Practical information for home
View, understand and know when to reach out
Here you will find understandable explanations before, during and after your treatment. Choose the topic that is important to you at the moment.
Your treatment and dentures
From the first impression or scan to maintaining, adjusting and replacing your denture.
Daily use and common complaints
Practical explanation about wearing, eating, speaking, cleaning and complaints that can arise at home.
Health, assessment and understandable explanations
Information about changes in the mouth and topics that may be important during treatment.
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Who does what in oral care?
Different professions, different responsibilities
The names sometimes look similar. However, training, powers and responsibility vary per profession. Below you can see who you can contact for what — and why a denturist does more than just make dentures.
Maurice van Hoften is a denturist
As a denturist (Dutch tandprotheticus), Maurice combines chairside care with dental technical expertise. He examines your mouth and dentures, discusses your wishes, prepares a treatment plan and guides you from impressions or scans through to fitting and aftercare.
For one conventional complete dentures you can contact the denturist directly and without a referral. For a partial denture, frame prosthesis, immediate denture or prosthesis on implants, we collaborate with and are referred by a dentist, implantologist or dental surgeon where necessary.
Dentist
Diagnosis and dental treatment
The dentist examines the teeth and surrounding tissues, makes diagnoses and makes treatment plans. Think of checkups, fillings, root canal treatments, crowns, bridges, extractions and other dental care.
- University educated and registered in the BIG register.
- Treats diseases and abnormalities of teeth, molars and mouth.
- Can engage other dental care providers or refer to a specialist.
Dental hygienist
Prevention and healthy gums
The dental hygienist helps prevent and treat cavities and gum problems. This healthcare provider provides brushing and nutritional advice, removes plaque and tartar and treats inflamed gums.
- College educated; the professional title is legally protected.
- Directly accessible for preventive oral care.
- Some procedures, such as anesthesia or treating a small cavity, are performed on the instructions of a dentist.
Denturist (Dutch tandprotheticus)
Specialist in removable dentures
The denturist treats patients and masters the technique behind the prosthesis. The goal is the best possible fit, chewing function, speech and natural appearance.
- Legally protected educational title under Article 34 of the BIG Act.
- Independently responsible for the entire process of conventional complete dentures.
- Works with the dentist, implantologist or oral surgeon on partial and implant-supported dentures.
Dental technician
Technical manufacturing in the laboratory
The dental technician makes and repairs dental workpieces, such as prostheses, crowns, bridges and braces. A lot of work is done accurately in a laboratory, nowadays often with scans, design software, milling machines and 3D printers.
- Vocational training at MBO level, with various specializations.
- Works on the instructions of a dentist, denturist or other qualified practitioner.
- Is not automatically authorized to independently examine or treat a patient.
Clinical dental technician (KPT)
Clinical dental technician (KPT)
A KPT is a dental technician with additional training in patient contact and clinical steps surrounding dentures. For example, a KPT employee can carry out parts of the fitting process.
- Works on assignment and within agreed task delegation.
- The dentist or denturist remains responsible for the treatment plan and delegated care.
- A clinical dental technician (KPT) is therefore not the same as an independently practising denturist.
Are you unsure who to contact?
You do not need to know the correct technical term yourself. Tell us what you notice or are concerned about. We assess whether you are in the right place at Van Hoften Tandprothetiek and refer or coordinate when a dentist, dental hygienist, implantologist or oral surgeon is needed.
Sources and further explanation
- KNMT: the profession of dentist
- KNMT: the profession of dental hygienist
- ONT: Standard of Care for Dental Prosthetic Care
- State of Oral Care: dental technician and KPT'er
Content checked: August 2026.