The ADC releases Preparation for practice of the newly qualified dental practitioner research report

The accreditation of dental practitioner programs leading to registration as a dental practitioner in Australia is a core function of the Australian Dental Council (ADC).

However, how prepared are dental graduates to practice once they have completed an accredited program?

To strengthen our understanding on the extent to which dental practitioner programs leading to general registration prepared dental practitioners for practice, the ADC commissioned the University of Melbourne to complete a research project titled Preparation for practice of newly qualified dental practitioners in Australia.

This body of work aims to address the outcomes the ADC seeks to achieve through the undertaking of its accreditation activities.

The research focused specifically on programs producing graduates eligible to apply for registration as a dentist, dental hygienist, dental therapist, oral health therapist, or dental prosthetist in Australia.

This project was completed in two stages using a mixed method approach. The initial phase involved the creation of a theoretical framework of preparedness for practice areas and priorities. The second phase involved the collection of qualitative and quantitative data from a wide range of stakeholders, including current students, recent graduates, dental professionals and dental consumers.

Overall, findings from the research suggest that graduates from Australian dental practitioner programs are prepared to practice safely upon graduation.

The project findings report is available for download here.

The outcomes of the research, including areas identified as opportunities for improvement are now being used by the ADC to inform upcoming projects and other areas of work. This includes an upcoming review to the professional competencies as well as future reviews of the accreditation standards.