Skip to content

Scope for Dental Therapists

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA); Professional Board for Dental Therapy and Oral Hygiene advises Dental Therapists and other stakeholders that, after discussion with various stakeholders, including the South African Dental Association; The South African Dental Therapy Association; and The National Department of Health (Oral Health) which occurred at the National Oral Health Stakeholders Consultative Committee; recommendations were made to the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi regarding the amended regulations defining the scope of the profession of Dental Therapists.

This is in accordance with the court order with regard to the regulations relating to the scope of the profession of Dental Therapists, following the legal action that was instituted by SADA, and wherein the court declared the 2012 regulations invalid, but suspended the invalidity of the regulations until 3 September 2016. The court further ordered that the Minister of Health amend these regulations relating to the scope of the profession of Dental Therapy and publish revised regulations by 3 September 2016. The Minister made certain amendments to the regulations relating to the scope of the profession of Dental Therapists.

It is envisaged that the amended regulations relating to the scope of the profession of Dental Therapists will be promulgated soon. Dental Therapists are urged to carefully study the amended scope of the profession for Dental Therapists and to ensure adherence to it. This includes ensuring that they only perform procedures that they are trained to undertake, and that they obtain the necessary training from a HPCSA recognised Higher Education Institution.

Once further information is received the information will be placed on the Board’s website.

Last Updated on 15 April 2016 by HPCSA Corporate Affairs