Dental Therapists
Dental therapists are recognized oral healthcare providers in over 23 countries in the world. In Canada, dental therapy was created to assist at-home/on-reserve First Nations individuals to maintain their oral health through in-community education, health promotion and the delivery of preventative and therapeutic services.
BC dental therapists are employed by FNHA and registered by the College of Dental Surgeons of BC. They deliver a range of preventative and treatment-focused oral health services under the supervision of a dentist including:
- dental care such as routine check-ups, oral cancer examinations and emergency examinations
- preventative services, including teeth cleaning, polishing, fluoride applications, pit and fissure sealants and individualized client-centered education and product recommendations
- restoration of teeth affected by tooth decay
- extractions
- root canal treatments for babies
- referral to dentists and other healthcare professionals as needed
- oral health promotion activities
Service Delivery
The Dental Therapy Program increases access to care in First Nations and Inuit communities, particularly in remote and isolated locations, by offering oral healthcare services.
Children’s Oral Health Initiative (COHI)
Some dental therapists also play a key role in communities with the Children’s Oral Health Initiative (COHI) program, in addition to the other services they provide.
