NOTICE OF SCOPES OF PRACTICE AND RELATED QUALIFICATIONS
PRESCRIBED BY THE DENTAL COUNCIL
The Dental Council will assume its full responsibilities under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance (HPCA) Act 2003 on 18 September 2004. This notice will take effect from this date.
Pursuant to section 11(1) of the HPCA Act 2003 the Dental Council specifies the following scopes of practice:
Dentists
Scope of Practice for General Dental Practice
The scope of practice for general dental practice is the practice of dentistry as set out in the documented "Detailed Scope of Practice for General Dental Practice" produced and published from time to time by the Dental Council.
It involves the maintenance of health through the assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment and prevention of any disease, disorder or condition of the orofacial complex and associated structures within the scope of the practitioner's approved education, training and competence.
Prescribed Qualifications
À Bachelor of Dental Surgery, University of Otago; or
À An Australian Dental Council (ADC) accredited undergraduate dental degree from an ADC accredited dental school in Australia and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination; or
À A Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited undergraduate dental degree from a CDA-accredited dental school in the USA or Canada and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination; or
À A General Dental Council (GDC) accredited undergraduate dental degree from a GDC accredited dental school in the UK, or Commonwealth as listed below and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination
Dental School Expiry dateof recognition
Western Cape 31/12/1997
Hong Kong 31/12/2000
Singapore 31/12/1999
Witwatersrand 31/12/2000
Pretoria 31/12/2000
Stellenbosch 31/12/2000
Medical University of South Africa 31/12/2000
Malaya 31/12/2000; or
À A five-year undergraduate dental degree; a pass in the New Zealand Dental Registration Examinations and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination; or
À A five-year undergraduate dental degree; a pass in the Australian Dental Council licensing examinations and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination; or
À A five-year undergraduate dental degree; a pass in the USA licensing examinations and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination.
SPECIALIST SCOPES OF PRACTICE
Scope of Practice for Endodontic Specialists
Endodontic Specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the morphology and pathology of the pulpo-dentine complex and periradicular tissues. Its study and practice encompasses the basic clinical sciences including the biology of the normal pulp, and the aetiology, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and injuries to the pulp and associated periradicular tissues.
Specialist Endodontics is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Prescribed Qualifications
À MDS (Endodontics) University of Otago
À An ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent degree in Endodontics from an ADC accredited dental school in Australia and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination; or
À Two years or more of full time equivalent postgraduate training in the specialty at a recognised tertiary academic institution or equivalent; evidence of research activity;
a pass in the New Zealand Endodontic Specialist Examination and a pass in the
New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination.
Scope of Practice for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialists
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialists practise in that part of surgery which deals with the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects of the human jaws and associated structures.
Specialist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Prescribed Qualifications
À MDS/MBChB (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) University of Otago; or
À An ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery from an ADC accredited Australian University; a medical degree from a medical school listed in the WHO World Directory of Medical Schools or the ECFMG Faimer Directory and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination; or
À Registration in oral and maxillofacial surgery with the General Medical Council, UK and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination; or
À Board certification in oral and maxillofacial surgery in a USA or Canadian state and possession of a medical degree from a medical school listed in the WHO World Directory of Medical Schools or the ECFMG Faimer Directory and dental degree and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination; or
À Two years or more of full time equivalent postgraduate training in the specialty at a recognised tertiary academic institution or equivalent; evidence of research activity; a pass in the New Zealand Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Specialist Examination and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination.
Scope of Practice for Oral Medicine Specialists
Oral Medicine Specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the oral health care of patients with chronic and medically related disorders of the oral and maxillofacial region, and with their diagnosis and non-surgical management.
Specialist Oral Medicine is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Prescribed Qualifications
À MDS/MBChB (Oral Medicine) University of Otago; or
À An ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent degree in Oral Medicine from an ADC accredited dental school in Australia; a medical degree from a medical school listed in the WHO World Directory of Medical Schools or the ECFMG Faimer Directory and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination; or
À Two years or more of full time equivalent postgraduate training in the specialty at a recognised tertiary academic institution or equivalent; evidence of research activity;
a pass in the New Zealand Oral Medicine Specialist Examination and a pass in the
New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination.
