What does my qualification mean?-With Glenys Shelton
This months Dentistry in Focus Article (for July 2014) is written by our Dental Oral Health Therapist and Hygienist Glenys Shelton and answer one the most common questions asked of her, what does her qualification/title actually mean?
Most people have never heard of this title. I would like to clarify just what a Oral Health Therapist/Hygienist does. My degree concentrated on two things:
- dental treatment for children and young adults in general dental treatment (Dental Oral Health Therapy),
- and concentrating on the prevention and treatment of gum issues(Dental Hygiene).
This is a dual qualification, requiring a three year university degree course. I completed this course at La Trobe University here in Bendigo.
Being a qualified Dental Oral Therapist allows me to treat children and young adults 25 and under for:
- All examinations on teeth and gums,
- Dental cleans (Scale and Polish – removing calculus and stains),
- Oral hygiene instruction (including reviews of tooth brushing and flossing techniques),
- Root Planing,
- X-Rays,
- Impressions for mouth guards, tooth whitening and study models,
- Fillings and Fissure Seals including fixing most broken teeth,
- Pulpotomies and stainless steel crowns,
- Extractions (deciduous/baby teeth),
- Fluoride treatments,
- Some orthodontic procedures and referrals,
- Health promotion in kindergartens and schools.
Being a qualified Dental Hygienist, I like to educate a preventative method to control oral diseases. I diagnose the nature and severity of periodontal or gum disease in patients of all ages, treating or referring to specialists if required. Promoting oral health is the main part of my job. I also like to promote and educate oral health in schools, kindergartens and aged care facilities.
The following treatment I can provide to any age group:
- Dental cleans (Scale and Polish – removing calculus and stains),
- Oral Hygiene Instruction,
- Root Planing,
- X-Rays,
- Impressions for mouth guards, tooth whitening and study models,
- Some orthodontic procedures and referrals,
- Fluoride Treatments.
I have also completed a post graduate course enabling me to do tooth whitening (internal and external).
Working with children requires a lot of patience and a calm, friendly attitude. I have 2 adult children, 3 grandchildren and I have previously worked in childcare. My experience has provided me with many skills to handle children of all personalities, as well as children with special needs.
I hope to inspire confidence and encourage a positive attitude to all aspects of dental treatment.
About the Author
Dental Oral Health Therapist and Hygienist Glenys Shelton is one of the longest serving members of staff works across both practices for Robertson Dental Innovations. She is available for appointments weekdays except for Tuesdays. Due to the amount of children seen by Glenys it is suggest to book early for school holiday or after school appointments as these are her most popular appointment times.
