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It's Dental Health Week - Meet Chanel, Your Oral Health Therapist

dental health week flyerPlaying a critical role in helping patients achieve and maintain healthy and beautiful smiles, Chanel, our Oral Health Therapist, assists them by assessing, diagnosing and treating various oral health conditions. She sees patients of all ages and with issues ranging from gum disease to dental caries. Chanel graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor in Oral Health (BOH). She received multiple awards for her outstanding clinical care.

What to Expect

Chanel

Before you see the dentist, Chanel will:

  • Gather information about the patient, including medical history, oral hygiene routine, current state of oral health, stress levels, lifestyle habits, etc.
  • Do a thorough checkup and gum chart
  • Check all the restorations
  • Take any radiographs
  • Perform an oral cancer screening

“Once we’ve gathered all the information, we will discuss with the patient how they can improve certain aspects of their oral health, and how their lifestyle or general health impacts their oral hygiene and oral health,” said Chanel.

After we do that, Dr Tony Goswell (Dentist) looks at the radiographs, examines the patient and creates, along with Chanel, a personalised treatment plan.

Chanel’s Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

How is an OHT different from a hygienist?

Oral Health Therapists are also registered oral health practitioners who provide primary oral healthcare for children and adults, and are qualified in both dental therapy and dental hygiene. An OHT can also diagnose gum disease, while a hygienist cannot.

Why do I need a checkup and clean before whitening?

If you have cavities or sensitivity caused by a hole, and you have the whitening gel applied, it will be extremely painful. We have to make sure you are in good health before we do any whitening. Plus, if you have cavities, gum disease or bleeding, it inhibits the power of the whitening agent to work.

What do you look for when doing an oral cancer screening?

We look for any lumps, bumps, ulcers, or anything that doesn’t go away within two weeks. If there’s anything that’s not usually there that’s a red flag.

What are signs of gum disease?

As gum disease is more of a silent disease, there aren’t huge signs until it’s quite bad. Some of the common signs include sore, sensitive or profusely bleeding gums, and wobbly teeth.

How should I care for my teeth between checkups?

Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. If you have dexterity issues or want a more thorough clean, consider using an electric toothbrush. When using a manual toothbrush, using one with a smaller head allows you to clean those tough to reach areas.
Take advantage of our New Patient Checkup and Clean offer for just $199. See our Special Offers page for complete details!

Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.

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