Dentists diagnose and treat diseases, injuries and abnormalities of teeth, gums and other
areas of the mouth and perform procedures to prevent problems.

Dentists may perform the following tasks:

• examine patients' mouths with aids such as X-rays
• plan oral health care with patients
• clean teeth and remove scale
• provide preventive care such as, advice on what to eat and on controlling plaque build up
• repair decayed and broken teeth by using a variety of filling materials
• treat diseases of the gums, tooth nerves and root canals
• perform surgical operations to the mouth, jaws and/or teeth
• administer anaesthetics by injection when necessary to control possible pain experienced by a patients during treatment
• correct irregular teeth and problems of the jaws
• refer patients to dental specialists for further treatment
  

 



To become a dentist, you need a degree in dentistry. To enter a dentistry course you usually need HSC or equivalent, including Mathematics and two of Physics, Chemistry, or Biology. Entry to the degree is very competitive.

After completion of the dental degree, graduates may undertake further study and specialise in one of the following areas of dentistry: Prosthodontists - undertake the advanced restorative treatment of teeth and surrounding tissues by artificial means such as crowns, bridges and dentures. Periodontists - treat diseases of the gums and supporting tissues. Paediatric Dentists - deal with the dental health of children. Orthodontists - straighten teeth for functional and cosmetic reasons. Oral/Maxillofacial Surgeons - surgically treat disease and abnormalities of the teeth and mouth and surgically treat and manage craniofacial problems. Endodontists - diagnose, treat and help to prevent diseases of the root canal and its surrounding tissues.