A dental therapist is a member of the dental team whose role is dependent on their approved education, training and competence. The age of patients they are able to treat, whether it be children, adolescents, or adults in dental care facilities, also dependent on their training. However their main role in the dental team is the provision of preventative services. Local dental regulations are constantly changing to include extended duties and exemptions for dental therapists, with each country having their own regulations and guidelines.