Scope of Practice for Oral Pathology Specialists
Oral Pathology Specialists practise in the branch of pathology which deals with that nature of diseases affecting the oral, maxillofacial and adjacent regions.
Specialist Oral Pathology is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Prescribed Qualifications
À MDS (Oral Pathology) University of Otago; or
À An ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent degree in Oral Pathology from an ADC accredited dental school in Australia and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination; or
À Two years or more of full time equivalent postgraduate training in the specialty at a recognised tertiary academic institution or equivalent; evidence of research activity;
a pass in the New Zealand Oral Pathology Specialist Examination and a pass in the
New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination.
Scope of Practice for Oral Surgery Specialists
Oral Surgery Specialists practise in the branch of dentistry concerned with the diagnosis and surgical management of conditions affecting the oral and dento-alveolar tissues.
Specialist Oral Surgery is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Prescribed Qualifications
À Specialist registration as an Oral Surgeon with the Dental Council as at 18/9/04.
Scope of Practice for Orthodontic Specialists
Orthodontic Specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the supervision, guidance and correction of the growing and mature dentofacial structures and includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception and treatment of all forms of malocclusion of the teeth and associated alterations in their surrounding structures.
Specialist Orthodontics is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Prescribed Qualifications
À MDS (Orthodontics) University of Otago; or
À An ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent degree in Orthodontics from an ADC accredited dental school in Australia and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination; or
À Two years or more of full time equivalent postgraduate training in the specialty at a recognised tertiary academic institution or equivalent; evidence of research activity; a pass in the New Zealand Orthodontic Specialist Examination and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination.
Scope of Practice for Paediatric Dentistry Specialists
Paediatric Dentistry Specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with oral health care for children from birth through to adolescence. It includes management of orofacial problems related to medical, behavioural, physical or developmental disabilities. It may include management of adults with special needs.
Specialist Paediatric Dentistry is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Prescribed Qualifications
À MDS (Paediatric Dentistry) University of Otago; or
À An ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent degree in Paediatric Dentistry from an ADC accredited dental school in Australia and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination; or
À Two years or more of full time equivalent postgraduate training in the specialty at a recognised tertiary academic institution or equivalent; evidence of research activity; a pass in the New Zealand Paediatric Dentistry Specialist Examination and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination.
Scope of Practice for Periodontic Specialists
Periodontic Specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases or abnormalities of the supporting tissues of the teeth or their substitutes.
Specialist Periodontics is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Prescribed Qualifications
À MDS (Periodontics) University of Otago; or
À An ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent degree in Periodontics from an ADC accredited dental school in Australia and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination; or
À Two years or more of full time equivalent postgraduate training in the specialty at a recognised tertiary academic institution or equivalent; evidence of research activity;
a pass in the New Zealand Periodontic Specialist Examination and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination.
Scope of Practice for Prosthodontic Specialists
Prosthodontic Specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of patients with a range of clinical conditions involving missing or deficient teeth and/or craniofacial tissues, using biocompatible substitutes
Specialist Prosthodontics is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Prescribed Qualifications
À MDS (Prosthodontics) University of Otago; or
À An ADC accredited MDS or MDSc or DClinDent degree in Prosthodontics from an ADC accredited dental school in Australia and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination; or
À Certificate in Prosthodontics from a three year programme CDA accredited dental school in the USA or Canada; evidence of research activity and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination; or
À Two years or more of full time equivalent postgraduate training in the specialty at a recognised tertiary academic institution or equivalent; evidence of research activity;
a pass in the New Zealand Prosthodontic Specialist Examination and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination.
Scope of Practice for Public Health Dentistry (or Community Dentistry) Specialists
Dental Public Health (Community) Specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with science and art of preventing oral disease, promoting oral health and improving the quality of life through the organised efforts of society.
