Oral Health Therapist

CrossNation Healthcare Partner

Role Snapshot

The Oral Health Therapist (OHT) provides evidence-based preventive and therapeutic oral health care to eligible clients within the scope of practice defined by AHPRA and the Dental Board of Australia. The role focuses on children, adolescents, and adults accessing the Public Dental Service in Mildura, with emphasis on early intervention, prevention, and oral health literacy. The OHT is an integral part of the multidisciplinary public dental team operating within a teaching clinic environment.

What You Will Do

• Provide oral health assessments, treatment planning, and preventive care within the approved scope of an Oral Health Therapist
• Deliver fissure sealants, fluoride applications, scale and clean, oral hygiene instruction, and dietary counselling
• Perform restorations on deciduous and permanent teeth, extractions of deciduous teeth, and pulp therapy within OHT scope
• Take and interpret dental radiographs including bitewing and periapical films
• Apply infection control and sterilisation protocols in accordance with ADA guidelines and DHSV standards
• Develop patient-centred treatment plans ensuring informed consent and clear client communication

Outreach and Health Promotion

• Participate in the DHSV Smile Squad school dental program and community outreach activities
• Deliver oral health education and promotion sessions in schools, early childhood services, and community settings
• Conduct oral health screenings and preventive programs for priority population groups

Teaching Clinic and Teamwork

• Assist with supervision and support of La Trobe University dental and OHT students during supervised practice
• Work collaboratively with Dentists, Dental Assistants, and the broader public dental team
• Participate in dental team meetings, quality improvement activities, and continuing professional development

Operational Responsibilities

• Work within a multidisciplinary model of care and contribute to integrated service delivery
• Collaborate with the Team Leader and Manager to monitor service performance
• Ensure documentation is timely, accurate, and consistent with organisational policy
• Enter data into the client management system to ensure statistical data and invoicing are accurate
• Manage workload and diary to meet service demands and funding targets
• Contribute to a healthy and safe working environment, modelling ethical behaviour and practices
• Operate, adhere to and demonstrate organisational Mission, Vision and Values
• Participate in quality improvement projects, clinical audits, and service evaluation activities
• Other reasonable duties as directed

What Will Help You Succeed

• Strong clinical skills within the Oral Health Therapist scope of practice
• Commitment to preventive oral health and community health principles
• Child-safe, patient-centred approach with excellent communication skills

Desirable Experience

• Experience in a public dental or community health setting
• Experience with school dental programs or community outreach
• Proficiency with TITANIUM or equivalent dental software
• Current driver's licence (desirable for outreach activities)

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor of Oral Health or equivalent as recognised by the Dental Board of Australia – essential
• Current registration with AHPRA as an Oral Health Therapist – essential
• Eligible for membership of the Dental Hygienists Association of Australia (DHAA) or equivalent
• Current Working With Children Check (Employee) – essential
• NDIS Worker Screening Check – required prior to commencement
• Immunisation evidence as per Category A health worker requirements

Skills and Capabilities

• Clinical skills in preventive care, restorations, extractions (deciduous), and pulp therapy within OHT scope
• Strong knowledge of infection control and sterilisation requirements specific to dental services
• Proficiency in dental radiography and interpretation within approved scope
• Excellent communication skills; ability to deliver health education to diverse audiences
• Computer literacy with dental management software and Microsoft Office
• Understanding of NSQHS Standards and child dental benefit scheme guidelines

Personal Attributes

• Compassionate, person-centred approach to care
• Reliable, accountable, and organised
• Culturally sensitive with respect for diverse backgrounds and lived experiences
• Calm under pressure with strong problem-solving ability
• Strong work ethic and commitment to continuous professional development
• Team-oriented, collaborative, and approachable

Compliance and Screening

• National Police Check (mandatory for all staff)
• Working With Children Check – Employee (where applicable)
• NDIS Worker Screening Check (for all client-contact roles)
• Immunisation evidence per Category A health worker requirements
• Proof of identity and AHPRA registration (where applicable)
• Right to work in Australia – citizen, PR, or valid work authorisation

Professional Standards

All registered professionals must comply with AHPRA requirements, relevant professional body Codes of Conduct, and applicable legislation including the OH&S; Act, Privacy Act, Health Records Act, and Public Health and Wellbeing Act.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQA+ individuals, people with disability, mature-age workers, and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

Employment Conditions

Key Responsibilities

• Provide oral health assessments, treatment planning, and preventive care within the approved scope of an Oral Health Therapist
• Deliver fissure sealants, fluoride applications, scale and clean, oral hygiene instruction, and dietary counselling
• Perform restorations on deciduous and permanent teeth, extractions of deciduous teeth, and pulp therapy within OHT scope
• Take and interpret dental radiographs including bitewing and periapical films
• Apply infection control and sterilisation protocols in accordance with ADA guidelines and DHSV standards
• Develop patient-centred treatment plans ensuring informed consent and clear client communication

Requirements & Compliance

• Experience in a public dental or community health setting
• Experience with school dental programs or community outreach
• Proficiency with TITANIUM or equivalent dental software
• Current driver's licence (desirable for outreach activities)
• Bachelor of Oral Health or equivalent as recognised by the Dental Board of Australia – essential
• Current registration with AHPRA as an Oral Health Therapist – essential
• Eligible for membership of the Dental Hygienists Association of Australia (DHAA) or equivalent
• Current Working With Children Check (Employee) – essential
• NDIS Worker Screening Check – required prior to commencement
• Immunisation evidence as per Category A health worker requirements
• Clinical skills in preventive care, restorations, extractions (deciduous), and pulp therapy within OHT scope
• Strong knowledge of infection control and sterilisation requirements specific to dental services
• Proficiency in dental radiography and interpretation within approved scope
• Excellent communication skills; ability to deliver health education to diverse audiences
• Computer literacy with dental management software and Microsoft Office
• Understanding of NSQHS Standards and child dental benefit scheme guidelines