Introduction
This document has been prepared by the Australian Dental Council (ADC), for the information and guidance of overseas trained dentists who wish to obtain recognition of their qualifications in Australia and become registered to practise dentistry. It is intended as a guide only, and is not legally binding on any of the bodies or agencies listed. The information given is believed to be accurate at the time of publication, however requirements for recognition may vary from time to time.
If you live overseas and are a dentist with a qualification gained outside Australia or a qualification in dentistry gained from an Australian tertiary institution and you intend to migrate and work in this profession in Australia, you should first contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. Information relating to the general skilled migration program, including requirements for assessment of skills and qualifications, is available in the General Skilled Migration booklet. This can be purchased from the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate.If you are already in Australia but need a skills assessment to support an application to change your immigration status, you should seek the advice of the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
Dentistry in Australia
Australia has a federal system of government, comprising a Federal Government (at the national level) and six State and two Territory governments. From 01 July 2010 (and for Western Australia from 18 October 2010), a new national registration and accreditation scheme for the health professions, including dentistry, commenced operation across Australia, replacing separate legislation covering registration in each State and Territory.
To practise dentistry in Australia you must be registered with the Dental Board of Australia. The steps you need to take to obtain registration in Australia are explained below.
Dentists work in general practice or specialise in one of the following principal fields: Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Paediatric Dentistry, Periodontics and Prosthodontics.
Dentists trained in Australia must meet the entry requirements of one of the Australian institutions offering dental courses, and then complete the required full-time academic training (four or five years) leading to a dental degree. If dentists wish to specialise, they must complete extra study after having had clinical experience.