(N.B. Existing specialists may apply to the Council to retain the previous title if they wish)
Specialist Public Health (Community) Dentistry is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Prescribed Qualifications
À MComDent University of Otago; or
À An ADC accredited MDS or MDSc degree in Public Health Dentistry from an ADC accredited dental school in Australia and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination; or
À Two years or more of full time equivalent postgraduate training in the specialty at a recognised tertiary academic institution or equivalent; evidence of research activity; a pass in the New Zealand Public Health Dentistry Specialist Examination and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination.
Scope of Practice for Restorative Dentistry Specialists
Restorative Dentistry Specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with dental procedures in the dentulous or partially edentulous mouth. This may include operative, endodontic, periodontic, orthodontic and prosthetic procedures.
Specialist Restorative Dentistry is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Prescribed Qualifications
À Specialist registration as a Restorative Dentist with the Dental Council as at 18/9/04.

Scope of Practice for Special Needs Dentistry Specialists
(a) Special Needs Dentistry Specialists practise in the branch of dentistry that is concerned with the oral health care of people adversely affected by intellectual disability, medical, physical or psychiatric issues.
(NB special needs specialists who wish to identify their particular expertise in hospital dentistry can apply to the Council to use the specialist title "Special Needs Dentistry (Hospital)").
Specialist Special Needs Dentistry is undertaken by a dental practitioner who possesses additional postgraduate qualifications, training and experience recognised by the Council as appropriate for registration.
Prescribed Qualifications
À MDS (Special Needs) University of Otago; or
À Two years or more of full time equivalent postgraduate training in the specialty at a recognised tertiary academic institution or equivalent; evidence of research activity; a pass in the New Zealand Special Needs Dentistry Specialist Examination and a pass in the New Zealand Conditions of Practice Examination.
Dental Therapists
Scope of General Dental Therapy Practice
The scope of practice for dental therapists is set out in the documented "Detailed Scope of General Dental Therapy Practice" produced and published from time to time by the Dental Council.
Dental therapy practice is a subset of the practice of dentistry, and is commensurate with a dental therapist's approved education, training and competence.
Dental therapists provide oral health assessment, treatment, management and prevention services for children and adolescents up to age 18. Disease prevention and oral health promotion and maintenance are core activities.
Dental therapists and dentists have a consultative working relationship, which is documented in an agreement between the parties.
Prescribed Qualifications
À Certificate in Dental Therapy (issued by the Department of Health or a New Zealand educational institution) and approved experience in the provision of dental therapy services within the scope of dental therapy practice; or
À Diploma in Dental Therapy (issued by a New Zealand educational institution); or
À Bachelor of Health Sciences (Endorsement in Dental Therapy), University of Otago; or
À Bachelor of Health Sciences (Dental Therapy), AUT; or
À Undergraduate dental therapy degree or diploma from an Australian Dental Council accredited educational programme; or
À A pass in the DCNZ Dental Therapy Registration Examination.
ADDITIONAL SCOPES OF PRACTICE FOR DENTAL THERAPY PRACTICE
Scope for Pulpotomies in Dental Therapy Practice
Performing pulpotomies on primary teeth
Prescribed Qualifications
À Certificate in Dental Therapy (issued by the Department of Health or a New Zealand educational institution); registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice; approved experience in the provision of dental therapy services within the scope of dental therapy practice; and evidence of successful completion of the University
of Otago training module in pulpotomies; or
À Diploma in Dental Therapy (issued by a New Zealand educational institution); registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice and evidence of successful completion of the University of Otago training module in pulpotomies; or
À Diploma in Dental Therapy, University of Otago and registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice; or
À Bachelor of Health Sciences (Endorsement in Dental Therapy), University of Otago and registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice; or
À Bachelor of Health Sciences (Dental Therapy), AUT and registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice.
