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A qualitative study of the role of dental therapy in New Zealand.

OBJECTIVES
To investigate the role of the dental therapy profession in New Zealand, identifying the foundation of the profession, and the influences that have shaped its role.


DESIGN
Qualitative study incorporating transcripts from oral archives, national questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews with key people of influence among the oral health professions.


METHODS
A selection of data was ordered into a written sequence and presented, to demonstrate key influencing factors in the introduction, training and work of New Zealand's dental nurses.


RESULTS
Education for the dental therapy profession was preceded by the school dental nurse vocation and, despite the intention for the dental nurse's role to be one of 'forestalling disease' and 'prevention', the eventual role was very different.


CONCLUSIONS
The study provides evidence of the valuable role of Dental Therapy in New Zealand's public health sector, but whether the role has been utilised most effectively is questionable, particularly when considering the original objectives that were given when the School Dental Nurse concept was first introduced.