Oral Health Project

Health Workforce Australia, as requested by the Health Workforce Principal Committee (HWPC), has developed advice on the current scope of practice for dental hygienists, dental therapists and oral health therapists.

The HWA Dental Therapist and Hygienist Role and Scope of Practice Review involved a survey of consumers and practitioners that asked respondents to share their experience of dental services. The survey ran between 11 May and 6 June 2011.

Following completion of the survey, further consultations were held with key stakeholder groups, dental professionals, peak dental bodies, government providers and regulatory bodies and dental education institutions, through meetings, interviews and focus groups.

The consultations, together with the results of the survey and a comprehensive literature review, have informed a Report on the findings.

The HWA Board approved the Report on 21 October for submission to the HWPC.

HWPC will determine and recommend to the Australian Health Ministers Advisory Council (AHMAC) the advice to be provided to the Australian Health Workforce Ministerial Council.