Practitioner assessments - The Australian Dental Council

The ADC dental practitioner assessment process is one of the pathways for registration with the Dental Board of Australia for overseas qualified dental practitioners. The process involves the assessment of qualifications and professional skills, and is completed across three stages: initial assessment, written examination, and practical examination.

Dental practitioner assessment process

The ADC dental practitioner assessment process ensures overseas qualified dental practitioners have the professional qualities, knowledge, judgement, and clinical skills needed to practise safely in Australia.

The process is tailored for three assessment pathways:

General dentists

Dental hygienists, dental therapists, and oral health therapists

Dental prosthetists

Skills assessment

Skills assessments are used as part of an Australian visa application. They are only available for dentists and dental specialists. The process involves the assessment of your professional documents and work experience.

Depending on where you completed your dental qualification, you may be exempt from completing the dental practitioner assessment process. The Dental Board of Australia website has more information about eligible overseas qualifications.

Not everyone migrating to Australia requires a skills assessment. We recommend you contact the Australian Department of Home Affairs to find out if you require a skills assessment for your visa application.

Assessment standards

The ADC dental practitioner assessment process is conducted in line with the following standards:

Assessment of identity
Assessment of education and training
Assessment of experience and registration history
Assessment of clinical knowledge, judgement, skills, competency, and attributes

Additional information

Access dental practitioner assessment standards and resources for candidates as well as more information on the process for verifications, reviews, and appeals.