3. Practical examination - The Australian Dental Council

Dental hygiene, dental therapy, and oral health therapy assessments

3. Practical examination

Overview

The practical examination is the last stage of the dental practitioner assessment process. It is a platform for you to show that you are competent to practise safely as a dental hygienist, dental therapist, or oral health therapist in Australia.

The examination is held over one or two days, usually twice a year, but may be scheduled according to demand and availability of the examination centre. It assesses you across the range of the Professional competencies of the newly qualified dental hygienist, dental therapist, and oral health therapist. You are eligible to sit the practical examination within three years of completion of your written examination.

The Practical examination handbook for dental hygiene and dental therapy (PDF, 715KB) and the Practical examination information package for dental hygiene and dental therapy (PDF, 1.8MB) provide a complete overview of the practical examination format and requirements.

We do not recommend or endorse any proprietary or informal courses advertising as preparation for the practical examination. These courses are developed and run without ADC input. We cannot be held responsible for the quality of training or advice provided through these courses.

You are eligible to apply for registration with the Dental Board of Australia once you successfully complete the practical examination.

Eligibility: Successful, valid written examination.
Timeframe: 4 to 7 months from application period to results release (approximately)
Cost:
Current cost

$3,150 AUD

Cost for examinations delivered
after 30 June 2023

$3,245 AUD
Validity: Does not expire
2023
Period 1
Application period

15 – 28 March 2023

Examination date

Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 June 2023
2023
Period 2
Application period

9 – 21 August 2023

Examination date

Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 November 2023

Process

3.1 Apply for a practical examination place

To sit the practical examination, you must:

  • have a valid initial assessment with an expiry date later than the practical examination date,
  • have a valid written examination with an expiry date later than the practical examination date, and
  • meet the eligibility requirements of the advertised examination dates.

If you meet the eligibility requirements a practical examination application link will appear on your ADC Connect profile when the application period opens.

Follow the instructions to complete the application and pay the associated fee. Once payment is processed you will receive an email to confirm your application has been received. Your ADC Connect profile will also be updated confirming your practical examination.

Within a week of the application period closing the ADC will send you an email confirming your practical examination session. Your ADC Connect profile will be updated with your confirmed dates.

3.2 Sit your practical examination

You will receive an email with your practical examination schedule approximately four weeks before your examination.

We will supply the materials and equipment you need for the practical examination.

You are required to follow the terms of the Candidate rules agreement for the practical examination (PDF, 56KB) during the practical examination.

During registration you must present government-issued photographic identification. Your identification must be current and include your signature. We will also take your photo at this time.

The Practical examination handbook for dental hygiene and dental therapy (PDF, 715KB) contains more information about practical examination day process.

3.3 Receive your practical examination results

Your practical examination results will be released via ADC Connect approximately six weeks after your examination date.

Information about how the practical examination is graded is available in the Practical examination handbook for dental hygiene and dental therapy (PDF, 715KB).

After you successfully complete the practical examination, you will be awarded an ADC certificate. This certificate confirms your eligibility to apply for registration with the Dental Board of Australia. It will be available to download via your ADC Connect account.

Dental hygiene, dental therapy, and oral health therapy assessment stages

 

1. Initial assessment

 

 

2. Written examination

 

 

3. Practical examination