Summary
- In 2003 there were 6.3 practising therapists per 100,000 population.
- The average age of therapists was 40.3 years.
- The majority (72.6%) of practising therapists were employed in the school dental service.
- On average, therapists worked 29.4 hours per week. Average hours worked varied by age group, and the 20-24 years age group had the highest average (37.8 hours).
- More than half (56.3%) of therapists worked part-time (less than 35 hours per week).
- The majority (79.8%) of the hours worked were dedicated to therapy clinical practice.
- The numbers practising per 100,000 population varied only moderately by region, with the highest rate (8.5) occurring in 'Outer regional' areas and the lowest in 'Major city' and 'Remote/Very remote' areas (5.5).
- Only a small percentage (4.5%) expected that they would not be practising as a dental therapist in 12 months time.