Choosing the right career path is a crucial decision with long-lasting implications. It is a choice that shapes your future, making it essential to make an informed and thoughtful decision.
Over the next few weeks, The African Reporter will engage with business professionals and role players, spotlighting a different career field each week.
Through this series, we aim to provide valuable guidance to our younger readers as they navigate their career options. This week, we turn the spotlight on the career of a dental therapist.
A calling rooted in comion
Gugulethu Mazibuko has been a dental therapist for the past 28 years.
“My ion for serving others and providing beautiful smiles at an affordable price to the financially disadvantaged led me to this career. I believe, for me, this was a calling. One must have love and comion for those who are disadvantaged.”
Mazibuko added that the joy her work brings to others is what motivates her most.
“Whether it’s pain relief or recreating a beautiful smile on someone’s face, the reward is priceless.”
Her advice to aspiring dental therapists is to love people and have a ion for the work.
“You must be ionate about Clinical Oral Health and be creative in your ability to educate others and make them enthusiastic about taking care of their oral hygiene,” she said.
What is dental therapy?
Dental therapy is a branch of oral healthcare focused on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of common dental conditions. It is considered a mid-level dental profession, combining clinical skills with community-based patient education.
What do dental therapists do?
Dental therapists perform a range of services, including: cleaning teeth; filling cavities; extracting teeth; applying fluoride treatments; taking X-rays; they also play a vital role in educating patients, especially children, about oral hygiene to prevent dental diseases.
“As dental therapists, we diagnose and provide primary oral healthcare while focusing on preventing early onset of dental diseases—especially in underserved communities,” Mazibuko explained.
How do they differ from dentists and dental hygienists?
Dentists perform complex procedures such as surgeries and root canals. Dental hygienists primarily clean teeth and focus on disease prevention. Dental therapists sit in the middle—offering both preventive care and basic treatments.
What subjects should you take in high school?
To pursue a career in dental therapy, it’s recommended to take life sciences, physical sciences, mathematics and English.
These subjects are essential for understanding biology, chemistry, and effective communication.
What skills do you need?
Successful dental therapists need: Strong communication skills, good hand-eye coordination, empathy, patience, and attention to detail.
How long does it take to qualify?
It takes three years to complete a Bachelor of Dental Therapy degree at an accredited South African university. After graduation, students must complete one year of community service to with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).
Where can you study dental therapy in SA?
The degree is offered at University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), and the University of Limpopo. The University of the Witwatersrand is in the process of launching its own dental therapy course.
What Is the minimum APS score?
Most universities require an ission point score of 26 to 30. However, this may vary slightly depending on the institution.
What kind of practical training is included?
From the second year of study, students begin clinical training, treating real patients under supervision in university dental hospitals or community clinics.
What does a typical day look like?
A dental therapist’s day may include: Routine check-ups; fillings and cleanings; minor extractions; educating patients on proper brushing and flossing.
Where can dental therapists work?
Dental therapists are qualified to work in public clinics, hospitals, schools, mobile health units and private practices. They may also open their own practices.
Are there opportunities for further study?
Absolutely. Dental therapists can pursue postgraduate studies in:
• Public health
• Dental sciences or even bridge into dentistry, depending on university requirements and policies.
Is dental therapy a good career for someone who wants to help others?
Definitely. Dental therapists play a vital role in improving oral health, particularly in underserved areas. It is a rewarding career that combines healthcare with meaningful community service.
