Tannpleieren

Tannpleieren is a dental health professional whose primary responsibility is preventive oral care and support within a dental team led by a dentist. The role emphasizes preventing dental disease and promoting oral health. Typical duties include professional cleaning (scaling and polishing), application of topical fluoride and sealants, monitoring of gum health, and education of patients on effective brushing, flossing, and diet. Depending on local regulations, tasks can vary; in some places they may perform basic prophylaxis, fluoride treatment, sealants, and patient instruction, while more advanced procedures require supervision by a dentist.

Education typically involves a post-secondary program in dental care, such as a college-level diploma or bachelor’s degree, with clinical training. Licensure or registration is usually required to practice, and continuing education is commonly mandated to maintain credentials. The profession is regulated by national or regional health authorities, and titles and scopes differ between countries.

Historically, the tannpleier emerged to address rising demand for preventive dental care and to support dentists in managing patient load. The role contributes to early detection of dental issues through routine examinations and by reinforcing oral hygiene practices, which can improve outcomes and reduce treatment costs over time.

In Norwegian contexts, tannpleier is the term used for this profession; similar roles exist in other Nordic countries under different titles, reflecting local regulatory frameworks.