Scope for Radiography in Dental Therapy Practice
Taking periapical and bitewing radiographs
Prescribed Qualifications
À Certificate in Dental Therapy (issued by the Department of Health or a New Zealand educational institution); registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice; approved experience in the provision of dental therapy services within the scope of dental therapy practice; and an exemption certificate issued by the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board current as at 18/09/04; or
À Certificate in Dental Therapy (issued by the Department of Health or a New Zealand educational institution); registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice; approved experience in the provision of dental therapy services within the scope of dental therapy practice and evidence of successful completion of one of the following radiography training courses:
- Radiography for Dental Therapists, Canterbury District Health Board
- Dental Radiography Training Programme, Auckland Regional Dental Service
- Dental Radiography Training Module, Waikato District Health Board
- Dental Radiography Training Module, Otago District Health Board
- Dental Radiography Course, Hutt Valley District Health Board
- Dental Radiography Course, Department of Health
- Dental Radiography Course, Massey
- Radiography for Dental Therapists, Wellington Polytechnic; or
À Diploma in Dental Therapy (issued by a New Zealand educational institution); registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice and an exemption certificate issued by the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board current as at 18/09/04; or
À Diploma in Dental Therapy (issued by a New Zealand educational institution); registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice and evidence of successful completion of one of the following radiography training courses:
- Radiography for Dental Therapists, Canterbury District Health Board
- Dental Radiography Training Course, Auckland Regional Dental Service
- Dental Radiography Training Module, Waikato District Health Board
- Dental Radiography Training Module, Otago District Health Board
- Dental Radiography Course, Hutt Valley District Health Board
- Dental Radiography Course, Department of Health
- Dental Radiography Course, Massey
- Radiography for Dental Therapists, Wellington Polytechnic; or
À Diploma in Dental Therapy, University of Otago and registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice; or
À Bachelor of Health Sciences (Endorsement in Dental Therapy), University of Otago and registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice; or
À Bachelor of Health Sciences (Dental Therapy), AUT and registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice.
Scope for Diagnostic Radiography in Dental Therapy Practice
Taking and interpreting periapical and bitewing radiographs
Prescribed Qualifications
À Certificate in Dental Therapy (issued by the Department of Health or a New Zealand educational institution); registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice; approved experience in the provision of dental therapy services within the scope of dental therapy practice; evidence of successful completion of a radiography training course or an exemption certificate issued by the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board current as at 18/09/04; and approved experience in interpreting periapical and bitewing radiographs under the direction and supervision of a dentist who can attest to competency; or
À Diploma in Dental Therapy (issued by a New Zealand educational institution); registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice; evidence of successful completion of a radiography training course or an exemption certificate issued by the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board current as at 18/09/04 and approved experience in interpreting periapical and bitewing radiographs under the direction and supervision of a dentist who can attest to competency; or
À Diploma in Dental Therapy, University of Otago and registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice; or
À Bachelor of Health Sciences (Endorsement in Dental Therapy), University of Otago and registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice; or
À Bachelor of Health Sciences (Dental Therapy), AUT and registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice.
Scope for Stainless Steel Crowns in Dental Therapy Practice
Preparing teeth for, and placing stainless steel crowns on primary teeth
Prescribed Qualifications
À Certificate in Dental Therapy (issued by the Department of Health or a New Zealand educational institution); registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice; approved experience in the provision of dental therapy services within the scope of dental therapy practice; and; and evidence of successful completion of the University of Otago or AUT training module in stainless steel crowns; or
À Diploma in Dental Therapy (issued by a New Zealand educational institution); registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice and evidence of successful completion of the University of Otago or AUT training module in stainless steel crowns; or
À Diploma in Dental Therapy, University of Otago and registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice; or
À Bachelor of Health Sciences (Endorsement in Dental Therapy), University of Otago and registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice; or
À Bachelor of Health Sciences (Dental Therapy), AUT and registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice.

Scope for Adult Care in Dental Therapy Practice
Providing care to adult patients within the general dental therapy scope of practice (and /or any additional scope) in a team situation with clinical guidance provided by a practising dentist/s.
