What is a Dental Prosthetist?
Dental prosthetists work as independent practitioners in the assessment, treatment, management and provision of removable dentures, and flexible removable mouthguards used for sporting activities.
Dental prosthetists are registered nationally with the Dental Board of Australia, the same board that registers dentists, dental hygienists, dental therapists, dental and oral health therapists and dental specialists. They are subject to the same registration requirements, guidelines and codes of practice as other members of the dental team.
Dental prosthetists have been active members of the oral health workforce for many years, and are engaged in the public and private sectors. They also often work as part of the wider dental team alongside general dentists and dental specialists such as prosthodontists, encompassing referral arrangements for the treatment and manufacture of implant retained overdentures, immediate dentures and splints and anti-snoring devices.
Dental prosthetists provide services for patients through private billing arrangements, often supported by private health insurers. They also service patients accessing benefits from the Department of Veterans' Affairs and individual state based denture schemes.
When you are placed in the care of a dental prosthetist you can be secure in the knowledge that you are being looked after by a dental practitioner with the most comprehensive knowledge of advanced techniques, new materials and the latest world trends in the field of dental prosthetics.
What are the benefits to me?
Referrals from a dentist or doctor are not necessary, but are welcome. Your dental prosthetist will design, make and fit your new dentures or sporting mouth guard.
Your dental prosthetist will also review, maintain, repair and reline dentures as required in direct consultation with you.
Your dental prosthetist will advise and assist you in all relevant aspects of your treatment and where necessary can liaise with referring practitioners such as your GP, dentist or dental specialist.
Will they save me time?
Your dental prosthetist is the one who personally constructs your dentures, so there is no middle man to deal with. Every mouth is unique and requires personalised attention to enable denture design that will suit your individual situation.
Small details, such as the little space you may require between the front teeth or the position of a particular tooth are not lost in translation to another person.
When do I need a Dental Prosthetist?
Dentures, like natural teeth, need regular care and maintenance. You should make an appointment to consult your dental prosthetist if your present dentures are more than 12 months old, causing you any discomfort or if it has been 12 months since you have seen a DP or dentists in relation to your dentures.
Your dental prosthetist will perform an examination of your dentures and mouth and provide you with an assessment of the treatment needed and the costs involved. Dentures must be assessed regularly to ensure proper function and satisfactory health of your mouth.
How important are dentures to my health?
The digestive system begins in the mouth. Teeth, or their artificial replacements, are important because they start the process of digestion by breaking up food into smaller pieces and mixing it with saliva. If we don't have enough teeth or a replacement for natural teeth this process can be impaired and our digestion can suffer.
Can I claim from a Health Fund?
Dental prosthetist’s are registered health care providers and as such are acknowledged as providers of denture services by every health fund in Australia. You can claim a rebate from your health fund for most services performed by a dental prosthetist.
It is advisable to check the amount of your rebate with your fund before commencing your treatment. Many dental prosthetist‘s now offer the convenience of direct electronic health fund claims for their patients.
Many dental prosthetists are also providers for Department of Veteran Affairs or state denture schemes.
What other services do dental prosthetists provide?
Dental prosthetists are also skilled at providing custom sports mouth guards to protect natural teeth. Many people are not aware that the cost of the mouth guard can be claimed from their health fund.
As an integral part of the dental team, many dental prosthetists now practice in conjunction with a dentist or dental specialist, so are able to provide access to the full range of dental services including implants for dentures and immediate dentures. Your dental prosthetist will refer you to the appropriate team member as required so you can be confident when you place your trust in a dental prosthetist.