Q & A with our oral health therapist Maviel

In July 2016, Gentle Care Dentistry introduced the services of an Oral Health Therapist (OHT) to the clinic. An OHT is a dual-qualified as a dental hygienist and therapist. Maviel’s role in our dental team is largely focused on preventative care, as well as treatment of dental caries (tooth decay) and gum disease. She is currently available for appointments on Thursday. Please check out our special offer page for limited time introductory offers for you and your kids!

We have asked Maviel to join us for a Q & A to get a better understanding of her role in our clinic:

When did you join our team at Gentle Care Dentistry?

I joined the team in March 2016 as a dental assistant and started to work as an Oral Health Therapist at Gentle Care Dentistry at the end of July.

What did you study at University?

I studied a bachelor of Oral Health at the University of Sydney which is a full-time 3 year degree. Prior to that I also completed another 3 year bachelor degree in Acting for Screen and Stage at Charles Sturt University in Wagga.

What is an Oral Health Therapist and what services do you provide?

An OHT is a dual-qualified dental professional who is part of the dental team providing direct treatment for patients. My services include general cleans, deep cleans (for those with gum disease), polishing, fluoride treatments, x-rays and sealants for all ages. Comprehensive examinations, treatment plans, and fillings for those up to 18 years old. Extractions, pulp therapy and metal crown placements for baby teeth. Having been trained in the most recent and up-to-date techniques has given me an important understanding of approaching oral health from a preventative and minimal intervention perspective. I strive to make it part of my job to provide free oral health advice at every visit for all of my patients.

What ages do you specialise in?

The two strands of my qualifications allow me to work with patients of all ages from the young to the elderly. Although I provide a particular range of treatment and services for those specifically 18 years and younger, I am delighted to work with people of all ages!

What is your role in the clinic in relation to the dentist?

I work under the supervision and guidance of Dr. Yang in order to ensure that we both agree on a specific treatment plan for each patient who I will be treating. In addition to general cleans, the hygiene aspect of my training provided me with particular skills in deep cleaning (under the gums) allowing me to treat patients with periodontal disease (commonly referred to as gum disease).

How often should a patient come and see you?

This is a tricky question to answer. It really depends on a number of factors including the overall risk someone may have in relation to dental caries (tooth decay) or gum disease. Ideally, everyone should make the effort to get regular a dental check every 6-12 months. This helps to prevent problems before they occur or catch them early on. There are many factors in life that can change or affect our oral health. Regular dental visits allow us to keep an eye on how you are going with taking care of your teeth and how we can help you make improvements if need be.

What made you interested in oral health and what is the best thing about your job?

My interest in the dental field first sparked when I began work experience with my orthodontist during high school. However, as I had always had a passion for acting it wasn’t until after completing my first degree at CSU that I began to head in the direction of a career in the dental profession. The best thing about my job is that I get to meet and care for all kinds of people and help them achieve great oral health. I have always been a deeply caring person and I love making a difference to people’s lives.

What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?

My interests include acting, reading, travelling and yoga. Aside from that I love simply spending time with family and friends!