dental care professional

any of several professionals supporting a dentist, formerly referred to as dental auxiliaries and professionals complementary to dentistry. A dental hygienist performs scaling and instruction in oral hygiene under the prescription of the dentist. A dental nurse helps the dentist at the chairside by preparing materials, passing instruments, and aspirating fluids from the patient's mouth. A dental technician constructs dentures, crowns, and orthodontic appliances in the laboratory for the dentist. A clinical dental technician provides dentures directly to patients. A dental therapist performs non-complex treatment under the prescription of a dentist. Dental care professionals are required to be statutorily registered in the UK.