Student Profile

Amy Fuller

Amy Fuller wanted a practical and varied job working with children so she trained as a dental therapist.

Although dental therapists can work in private practice, Amy prefers working for the School Dental Service.

She works in a double clinic at a Dunedin intermediate and has a patient group of 1000 children, aged from six months to 13 years old.

“I really enjoy working in the school environment. You are your own wee organization but part of a school. Plus the hours are great and I get school holidays!”

Dental therapists examine children’s teeth to detect dental problems early, carry out preventive and restorative treatment, and promote good oral hygiene.

“It is an important job teaching children how to look after their teeth and gums and encouraging good habits that will last a lifetime.”

“Some children are nervous on their first visit but we try to make visits fun. I really enjoy this job. You are constantly interacting with kids and having fun and joking around with them. There is also the serious science side of the job – examinations and carrying out treatments,” she says.

Amy says a good dental therapist needs to work well with children, have a lot of patience, and good manual dexterity.