Prescribed Qualifications
À Certificate in Dental Therapy (issued by the Department of Health or a New Zealand educational institution); registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice and approved experience in the provision of oral healthcare to adults under the direction and supervision of a dentist, who can attest to competency; or
À Diploma in Dental Therapy (issued by a New Zealand educational institution); registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice and approved experience in the provision of oral healthcare to adults under the direction and supervision of a dentist, who can attest to competency; or
À Bachelor of Health Sciences (Endorsement in Dental Therapy), University of Otago; registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice and approved experience in the provision of oral healthcare to adults under direction and supervision of a dentist, who can attest to competency; or
À Bachelor of Health Sciences (Dental Therapy), AUT; registration in the Scope of General Dental Therapy practice and approved experience in the provision of oral healthcare to adults under the direction and supervision of a dentist, who can attest to competency.
Dental Hygienists and Auxiliaries
Scope of General Dental Hygiene Practice
The scope of practice for dental hygiene is set out in the documented "Detailed Scope of General Dental Hygiene Practice" produced and published from time to time by the Dental Council.
Dental hygiene practice is a subset of the practice of dentistry, and is commensurate with a dental hygienist's approved education, training and competence.
A dental hygienist's major role is in the provision of oral health education and the prevention of oral disease to promote healthy oral behaviours. A dental hygienist's primary task is in prevention and non-surgical treatment of periodontal diseases. A dental hygienist guides patients' personal care to maintain sound oral tissues as an integral part of their general health.
Dental hygienists practise in a team situation with clinical guidance provided by a practising dentist or dental specialist.
Prescribed Qualifications
À Certificate in Dental Hygiene issued by Otago Polytechnic and approved experience in the provision of oral health services within the scope of dental hygiene practice; or
À New Zealand Defence Force training programme in Dental Hygiene and approved experience in the provision of oral health services within the scope of dental hygiene practice; or
À New Zealand Dental Association Operating Auxiliaries Course and hold a prescribed qualification for the Scope of General Dental Therapy and a minimum of 600 clinical hours' experience subsequent to 1 July 2001 in the provision of oral health services within the scope of dental hygiene practice ; or
À Diploma in Dental Hygiene issued by a New Zealand educational institution; or
À Bachelor of Health Science (Endorsement in Dental Hygiene), University of Otago; or
À Bachelor of Dental Surgery, University of Otago and a minimum of 600 clinical hours experience subsequent to 1 July 2001 in the provision of oral health services within the scope of dental hygiene practice ; or
À Undergraduate dental hygiene degree or diploma from an Australian Dental Council accredited educational institution; or
À A pass in the DCNZ Dental Hygiene Registration Examination.
Scope of Dental Auxiliary Practice
The scope of practice for dental auxiliaries is set out in the documented "Detailed Scope of Dental Auxiliary Practice" produced and published from time to time by the Dental Council.
Dental auxiliary practice is a subset of the practice of dental hygiene and is commensurate with the dental auxiliary's approved training, experience and competence.
Dental auxiliary practice involves prevention of oral health disease through the application of non-prescription preventive agents to the teeth; oral health education and promotion; and treatment of oral health disease through the removal of plaque and calculus.
Dental auxiliaries practise under the direct clinical supervision of a dentist who is present on the premises at which the work is carried out and who has completed an initial periodontal examination on the patient concerned and who is responsible for patient's clinical care outcomes.
This interim scope has been gazetted to provide for non-hygiene qualified practitioners, who have been practising dental hygiene up until 18 September 2004, to continue to practise. The Dental Council intends to revoke this scope of practice by 18 September 2009.
Prescribed Qualification
À A minimum of 600 clinical hours' experience subsequent to 1 July 2001 in the provision of oral health services within the scope of dental auxiliary practice, under the direction and supervision of a dentist or dental specialist who can attest to competency.
Scope for Orthodontic Auxiliary Practice
The scope of practice for orthodontic auxiliaries is set out in the documented "Detailed Scope of Orthodontic Auxiliary Practice" produced and published from time to time by the Dental Council.
Orthodontic auxiliary practice is a subset of the practice of dentistry, and is commensurate with an orthodontic auxiliary's approved training, experience and competence.
