed to administer restricted techniques of local anesthesia. Also radiographs, sealants, scaling, root planing and cleaning are common procedures performed by dental hygienists.

Dental technicians
Dental technicians are dental auxiliaries who fabricates dental appliances such as removable prothesis including dentures, and fixed restorative work such as crown and bridges for the dental operator to insert.