The main difference between a dental therapist and a general dentist lies in the level of training and the scope of procedures they are legally allowed to perform. A general dentist is a doctor who has completed eight years of higher education and can diagnose conditions, plan complex treatments, and perform all types of dental surgery. A dental therapist is a mid-level provider, similar to a physician assistant in the medical field. Their training is shorter, usually a three-year degree, and their scope is more limited. Therapists can perform preventative tasks, take X-rays, and do basic fillings or simple extractions, mostly for children or routine adult cases. They always work under the prescription or supervision of a dentist. This model allows dental practices to provide routine care more efficiently while the dentist focuses on more complex diagnostic and surgical cases.