Orthodontic Auxiliaries practise under the direct clinical supervision of a dentist or orthodontist who is present on the premises at which the work is carried out, who has prepared a treatment plan for the patient concerned and who is responsible for patient's clinical care outcomes.
Orthodontic auxiliaries assist the dentist or orthodontist in implementing orthodontic treatment through performing such orthodontic procedures as taking impressions and making study models, inserting and removing some orthodontic appliances, preparing teeth for bonding, removing bonding composite and banding cement and providing oral health education and advice on the care and maintenance of orthodontic appliances.
Prescribed Qualifications
À A minimum of 600 clinical hours' experience subsequent to 1 July 2001 in the provision of oral health services within the scope of orthodontic auxiliary practice, under the direction and supervision of a dentist or dental specialist who can attest to competency.
ADDITIONAL SCOPES OF PRACTICE FOR DENTAL HYGIENE AND AUXILIARY PRACTICE
Scope for Administering Local Anaesthetic in Dental Hygiene Practice
Administration of local anaesthetic using dentoalveolar infiltration and inferior dental nerve block techniques under the direct clinical supervision of a dentist or specialist who is present on the premises at which the work is carried out
Prescribed Qualifications
À Bachelor of Health Science (Endorsement in Dental Hygiene), University of Otago and registration in the Scope of Dental Hygiene Practice; or
À Approved experience in the provision of local anaesthetic within the general dental therapy or general dental scope of practice and registration in the Scope of Dental Hygiene Practice; or
À A pass in the DCNZ Dental Hygiene Registration Examination (Local Anaesthesia) and registration in the Scope of Dental Hygiene Practice.
Scope for Undertaking Orthodontic Procedures in Dental Hygiene Practice
Dental hygienists with approved training, experience and competence in orthodontic procedures assist the dentist or orthodontist in implementing orthodontic treatment plans through performing such orthodontic procedures as taking impressions and making study models, inserting, and removing some orthodontic appliances, preparing teeth for bonding, removing bonding composite and banding cement and providing oral health education and advice on the care and maintenance of orthodontic appliances.
Dental hygienists who undertake orthodontic procedures do so under the clinical guidance of a dentist or orthodontist who has prepared a treatment plan for the patient concerned and is responsible for the patient's clinical care outcomes.
The procedures involve:
À Oral hygiene instruction, care and maintenance of orthodontic appliances
À Taking clinical photographs for records
À Making study models including taking impressions and bite records
À Pre banding polishing of teeth
À Removing and placing arch wires as formed by the orthodontist
À Removing composite/band cement following removal of fixed appliances
À Removing O rings
À De-bonding and de-banding fixed appliances
À Replacing loose bands
Prescribed Qualifications
À Bachelor of Health Science (Endorsement in Dental Hygiene), University of Otago, conferred from 2002 and registration in the Scope of Dental Hygiene Practice; or
À Diploma in Dental Hygiene, University of Otago conferred from 2002 and registration in the Scope of Dental Hygiene Practice; or
À Diploma in Dental Hygiene, University of Otago conferred before 2002; registration in the Scope of Dental Hygiene Practice and a minimum of 150 clinical hours experience subsequent to 1 July 2001 in the provision of oral health services within the scope of Orthodontic Procedures in Dental Hygiene Practice, under the direction and supervision of a dentist or dental specialist who can attest to competency ; or
À Certificate in Dental Hygiene issued by Otago Polytechnic of New Zealand; registration in the Scope of Dental Hygiene Practice and a minimum of 150 clinical hours experience subsequent to 1 July 2001 in the provision of oral health services within the scope of Orthodontic Procedures in Dental Hygiene Practice, under the direction and supervision of a dentist or dental specialist who can attest to competency ; or
À New Zealand Defence Force training programme in Dental Hygiene; registration in the Scope of Dental Hygiene Practice and a minimum of 150 clinical hours experience subsequent to 1 July 2001 in the provision of oral health services within the scope of Orthodontic Procedures in Dental Hygiene Practice, under the direction and supervision of a dentist or dental specialist who can attest to competency .
Scope for Intra Oral Radiography in Dental Hygiene, Dental Auxiliary and Orthodontic Auxiliary Practice
Taking periapical and bitewing radiographs for the purpose of recognising disease of the periodontium.
Prescribed Qualifications
À Diploma in Dental Hygiene conferred by a New Zealand educational institution and registration in the Scope of Dental Hygiene Practice; or
À Bachelor of Health Science (Endorsement in Dental Hygiene), University of Otago and registration in the Scope of Dental Hygiene Practice; or
À Certificate in Dental Hygiene issued by Otago Polytechnic and approved experience in the provision of oral health services within the scope of intra-oral radiography and registration in the Scope of Dental Hygiene Practice; or
À New Zealand Defence Force training programme in Dental Hygiene and approved experience in the provision of oral health services within the scope of intra-oral radiography and registration in the Scope of Dental Hygiene Practice; or
À Undergraduate dental hygiene degree or diploma from an Australian Dental Council accredited educational institution and registration in the Scope of Dental Hygiene Practice; or
À A pass in the DCNZ Dental Hygiene Registration Examination (intra oral radiography) and registration in the Scope of Dental Hygiene Practice; or
À An exemption certificate for intra oral radiography issued by the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB) current as at 18 September 2004 and registration in the Scope of Dental Hygiene Practice or Scope of Dental Auxiliary Practice or the Scope of Orthodontic Auxiliary Practice.

Scope for Extra Oral Radiography Practice in Dental Hygiene, Dental Auxiliary and Orthodontic Auxiliary Practice
Taking extra oral radiographs
Prescribed Qualifications
À An exemption certificate for extra oral radiography issued by the New Zealand Medical Radiation Technologists Board current as at 18 September 2004 and registration in the Scope of Dental Hygiene Practice or Scope of Dental Auxiliary Practice or Scope of Orthodontic Auxiliary Practice; or
À New Zealand Defence Force training programme in Dental Hygiene and approved experience in the provision of oral health services within the scope of extra-oral radiography and registration in the Scope of Dental Hygiene Practice; or
À An approved extra oral radiography training course; or
À A pass in the DCNZ Dental Hygiene Examination (extra oral radiography) and registration in the Scope of Dental Hygiene Practice or Scope of Dental Auxiliary Practice or Scope of Orthodontic Auxiliary Practice.
Dental Technicians
Scope for Dental Technology Practice
Dental Technology practice is a subset of the practice of dentistry, and is commensurate with a Dental Technician's approved education, training and competence.
It involves processes and procedures associated with the design, manufacture and repair of fixed and removable oral and extra-oral appliances and prostheses prescribed by a practising dental specialist, dentist, clinical dental technician, medical practitioner or other practising health practitioner.
The working relationship between dental technicians and prescribing practising health practitioners is to be set out in the relevant Dental Council Code of Practice.
Prescribed Qualifications
À Diploma in Dental Technology (issued by a New Zealand educational institution) and commenced prior to 18 September 2004; or
À Bachelor of Dental Technology (University of Otago); or
À Overseas qualification as a Dental Technician from a course equivalent to 3 years minimum full time study, plus a pass in the New Zealand Dental Technicians Registration Examination.
Scope for Clinical Dental Technology Practice
The scope of practice for clinical dental technicians is set out in the documented "Detailed Scope for Clinical Dental Technology Practice" produced and published from time to time by the Dental Council.
Clinical Dental Technology practice is a subset of the practice of dentistry, and is commensurate with a Clinical Dental Technician's approved education, training and competence.
It involves the scope of practice for Dental Technicians, plus the fitting of complete removable dentures and the fitting of some other types of removable dentures and oral and extra oral appliances under specific conditions - as set out in the detailed scope of practice.
The working relationship between dental technicians and prescribing practising health practitioners is to be set out in the relevant Dental Council Code of Practice.
Prescribed Qualifications
Registration in the dental technology scope of practice and
- Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dental Technology, University of Otago; or
- Master of Health Science (Endorsement in Clinical Dental Technology), University of Otago

Dated at Wellington this 16th day of August 2004
JANET EDEN, Registrar, Dental Council